Japan Business Manager Visa Complete Guide 2026: Everything You Need to Know About the October 2025 New Requirements

In a nutshell: Starting October 16, 2025, Japan’s Business Manager Visa (経営管理ビザ) underwent its biggest overhaul ever — minimum capital jumped from ¥5 million to ¥30 million, JLPT N2 became mandatory, hiring full-time employees is now required, and business plans must pass a designated expert evaluation. This guide walks you through every aspect of the new requirements: eligibility, application process, costs, and common pitfalls.

What Is the Business Manager Visa?

The Business Manager Visa (経営管理ビザ), officially the “Business Manager” residence status (在留資格「経営・管理」), is a visa category under Japan’s Immigration Control Act that allows foreign nationals to run a business or manage a company in Japan.

Put simply: if you want to start a company in Japan and serve as its owner, or manage a business in an executive role, this is the visa you need.

How Is It Different from Other Visas?

Several visa types are commonly confused with the Business Manager Visa. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa (技術・人文知識・国際業務): This is an employment visa — you’re a hired employee. The Business Manager Visa is the opposite: you’re the business owner or manager.
Highly Skilled Professional Visa (高度専門職ビザ): A points-based preferential visa. While it has a business management subcategory (Highly Skilled Professional Type 1-C), the eligibility criteria and evaluation method are entirely different.
Permanent Residence (永住権): No restrictions on activities, but requires a long track record of residence in Japan. The Business Manager Visa can be a pathway to permanent residence.
Designated Activities Visa (特定活動ビザ): Some local municipalities offer “startup preparation visas” under this category, typically granting 6 months to 1 year to prepare, after which you need to switch to a Business Manager Visa.

The key distinction to remember: The Business Manager Visa fundamentally requires you to actually operate a real business in Japan. It’s not an investor visa, you can’t get it just by buying property, and being a director in name only won’t cut it.

Eligibility Requirements in Detail

⚠️ Important: The following requirements are based on the new standards effective October 16, 2025. Applications submitted before October 16, 2025 are still reviewed under the old criteria. Existing Business Manager Visa holders have a three-year transition period until October 2028 (details below).

Under the latest regulations from the Immigration Services Agency (出入国在留管理庁), the eligibility requirements for the Business Manager Visa changed dramatically with the October 2025 reforms. Every requirement matters — you must meet all of them.

1. Minimum Capital: ¥30 Million

This is the most dramatic change in the new standards. The old rule of “¥5 million in capital or two full-time employees (choose one)” has been completely abolished.

Under the new standards:

You must invest ¥30 million or more in capital (資本金). There is no alternative.
This is a hard threshold, and it’s in addition to the full-time employee requirement (not either/or — you need both).

Key points to keep in mind:

The ¥30 million refers to actually invested capital, not just a registered capital figure. Immigration will scrutinize the source of funds, and you’ll need to prove the money was obtained legally.
Funds must be actually deposited into a Japanese bank account. Borrowed money is technically acceptable, but you’ll need to clearly explain the funding source and repayment plan. With ¥30 million at stake, Immigration’s review of your repayment capacity will be far more rigorous than before.
Do not withdraw the capital immediately after incorporating the company. Immigration takes a very hard line on “見せ金” (show money — funds deposited just for appearances).
Compared to the old ¥5 million threshold, this is a 6x increase. This single change shifts the Business Manager Visa from a “small business startup” proposition to a “serious capital investment” commitment.

2. Full-Time Employees: Now Mandatory

Under the old system, hiring full-time employees was merely an alternative to the capital requirement. Under the new standards, it’s an independent, mandatory condition.

You must hire full-time employees (常勤職員) who are Japanese nationals or permanent residents.
Employees must be in a full-time (not part-time) employment relationship with a proper employment contract.
While the new standards don’t specify an exact minimum headcount, your staffing level must be consistent with the scale of your business plan — Immigration will check whether your business plan and actual staffing make sense together.

Practical advice: Hire at least 1–2 full-time employees and ensure their job duties are substantively related to your company’s business. Immigration won’t accept the obvious hire-someone-just-to-check-a-box approach.

3. Office Space: A Physical Location Is Required

This requirement is largely unchanged. The Business Manager Visa requires your business to have a physical office (事業所). Immigration takes this very seriously.

