[Important] As of October 16, 2025, the requirements for the Business Manager Visa have been significantly revised. This article has been updated based on the latest information.
The Business Manager Visa is intended for foreign nationals who wish to run a business in Japan. However, following the revision on October 16, 2025 (Reiwa 7), the requirements have become substantially stricter.
Previously relatively lenient requirements for capital and experience have been tightened, and “a genuine business and qualifications as a business manager” are now subject to much stricter examination.
In this article, TOUCH Law Firm provides a comprehensive explanation of the latest changes and the required documents based on current regulations.
- 1. October 2025 Revision: Key Changes to the Business Manager Visa
- 2. [By Requirement] Details of New Requirements and Required Documents
- ① Increase in Capital (5 million yen → 30 million yen)
- ② Mandatory Employment of Full-Time Staff (0 → 1 or more)
- ③ Proof of Japanese Language Proficiency (Not required → N2/B2 level)
- ④ Addition of Work Experience / Academic Requirements (None → 3 years or Master’s degree)
- ⑤ Business Plan Evaluation by a Professional (Optional → Mandatory)
- 3. [By Category] List of Required Documents for Business Manager Visa Application
- 4. Important Notes for Extension and Change Applications
- TOUCH Law Firm Support System
1. October 2025 Revision: Key Changes to the Business Manager Visa
The purpose of this revision is to eliminate paper companies and ensure business credibility. As a result, previous standards no longer apply.
The five main changes are as follows:
| Item | Before (– Oct 15, 2025) | After (From Oct 16, 2025) |
| ① Capital / Total Investment | 5 million yen or more | 30 million yen or more |
| ② Hiring Full-Time Employees | Not mandatory (can be substituted by capital requirement) | At least one full-time employee is mandatory |
| ③ Japanese Language Proficiency | Not required | Equivalent to JLPT N2 or higher required
*Must be held by either the applicant or a full-time employee |
| ④ Work Experience / Education | Not required | At least 3 years of experience or a master’s degree or higher |
| ⑤ Business Plan Evaluation | Self-prepared plans accepted | Mandatory review by a qualified professional (e.g., CPA, SME consultant) |
As a result of these changes, the required supporting documents have significantly increased. The era of simply establishing a company and investing 5 million yen to obtain a visa is over.
2. [By Requirement] Details of New Requirements and Required Documents
Here, we explain the documents required for the most impactful changes.
① Increase in Capital (5 million yen → 30 million yen)
Previously, an investment of 5 million yen was sufficient, but now it has been raised to 30 million yen or more in capital or total investment.
This change aims to ensure greater business substance.
- For corporations: Paid-in capital must be at least 30 million yen.
- For sole proprietors: Total investment in office setup, labor costs, equipment, etc. must be at least 30 million yen.
[Required Documents]
- Certificate of registered matters (showing capital amount)
- Balance sheet and profit and loss statement (financial statements)
- (If pre-establishment) Other documents proving business scale of at least 30 million yen
② Mandatory Employment of Full-Time Staff (0 → 1 or more)
Previously, hiring employees was not required if capital exceeded 5 million yen. Now, at least one full-time employee must be employed.
Eligible employees include Japanese nationals, permanent residents, long-term residents, or spouses of Japanese nationals/permanent residents (foreign nationals with work visas do not count).
[Required Documents]
- Notice of working conditions or employment contract (in accordance with Article 15 of the Labor Standards Act)
- Employee’s residence certificate
- Payroll ledger or notification of opening a salary payment office
- Documents showing enrollment in labor insurance and social insurance
③ Proof of Japanese Language Proficiency (Not required → N2/B2 level)
Previously, Japanese language ability was not required. Now, either the applicant or a full-time employee must demonstrate sufficient proficiency (CEFR B2 level, equivalent to JLPT N2 or higher).
If the business manager cannot speak Japanese, a fluent full-time employee must be hired.
