Tokyo, August 28, 2025 — Japan plans to significantly tighten eligibility criteria for its Business Manager Visa, effective mid-October 2025. The revised requirements aim to curb misuse of the system and better align visa policy with genuine entrepreneurial intent—though they raise concerns about potentially limiting access for well-intentioned foreign capital.
Major Changes Announced
- Capital Requirement Raised Sixfold
The minimum required capital will jump from ¥5 million (approx. US $33,800) to ¥30 million (approx. US $204,000), bringing Japan’s threshold closer to international standards. - Mandatory Employment Required
Past rules allowed either sufficient capital or staffing two full-time employees. The new system mandates both: ¥30 million in capital and at least one full-time local employee. - Stricter Qualifications for Visa Holders
Applicants must now provide evidence of at least three years of business-management experience, or hold a master’s degree or higher in a relevant field. - Professional Review of Business Plans Required
Submitted business plans must be vetted / signed off by qualified professionals—such as a CPA, tax accountant, or SME management consultant—to ensure viability and authenticity.
Timeline & Rationale
- A public comment period is open until September 24, 2025.
- The revised rules are scheduled for promulgation in early October and implementation by mid-October.
- The changes respond to growing concern about so-called “shell companies” being used to secure residency rather than genuine business operations.
Impact Snapshot
- 41,600+ foreigners held Business Manager Visas by the end of 2024—a record high—with Chinese nationals comprising more than half of holders.
- Only about 4% of current holders meet the new ¥30 million capital criterion, underscoring the far-reaching implications for renewals and new applicants.
Community Reaction
On online platforms, affected entrepreneurs voiced uncertainty and frustration:
“I’m currently developing a SaaS product… but will probably need to pack my bags and move to another country if the ISA doesn’t grandfather in current visa holders.”
Others noted policy clashes between visa categories:
“To get J-Find visa… now, to switch to BM visa you need 3 years of experience as a company director. How can someone who’s graduated less than 5 years ago been a company director for 3 years?”
Strategic Outlook
While policymakers aim to deter misuse and protect the integrity of Japan’s immigration and business ecosystem, the stricter requirements raise the entry bar significantly—potentially discouraging legitimate foreign startups and entrepreneurs.
Affected stakeholders—applicants, immigration lawyers, and business consultants—should closely monitor the public consultation and consider submitting feedback before the deadline. Current visa holders are advised to evaluate whether they meet the new criteria and prepare for possible challenges during renewal.
Kreston ProWorks’ Perspective
There are still many unanswered questions, particularly regarding how the new framework will be applied to existing visa holders at the time of renewal. What is clear, however, is that these reforms will impact not only new investors but also current business owners who already hold Business Manager or Investor visas in Japan.
At Kreston ProWorks, we will continue to monitor these developments closely and provide timely updates. More importantly, we stand ready to assist our clients—and even their partners if needed—with capital increases, business plan reviews and sign-offs, visa applications, and overall compliance support to ensure a smooth transition under the new rules.
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References
- The Japan Times, Japan to tighten visa rules for business managers (Aug. 26, 2025)
- Reuters, Japan plans stricter terms for visas to foreign entrepreneurs (Aug. 26, 2025)
- Kyodo News, Japan to raise capital requirement for business manager visas (Aug. 26, 2025)
- Mainichi, Government tightens requirements for foreigners seeking business visas (Aug. 26, 2025)
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan, draft ordinance revision (Aug. 2025)
- Reddit community discussions, Japan Finance Forum (Aug. 2025)
