2025 Latest Edition｜What is the Business Manager Visa? Clear Explanation of the New Requirements
更新日：2025年10月20日
About the Business Manager Visa
The Business Manager Visa is a residence status required for foreigners who establish or operate a company in Japan, or manage existing businesses. Eligible positions include company representatives, directors, branch managers, department managers, factory managers, and other roles involved in business management and decision-making.
New Requirements from October 2025
Starting October 2025, the requirements for the Business Manager Visa have become stricter.
| Requirement | Old Rule | New Rule (from Oct 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | 5 million JPY or more | 30 million JPY or more |
| Employee Employment | 2 or more employees, or 5 million JPY capital | At least 1 full-time employee residing in Japan is required |
| Management Experience | Not required | Must have 3+ years of management experience or hold a doctoral, master’s, or professional degree in management/business |
| Business Plan Evaluation | Can be self-prepared | Must be confirmed by an external professional (tax accountant, small business consultant, or certified public accountant) |
| Japanese Language Ability | Not required | Either the applicant or the employed full-time staff must have Japanese language ability equivalent to CEFR B2 |
Main Application Requirements
① Securing an Office or Business Location
You must have a separate office or store under the company’s name where business operations can be conducted.
Using a residence as an office is not allowed.
Virtual offices or contracts under personal names are generally not accepted.
The contract must explicitly state its purpose as “office,” and photos or floor plans must be provided to prove its existence.
②Capital Requirement
A capital of 30 million JPY or more is required.
The source of funds must be clear, with submission of bank statements or remittance proof.
③ Employment Requirement
Hiring at least one full-time employee residing in Japan is mandatory.
④ Stable Business Plan
A detailed business plan including market analysis, sales forecasts, and financial projections must be submitted.
It must be confirmed by a professional with expertise in management (tax accountant, small business consultant, or certified public accountant).
⑤ Management Track Record
Documents proving at least 3 years of management experience, or a doctoral, master’s, or professional degree in management/business, are required.
Residence Period and “4-Month Visa” System
The residence period can be 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 4 months, or 3 months.
The “4-month visa” is a short-term status for setting up a company or preparing for business in Japan.
During this period, residents can register for residency, obtain a personal seal certificate, and open a bank account.
After establishing the company, applicants can transition to the Business Manager Visa.
About Our Support
Since the revision, the Business Manager Visa requires actual management capability, financial strength, and business continuity.
Applicants must provide evidence of actual business operations and a clear business plan.
We provide full support for foreigners starting businesses and applying for visas in Japan, from business plan creation and application preparation to compliance with the latest legal revisions, ensuring peace of mind throughout the process.
