Effective October 16, 2025, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) has implemented revisions to the Business Manager Visa, aimed at promoting sustainable foreign investment and professional business management practices in Japan. These updates reflect the government’s focus on ensuring that foreign-owned enterprises contribute meaningfully to the Japanese economy while providing a clear framework for compliance.
QCIC Consulting, together with our partners, provide this summary to help businesses understand the new requirements and prepare for a smooth transition.
Key Revisions to the Business Manager Visa
The 2025 revisions focus on five core areas:
- Capital Requirement
- The minimum business capital or total investment has been raised from JPY 5 million to JPY 30 million.
- This figure includes capital, office space, equipment, salaries, and operational costs, reflecting the government’s emphasis on financially stable ventures.
- Full-Time Employee Requirement
- Visa-holding businesses must employ at least one full-time Japanese national or permanent resident.
- This ensures integration into the local workforce and contributes to cross-cultural business collaboration.
- Japanese Language Proficiency
- Either the applicant or a designated full-time employee must demonstrate B2-level Japanese proficiency (JLPT N2).
- This facilitates effective communication with authorities, clients, and partners.
- Educational and Professional Background
- Applicants are required to hold a master’s or doctoral degree, or possess three or more years of business management experience, including startup preparation in Japan.
- The standard supports professional business management practices among foreign enterprises.
- Business Plan Assessment
- A professional assessment report from a Certified SME Consultant, CPA, or Tax Accountant is now mandatory.
- This ensures that submitted business plans are feasible, credible, and aligned with regulatory expectations.
Transitional Measures and Compliance Timeline
To facilitate adaptation, the government has introduced a three-year grace period: October 16, 2025 – October 15, 2028.
- During this period, existing visa holders meeting prior requirements may renew under the previous criteria.
- After October 15, 2028, all renewals must comply fully with the 2025 standards.
Recommended phased approach for compliance:
- 2025–2026: Review business plan and initiate capital increase.
- 2026–2027: Recruit full-time staff and ensure language proficiency compliance.
- 2027–2028: Complete professional business plan evaluation and prepare documentation for renewal.
Early preparation is strongly advised to ensure seamless compliance and minimize operational disruption.
QCIC Consulting Support
QCIC Consulting and its partners provide guidance to foreign business owners and corporations to navigate these updates efficiently:
- Visa and Immigration Compliance: Tailored strategies aligned with the revised criteria.
- Business Structuring & Capital Planning: Support to meet the JPY 30 million investment requirement.
- Professional Assessment Coordination: Access to Certified SME Consultants, CPAs, and Tax Accountants for mandatory evaluations.
- End-to-End Application Support: Comprehensive document preparation and submission assistance.
These services help ensure that businesses not only comply with the new standards but also maintain a strong operational foundation in Japan.
Conclusion
The updated Business Manager Visa framework reflects Japan’s commitment to sustainable, professional, and high-quality foreign business operations. By proactively preparing for these changes, foreign entrepreneurs can secure a compliant, credible, and growth-oriented position in the Japanese market.
For further information or personalized consultation regarding these updates, contact QCIC Consulting and its partners.
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