October 2025 Revision: Business Manager Visa (New Requirements & Stricter Screening)

What Is a Business Manager Visa?

The Business Manager Visa is a residence status for foreign nationals who wish to establish and run a company in Japan, manage a business, or invest in and operate a business.
Specifically, it applies to those who assume positions such as president, director, auditor, department head, factory manager, or branch manager.

Is It Easy to Obtain a Business Manager Visa?

In conclusion, it was already difficult to obtain before, but it has become significantly more difficult after the revision.

Originally, in order to obtain this visa, applicants were required to actually establish a company, hire employees, and be ready to commence operations immediately before applying. Even this preparation alone was extremely complex, making it far from an easy visa to obtain.

In addition, due to the ministerial ordinance revision on October 16, 2025, the financial and employment requirements have been fundamentally revised, and the visa is now positioned as a high-level visa intended only for “genuine business managers” with sufficient financial resources and proven capability.

Important: Five New Requirements for a Business Manager Visa

Under the revised standards, all of the following requirements must be met. In particular, “hiring a full-time employee” is the most difficult hurdle for many applicants.

① Employ at Least One Full-Time Employee

This is, in practice, the most difficult requirement to satisfy.

Previously, employment of staff was optional if you had capital of ¥5 million, but under the new standards, “employment of at least one full-time employee” has become mandatory.

② Total Capital or Investment of at Least ¥30 Million

This is the most significant change in terms of amount. It has been raised sharply from “¥5 million” to “¥30 million”. This also applies to sole proprietors.

③ At Least 3 Years of Practical Experience or a Master’s Degree or Higher

The qualifications of the business owner are also strictly examined. One of the following is required:

④ Japanese Language Proficiency (Equivalent to N2)

Either the applicant or the employed full-time staff member must have Japanese language ability equivalent to JLPT N2 or higher.

⑤ Professional Evaluation of the Business Plan

It has become mandatory for the submitted business plan to be reviewed and confirmed by a qualified professional such as a certified public accountant, tax accountant, or certified management consultant.

Can Any Office Be Used? (Home Office Not Allowed)

Using a residence as an office is not permitted under any circumstances.

Previously, it was sometimes allowed if the living space and business space were clearly separated, but under the new standards, it will result in denial.
You must secure a property exclusively for business use (such as an office building or storefront) separate from your residence.

What Does “Engaging in Business Management” Mean?

Simply put, this refers to cases where a foreign national is appointed as an executive of a company without making an investment (i.e., as an employee).

In such cases, the above conditions must be satisfied. Additionally, it is required that the applicant receive compensation equal to or higher than that of a Japanese person in a comparable position.

However, obtaining a Business Manager Visa through “appointment as an executive without investment” is generally assumed by immigration authorities to apply to large corporations, making it difficult for small and medium-sized enterprises.

What Is the Period of Stay Granted?

The main periods of stay are “5 years,” “3 years,” “1 year,” “4 months,” and “3 months.”

Can You Apply If You Temporarily Prepare ¥30 Million? (No “Show Money”)

Absolutely not.

For such a large amount as ¥30 million, immigration officers will thoroughly investigate “how the funds were formed” (the process of capital formation).
“Show money,” such as funds temporarily borrowed from a friend and deposited into an account, will be immediately detected through examination of past bank records and will result in denial.

Is It High Risk to Obtain a Business Manager Visa for Running a Restaurant?

It is extremely high risk.

In addition to securing a property and paying for interior construction, you must also prepare ¥30 million in capital. If the visa application is denied, there is a risk that an investment of tens of millions of yen will be wasted.
It is essential to implement careful risk management, such as including a clause in the lease agreement allowing cancellation if the visa is denied.

What Documents Are Required for the Application?

The latest list of required documents published on the Ministry of Justice website is as follows.

In particular, materials related to the new standards (employment, Japanese language ability, capital, and social insurance) are now mandatory.

Basic Documents

Documents Proving Business Content and Scale

Required Documents for New Requirements and Stricter Screening