On October 10, 2025, it was officially announced that the requirements for the Business Manager Visa for foreign nationals who start or operate a business in Japan will be amended effective October 16, 2025.
Until now, a minimum capital of 5 million yen had been one of the key criteria.
Under the new rule, a minimum capital of 30 million yen will be required.
The purpose of this amendment is to prevent the establishment of non-substantive companies and to strengthen the effectiveness of the system by focusing on business operators and enterprises with genuine economic substance.
In addition, other application requirements such as the business office location and proof of actual business activity are also expected to become more stringent.
Our office is already reviewing and updating our visa application plans and strategies in response to this legal change. We will continue to support both current and prospective clients in reassessing whether their business plans remain feasible under the new framework.
The Immigration Services Agency of Japan has published the details of the amendment on its official website:
Revision of the Ministerial Ordinance on Landing Standards for the Status of Residence “Business Manager”
We will provide further explanation and practical guidance on this topic in upcoming posts.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your situation in advance, please feel free to contact us.