Business Manager Visa Required Documents

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

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.

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).

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.

*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.

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.

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).

Common Required Documents

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

B. Documents Proving Business Content and Scale

C. Documents Related to Office, Employment, and Taxation

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:

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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