Japan Business Manager Visa

Following the October 2025 reform, the Japan Business Manager Visa requires a registered capital of 30 million JPY, which must be deposited into the Japanese company account as operating funds. This is a sixfold increase from the previous 5 million JPY threshold.

Applicants must have either at least 3 years of management experience (department manager or above), or a master's, doctoral, or professional degree in a business-related field. No specific industry background is needed.

Yes. Since October 2025, it is mandatory to hire at least one full-time employee who is a Japanese national, Permanent Resident, Special Permanent Resident, or Spouse of Japanese/PR. One-person businesses are no longer permitted under this visa category.

Either the applicant or one full-time employee must hold JLPT N2 or CEFR B2 level Japanese proficiency. This can alternatively be demonstrated through BJT 400+ points, graduation from a Japanese university, or 20+ years of cumulative residence in Japan.

Yes. The business plan must be reviewed and certified by a qualified professional such as a licensed SME consultant (Chusho Kigyo Shindanshi), Certified Public Accountant, or Licensed Tax Accountant (Zeirishi). Self-prepared business plans are no longer accepted.

The initial visa is valid for 1 year. Upon meeting conditions, it can be renewed for 1, 3, or 5 years. After 5 years, you can apply for citizenship; after 10 years, you can apply for permanent residency.

The business scope is unrestricted; any legal commercial activity is allowed. However, the company must be genuinely operational with substantive management by the applicant. A physical office in Japan is required — home offices are generally not accepted.

Yes. Existing Business Manager visa holders have a transitional period until October 16, 2028. During this period, renewals are assessed holistically based on business performance and progress toward meeting the new standards. After October 2028, full compliance with the new 30 million JPY capital, full-time employee, and language requirements becomes mandatory.