International Students Starting a Business in Japan: Current Realities and Key Points for Obtaining a Business Manager Visa

In October 2025, revisions to ministerial ordinances related to Japan’s Immigration Control Act significantly changed the requirements for obtaining a Business Manager visa (status of residence: “Business Manager”).
In the past, international students could start a business relatively smoothly after graduation, but now the bar has been raised substantially, with requirements such as capital of at least 30 million yen, practical experience or a master’s degree, and full-time employment of a Japanese national or equivalent.

In this article, an administrative scrivener specializing in immigration procedures thoroughly explains the realistic ways international students can start a business in Japan and obtain a Business Manager visa under this dramatically changed system, the details of the new requirements, and the key points for passing the screening process.

What Is a Business Manager Visa? (Background of the Legal Revision)

After graduating from a university or other educational institution, an international student who wants to establish a company in Japan and become a business owner must change their status of residence from “Student” to “Business Manager.”

Overview of the Business Manager Visa

A Business Manager visa is a status of residence granted to foreign nationals who engage in the management or administration of trade or other businesses in Japan.

While a work visa (such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services) is a visa for working as an employee, a Business Manager visa is for activities as a business owner or manager.

The Impact of the October 2025 Revision

Previously, a Business Manager visa could be obtained with “5 million yen in capital” and no academic or professional experience requirements.
However, concerns grew over the proliferation of shell companies with no real business substance and cases where they were used to facilitate illegal employment, so the permission standards were tightened from October 16, 2025.

As a result, obtaining this visa has become extremely difficult unless financial strength and management capability can be objectively proven. Inadequate preparation is likely to lead to rejection, so having accurate information is essential.

Important: Requirements for Changing from Student Status to a Business Manager Visa (New Standards)

When an international student changes to a Business Manager visa, there are no special exceptions. They must meet all five major new requirements in full.

1. Capital Requirement: At Least 30 Million Yen

The biggest change is the amount of required capital. Before the revision, the minimum was 5 million yen, but now applicants must have capital or total investment of at least 30 million yen.

2. Employment Requirement: Mandatory Hiring of at Least One Full-Time Employee

Before the revision, hiring employees was optional as long as the capital requirement was met. Now, however, hiring at least one full-time employee is mandatory.

3. Background Requirement: Practical Experience or a Master’s Degree (MBA, etc.)

Before the revision, there were no requirements regarding academic background or work history. Now, suitability as a business manager is examined much more strictly. You must meet either of the following:

4. Japanese Language Ability: JLPT N2 or Higher, or Hiring a Qualified Employee

Either the applicant (you) or the full-time employee you hire must have a sufficient level of Japanese language ability.

5. Business Plan Must Be Pre-Reviewed by an Expert

Previously, applicants could submit a self-prepared business plan directly to immigration. Now, however, before filing the application, it is mandatory to obtain an evaluation and review by a person with professional knowledge of business management, such as a certified public accountant or certified small and medium enterprise management consultant.

Important Considerations and Screening Points Specific to International Students

Under the new requirements, the risks and screening points specific to international students have also changed.

Proof of Source of Funds: The 30 Million Yen Barrier

The source of such a large amount as 30 million yen will be examined thoroughly. If you say, “I borrowed it from my parents,” immigration may also ask how your parents accumulated those funds.

In addition, if overseas remittance records, loan agreements, gift agreements, and other documents are inconsistent, the application may be denied on suspicion of money laundering.

Risk of Unauthorized Activity Violations (Overworking)

If you worked part-time to save startup funds, immigration will strictly check whether you exceeded the 28-hour weekly limit for part-time work.

If there was any violation in the past, your change of status may be denied due to poor conduct, even if you can prepare the full 30 million yen.

Relevance of the Major to the Academic Requirement

If you intend to meet the requirement with a graduate degree (master’s), that degree must be related to business management or the business you plan to operate. There is a risk that a master’s degree in a completely unrelated field will not be accepted, so consulting a professional is advisable.

Application Process Flow (Updated for the New System)

Below is the process from company formation to obtaining the visa under the new requirements.

There are more steps than under the previous system.

STEP 1: Create a Business Plan and Consult a Professional

First, consider whether it is possible to raise 30 million yen in capital and whether your revenue plan will allow you to hire at least one full-time employee.

At this stage, it is strongly recommended that you consult a professional such as an administrative scrivener.

STEP 2: Prepare the Articles of Incorporation and Establish the Company

STEP 3: File Required Notifications and Obtain Licenses/Permits

STEP 4: Sign an Employment Contract with a Full-Time Employee

Hire at least one Japanese national, permanent resident, or similar eligible person as a full-time employee under a formal employment contract.

STEP 5: Obtain an External Evaluation of the Business Plan

For the business plan you created, request a designated expert such as a certified public accountant or certified small and medium enterprise management consultant to prepare an evaluation report.

STEP 6: Submit the Application to Immigration

Prepare the following documents and submit them to the Immigration Services Agency.

Key Points for Preparing the Business Plan

Under the new system, the business plan must be at a level that can withstand expert review.

Proving Stability and Continuity

Rather than a simple dream scenario, you need a rigorous financial plan showing how the 30 million yen in capital will be used, how you will pay personnel expenses for at least one full-time employee, and how the business will generate profits.

Evidence of Feasibility

Success Stories and Failure Cases for International Students Under the New System

Successful Cases

Failure Cases

Support and Strengths of TOUCH Law Firm

Due to the 2025 legal revision, starting a business as an international student now requires serious commitment, overwhelming financial capacity, and careful planning.
The application documents have also become more complex, and prior review by an expert has become mandatory.

Free Consultation Information

You may have many concerns, such as “Can I meet the new requirements?” or “I have a master’s degree, but is this major acceptable?”
Start with a free consultation from TOUCH Law Firm. We will analyze your background and financial situation and propose the likelihood of obtaining a Business Manager visa and the most suitable strategy.

Take the first step toward entrepreneurship with confidence.