Starting a Company in Japan? New Business Manager Visa Rules and How to Prepare
If you want to live in Japan long term by starting a business, or by setting up a company to hold real estate, the Business Manager status is a common route. However, the criteria were revised on October 16, 2025, and the requirements are noticeably stricter than before.
This article outlines the main post-revision requirements, the transition period for existing holders, and what to check before applying. Treat the figures as general guidelines.
What changed for the Business Manager visa?
Previously, capital of ¥5 million or more was a common benchmark. Under the revised criteria, capital (total investment) of ¥30 million or more is generally required. Applicants also need at least one full-time employee, a certain level of Japanese ability, and relevant management experience or education.
Business plans are now expected to be reviewed by a professional such as a certified SME consultant, CPA or tax accountant. In practice, preparing the paperwork tends to take longer than before.
Key figures to keep in mind
- Capital (total investment)
- 30million JPY
- Full-time employees
- 1or more
- Transition for current holders
- 3years
The earlier benchmark was ¥5 million
Japanese nationals, permanent residents, etc.
Until October 16, 2028
What conditions apply to the applicant personally?
Generally, the applicant is expected to have three or more years of business or management experience, or a doctoral, master's or professional degree in a field related to business management.
As for language, either the applicant or a full-time employee is expected to meet roughly JLPT N2 (CEFR B2) level. Practice can vary by case, so check the latest guidance from the Immigration Services Agency before applying.
How much of a real office and operation do you need?
As a rule, you need an independent premises where the business can operate continuously. If you use a room in your home, authorities tend to look closely at whether living and business areas are clearly separated. If you rent, confirm that the lease allows business use.
Evidence of where the capital came from, such as transfer records and bank history, is also important. For overseas remittances, be ready to explain whose funds entered, when, and through which route.
Legal basis and standards
- Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, Appended Table I-2 (Business Manager)
- Defines the scope of activities under the Business Manager status.
- Same Act, Article 7, Paragraph 1, Item 2
- Requires that activities meet the standards set by ministerial ordinance when permission to land is granted.
- Same Act, Article 20
- Provides the basis for applying to change status of residence.
- Same Act, Article 21
- Provides the basis for applying to extend the period of stay.
How do new applications differ from renewals for current holders?
New applications vs. renewals for current holders (guideline)
| Item | New application | Renewal for current holders |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | ¥30 million or more in principle | Assessed overall, based on business conditions, during the transition |
| Full-time staff | At least 1 | Assessed overall, based on business conditions, during the transition |
| Business plan | Professional review expected | Explain business continuity at renewal |
| Timeline | New criteria apply | Transition runs until October 16, 2028 |
Even during the transition, it is realistic to prepare for the new criteria by planning a capital increase and hiring. Treatment varies by case, so consult a qualified professional such as an administrative scrivener.
Common gaps and how to fix them
✕Prepared ¥30 million in capital but lacked transfer records or bank history showing its source.
→Organize the source and route of funds chronologically and collect statements early.
✕Applied with a home-office setup and could not explain how it was separated from living space.
→Secure an independent office with a lease that permits business use.
✕Planned to hire staff without checking whether their residence status qualifies.
→Confirm in advance with a professional that the hire meets the criteria.
Pre-application checklist
- I confirmed the capital amount and documents proving its source
- I confirmed my hiring plan and eligible candidates for full-time staff
- I sorted out who will meet the Japanese-language requirement
- I confirmed the office lease permits business use
- I prepared a business plan reviewed by a professional
- I checked the latest practice on the Immigration Services Agency site
Frequently asked questions
- Q. Can a company set up for real estate investment qualify for Business Manager?
- A. Business substance, scale and expected income are assessed overall. A structure that only outsources rental management may be hard to recognize as management activity, so check in advance.
- Q. Can the capital be wired from overseas?
- A. Yes, but documents showing the source and route of funds are important. Keep transfer records and bank statements organized.
- Q. If I already hold the status, must I increase capital right away?
- A. During the transition, an overall assessment based on business conditions is applied. It is still common to start preparing early with the end of the period in mind.
In the SUMIMOTO Hub app, the 24-hour AI advisor helps you sort out, in multiple languages, how residence status relates to property purchases and leases. For decisions on your own application, always consult a qualified professional such as an administrative scrivener.
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