[Required Documents]
- JLPT N2 or higher certificate
- BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test score of 400 or above
- (Alternatively) Graduation certificate from a Japanese university or graduate school
- (Alternatively) Proof of over 20 years of residence in Japan
*If an employee meets the requirement, their language certificate and employment contract must be submitted.
④ Addition of Work Experience / Academic Requirements (None → 3 years or Master’s degree)
Previously, applicants could apply without management experience. Now, either at least 3 years of business/management experience or a master’s degree (e.g., MBA) is required.
[Required Documents]
- Resume (detailing relevant work experience and duration)
- Certificates of employment (from previous employers)
- Degree certificates (master’s, doctoral, or professional degrees)
⑤ Business Plan Evaluation by a Professional (Optional → Mandatory)
Previously, a self-prepared business plan was sufficient. Now, new business plans must be reviewed and evaluated by a qualified professional such as a CPA, tax accountant, or certified SME consultant.
Plans lacking feasibility or substance will not receive professional endorsement, making application submission impossible.
[Required Documents]
- A copy of the business plan evaluated by a qualified professional (e.g., SME consultant)
3. [By Category] List of Required Documents for Business Manager Visa Application
Here is a list of required documents for the most common cases: Category 3 (SMEs) and Category 4 (newly established companies or sole proprietors).
*For listed companies (Category 1), documentation requirements are significantly relaxed, but most applicants fall under Categories 3 or 4.
Common Required Documents
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility (or change/extension application)
- Photograph (4cm × 3cm)
- Return envelope (with registered mail stamp)
- Applicant’s passport and residence card
Documents Required for Category 3 and 4 Applicants
The following is based on the Immigration Services Agency’s designated document list.
A. Documents Proving the Applicant’s Activities and Qualifications
- Copy of articles of incorporation specifying executive compensation or minutes of shareholders’ meeting
- Employment contract (if hired as a manager)
- Copy of business plan evaluated by a professional (★New requirement)
- Documents proving work history (★New requirement)
- Degree certificate (master’s or higher)
- Or certificates proving at least 3 years of professional experience
- Documents proving Japanese language proficiency (★New requirement)
- JLPT N2 certificate, graduation certificate, etc.
- (If employee meets requirement) employee’s language certificate and payroll documents
B. Documents Proving Business Content and Scale
- Certificate of registered matters (full history)
- Copy of articles of incorporation (if before company establishment)
- Company brochure (including history, executives, structure, business details, major clients)
- Copy of most recent financial statements (balance sheet and P&L)
- *If newly established and no financial statements yet, substitute with a one-year business plan
- Copy of licenses/permits (if required for the business)
C. Documents Related to Office, Employment, and Taxation
- Office lease agreement (must state business use; residential use is generally not permitted)
- Copy of notification of opening a salary payment office
- Withholding tax payment records for the past 3 months or documents showing approval for special tax payment deadlines
- Documents related to employment of at least one full-time employee (★New requirement)
- Employee payroll ledger or payslips
- Employee residence certificate
- Notice of working conditions
4. Important Notes for Extension and Change Applications
Stricter Review for Extension of Stay
Applicants must also comply with the new standards when applying for extensions.
However, those already residing in Japan as of October 16, 2025 are granted a 3-year transitional period (until October 16, 2028).
After this period, extensions will require compliance with the new standards (e.g., 30 million yen capital, at least one full-time employee), making planned business expansion essential.
Additionally, the following tax and social obligations will be strictly reviewed:
- Enrollment and payment of employment and workers’ compensation insurance
- Enrollment and payment of health insurance and pension
- Payment status of corporate tax, consumption tax, and withholding income tax
TOUCH Law Firm Support System
Due to the significantly stricter requirements, applying independently has become extremely difficult.
In particular, “professional evaluation of business plans” and “proof of 30 million yen funding” require expert support.
Our firm provides one-stop support, from drafting business plans compliant with the revised law to obtaining evaluation reports through collaboration with certified SME consultants and tax accountants.
If you have concerns about meeting the new requirements, feel free to consult us.
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