Japan Business Manager Visa: Key Requirements Under the October 2025 Reform

Japan has significantly strengthened the eligibility requirements for foreign entrepreneurs seeking to establish and manage businesses in the country.

Effective October 16, 2025, revised requirements for the Business Manager status of residence introduced higher standards relating to capital investment, employment, Japanese-language capability, management experience, business planning, and ongoing business operations.

For international entrepreneurs considering expansion into Japan, understanding these requirements at an early stage is essential for effective business and immigration planning.

1. Minimum Capital Requirement: JPY 30 Million

Under the revised requirements, businesses are generally required to have capital or qualifying investment of at least JPY 30 million, a substantial increase from the previous JPY 5 million threshold.

For incorporated companies, the assessment is generally based on the registered paid-in capital or total capital contribution.

For businesses operated by sole proprietors, the assessment may take into account qualifying funds invested in establishing and operating the business, including business premises, employee salaries, and necessary equipment.

As a result, entrepreneurs should carefully plan their funding structure and Japan market-entry budget before proceeding with an application.

2. At Least One Eligible Full-Time Employee

The revised framework requires the business to employ at least one qualifying full-time employee.

For the purpose of this requirement, eligible employees generally include:

• Japanese nationals
  

• Special Permanent Residents
  

• Permanent Residents
  

• Spouses of Japanese nationals
  

• Spouses of Permanent Residents
  

• Long-Term Residents
  

Foreign nationals holding ordinary activity-based work statuses generally do not count toward this particular employment requirement.

This means that recruitment planning should now form part of the business establishment and immigration strategy from an early stage.

3. Japanese-Language Capability

Under the revised requirements, either the applicant or a qualifying full-time employee must demonstrate an appropriate level of Japanese-language proficiency.

The required standard is generally equivalent to B2 level under the Japanese Language Education Reference Framework, with JLPT N2 or higher being one recognized method of demonstrating this ability.

Other forms of evidence may include an appropriate BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test score, certain Japanese educational qualifications, or other recognized evidence satisfying the applicable criteria.

For international entrepreneurs, having sufficient Japanese-language capability within the management team can therefore be an important part of establishing a sustainable operation in Japan.

4. Management Experience or Relevant Academic Qualifications

Applicants must also demonstrate an appropriate professional or academic background.

Generally, the applicant must have either:

• At least three years of experience in business management or administration; or
  

• A doctoral, master's, or professional degree in a field related to business management or to the knowledge and expertise required for the proposed business.
  

Entrepreneurs should therefore prepare appropriate documentation relating to their professional experience, academic background, and previous management responsibilities.

5. Professional Verification of the Business Plan

The business plan has become an even more important component of the Business Manager application.

Under the revised framework, the proposed business plan must demonstrate that the business is concrete, reasonable, and feasible and must be reviewed by an appropriately qualified professional with specialized management expertise.

Qualified professionals may include:

• Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultants
  

• Certified Public Accountants
  

• Certified Tax Accountants
  

A professionally prepared business plan should clearly explain the company's business model, market opportunity, operational structure, financial projections, funding arrangements, staffing strategy, and long-term viability in Japan.

6. Genuine and Compliant Business Operations

Obtaining the appropriate status of residence is only one part of operating successfully in Japan. Authorities also consider whether the business is genuinely established and operating in compliance with applicable Japanese requirements.

Important areas may include:

• Maintaining an appropriate business office in Japan
  

• Conducting genuine and continuous business activities
  

• Maintaining proper accounting and bookkeeping
  

• Meeting applicable tax obligations
  

• Complying with social insurance requirements
  

• Maintaining appropriate employment arrangements
  

• Demonstrating the stability and continuity of the business
  

These considerations can also be important when applying for future extensions of the Business Manager status of residence.

How Hakudatsu Supports Your Expansion into Japan

Entering the Japanese market involves more than incorporating a company. International entrepreneurs must coordinate corporate establishment, immigration planning, business operations, taxation, employment, and regulatory compliance.

Hakudatsu provides comprehensive Japan market-entry and business expansion consulting for international entrepreneurs and overseas companies.

Our support includes:

• Japan company incorporation support
  

• Market-entry and business structure planning
  

• Business Manager application coordination with licensed Japanese Gyoseishoshi
  

• Office establishment and selection guidance
  

• Business plan preparation support
  

• Coordination with accounting and tax professionals
  

• Long-term business operation and expansion consulting
  

Our multilingual team works closely with appropriately licensed Japanese professionals to provide international entrepreneurs with a transparent, compliant, and practical pathway into the Japanese market.

Whether you are establishing your first company in Japan or expanding an existing international business, Hakudatsu can help you develop a structure that supports both your immediate market-entry objectives and your long-term business strategy.

Planning to establish or expand your business in Japan? Contact Hakudatsu to discuss your Japan market-entry strategy.

Feel free to contact us for more information.

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