📝 Key Amendments to the “Business Manager” Visa (Effective Oct 16, 2025)
- Ippo Visa Support
- Oct 14, 2025
- 2 min read
1. Employment of Full-Time Staff
Applicants must employ at least one full-time employee.
Eligible employees include Japanese nationals, special permanent residents, permanent residents, spouses or children of Japanese nationals or permanent residents, and long-term residents.
Foreign nationals holding other work visas (e.g., Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services) are excluded.
2. Minimum Capital Requirement
A minimum capital of ¥30 million is required for the corporation.
This capital must be verified through a Certificate of Registered Matters (登記事項証明書).
3. Japanese Language Proficiency
Either the applicant or a full-time employee must demonstrate sufficient Japanese language proficiency.
Acceptable proficiency levels include:
JLPT N2 or higher
400 points or higher on the BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test
20 years or more of residence in Japan
Graduation from a Japanese university or other higher education institution
Completion of Japanese compulsory education and high school
4. Educational and Professional Background
Applicants must hold a doctoral, master's, or professional degree related to the business's technical skills or knowledge.
Alternatively, applicants with at least three years of experience in business management or administration are eligible.
5. Business Plan Evaluation
Submitted business plans must be evaluated by a management expert to confirm their specificity, rationality, and feasibility.
Qualified evaluators include:
Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultants (中小企業診断士)
Certified Public Accountants (公認会計士)
Tax Accountants (税理士)
6. Additional Requirements
Business Activities: Outsourcing that prevents recognition of the applicant's role as a business operator may disqualify the visa application.
Business Premises: Using a residence as a business office is prohibited.
Permanent Residence Applications: Failure to meet the revised criteria will result in denial of permanent residence applications.
Departure During Stay: Extended departure from Japan without valid reason may lead to non-approval of visa renewal.
Tax and Social Insurance Compliance: Verification of payment status for labor insurance, social insurance, and taxes is required during visa renewal.
Licenses and Permits: Applicants must submit documentation proving acquisition of necessary licenses and permits for business operations.
Renewal Applications: For applications submitted within three years of the enforcement date, decisions will consider the likelihood of meeting the revised criteria.
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