Our firm specializes in visa matters, and we are often asked by foreign nationals who wish to obtain a Business Manager Visa: “Is practical experience in business management required to obtain a Business Manager Visa?”
Previously (before October 2025), there was a rule that “no experience was required if you invested your own funds and became the company president.” However, this common understanding was overturned by the revision of the Immigration Control Order Enforcement Regulations on October 16, 2025.
On this page, we will explain, based on the latest standards after the legal revision, the necessity of practical experience for obtaining a Business Manager Visa and how to utilize the increasingly popular “Startup Visa.”
Stricter Requirements for Practical Experience in the Business Manager Visa
Following the October 2025 revision, even when managing a business in Japan, applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:
- At least 3 years of practical experience in business management
- A master’s degree (or higher) in business management or a related field
In other words, the previous route of “anyone can start a business in Japan and obtain a visa as long as they have sufficient funds” has effectively been closed. Without either “3 years of experience” or a “master’s degree or higher,” approval will not be granted.
Why Have the Requirements Become Stricter?
There are two main reasons behind making practical experience (or a master’s degree) mandatory in this revision.
1. Ensuring Business Substance and Stability
From an objective standpoint, it is highly unnatural for someone with no experience or knowledge in business management to suddenly come to a foreign country like Japan and run a company. This also raises concerns regarding business continuity.
In the past, there have been cases where businesses failed due to lack of experience, or where companies existed only on paper for visa purposes.
Therefore, having “reliable capability to sustain a business in Japan” has become a prerequisite for approval.
2. Protection of Investors (Foreign Business Owners)
This is a very important point: stricter requirements are also intended to protect your valuable assets.
With this revision, the minimum capital requirement has generally been raised to 30 million yen.
If you invest such a large amount without sufficient management experience or know-how and the business fails, you risk losing your hard-earned assets.
The rule of “starting a business only after acquiring sufficient experience and knowledge” serves as a safety net to prevent reckless investments and helps ensure your success in Japan.
Using the “Startup Visa” as a Solution
For those who do not meet the requirements of “3 years of experience” or a “master’s degree,” one alternative gaining attention is to apply via the “Startup Visa (Designated Activities)”.
This system allows you to prepare for launching a business with support from local governments in Japan (such as Tokyo or Fukuoka).
To use the Startup Visa, it is important to understand the following key requirements:
1. At Least One Year of Management Experience Is Required
While the Startup Visa lowers the barrier compared to the standard “3 years,” it is not available to complete beginners. You cannot apply with zero experience.
Applicants must have at least one year of business management experience (or equivalent experience). It is intended for those with some foundational background rather than complete novices.
2. Eligible Business Types Are Limited
The Startup Visa is not granted simply for establishing a company. The business must “contribute to the local economy as designated by the municipality” (e.g., innovative technologies, promoting international expansion).
Many ordinary businesses, such as restaurants or reselling operations, may not qualify, so prior confirmation is essential.
3. A “Standard Path” Option
For those who meet the above conditions (approximately one year of experience and a suitable business model), the Startup Visa serves as a highly effective “new standard pathway.”
- Your activities in Japan are recognized: By preparing your business in Japan with municipal support, your efforts during this period are evaluated as solid achievements.
- Smooth transition: After operating under the Startup Visa (up to around two years), if your business shows promising progress, the likelihood of successfully switching to a Business Manager Visa increases.
Summary
Due to the 2025 revision, obtaining a Business Manager Visa now requires “at least 3 years of practical experience” or “a master’s degree or higher”, and the screening process has become significantly stricter. This change is not only to prevent abuse but also to protect your important capital (such as 30 million yen) from the risks of failure.
If you do not meet the requirements, the “Startup Visa” is an alternative option, though it also comes with conditions such as “at least one year of experience” and “restrictions on business type.”
Determining whether your business qualifies for the Startup Visa and whether your background meets the application requirements requires specialized knowledge.
To ensure a successful visa application, please consult a professional immigration lawyer rather than relying solely on your own judgment.