Basic requirements:

You need a dedicated, independent space used exclusively for business. A space that doubles entirely as a residence won’t work.
You need a formal lease agreement (賃貸借契約書) designating the property for business use. The stated purpose on the contract must explicitly say “business use” or “office use.”
The space should have its own entrance, mailbox, and the ability to display a company sign.

What won’t work:

Virtual offices (バーチャルオフィス): Services that only provide an address and call forwarding are generally not accepted.
Coworking spaces (コワーキングスペース): A gray area. If you have a private, lockable dedicated space with a contract clearly designating it as your exclusive area, approval is possible. A standard open hot desk is not sufficient.
Home offices: If you can demonstrate a clear physical separation (separate room, separate entrance) and the lease allows business use, approval is possible — but you’ll need to prepare very thorough documentation.

Practical advice: If your budget allows, renting a small dedicated office is the safest bet. In Tokyo, a small office runs roughly ¥50,000–¥150,000 per month depending on location and size. This is money well spent — visa rejections due to office issues are not uncommon.

4. Business Legitimacy & Viability + Expert Evaluation (New)

Immigration won’t approve your application just because you have money and an office. They need to confirm your business is real and sustainable.

Under the new standards, the business plan review now includes a critical new step: the designated expert evaluation system (事業計画書専門家評価).

Your business plan must be evaluated by an expert designated by the Immigration Services Agency before submission to Immigration.
The expert will assess the plan’s feasibility, reasonableness, and the soundness of financial projections, then issue a written evaluation.
This means the days of dashing off a rough business plan and submitting it are over. Your plan must withstand professional scrutiny.

Your business plan itself still needs to:

Clearly describe what you’re doing: What’s the product or service? What problem does it solve? Who are the target customers?
Clearly explain how you’ll make money: Business model, pricing strategy, sales channels.
Show the numbers: Revenue projections for years 1–3, expense breakdowns, break-even point. Precision isn’t expected, but the figures must be reasonable — especially now that experts will be reviewing them closely.
Explain your competitive advantage: Why are you the right person for this business? What resources, experience, or connections do you bring?
Provide supporting evidence: Market data, industry reports, signed contracts, letters of intent from potential clients, etc.

Practical impact: The expert evaluation step adds time and cost to the application. Plan to start working on your business plan 2–3 months in advance, and consider having an administrative scrivener (行政書士) or certified SME management consultant (中小企業診断士) review it before submitting for expert evaluation.

We offer a deeper dive into business plan writing in a dedicated article.

5. Applicant Qualifications (Strengthened)

Under the old system, the Business Manager Visa had no hard requirements for the applicant’s education or work experience. The new standards changed this entirely.

You must meet at least one of the following:

Hold a master’s degree or doctoral degree; or
Have 3 or more years of business management experience.

This effectively closes the door for recent bachelor’s graduates or ordinary employees with no management experience seeking to apply directly for a Business Manager Visa. You need either an advanced degree or proven management credentials.

Key points:

Management experience must be supported by documentation (employment certificates, company registration records, tax records, etc.).
Academic credentials must be recognized in Japan. Foreign degrees may need to go through a credential evaluation process.
A clean criminal record and up-to-date tax obligations remain baseline requirements. If you’re currently in Japan and have unpaid taxes, social insurance premiums, or other obligations, resolve them before applying.

6. Japanese Language: JLPT N2 Now Mandatory

This is one of the most debated new requirements. Under the old system, the Business Manager Visa had no Japanese language requirement whatsoever. Starting October 2025, JLPT N2 is a mandatory condition.

You must hold a Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N2 or higher certificate.
Without an N2 or higher certificate, your application will not be accepted.

Practical impact:

If your Japanese is weak, this may mean spending 1–2 years studying and passing N2 before you can even begin the application process.
The JLPT is administered only twice a year (July and December), and test seats fill up quickly in some regions — plan well ahead.
For entrepreneurs who have lived in Japan for years but never took the JLPT, now is the time to take the exam seriously.

7. Summary of October 2025 Changes & Transition Period

Key changes effective October 16, 2025:

Requirement	Old Standard	New Standard (from Oct. 16, 2025)
Capital	¥5 million (or 2 full-time employees)	¥30 million (no alternative)
Full-time employees	Only as alternative to capital	Mandatory (in addition to capital)
Japanese ability	No requirement	JLPT N2 or higher required
Management experience	No requirement	Master’s/doctoral degree or 3+ years management experience
Business plan	Self-prepared submission	Must pass designated expert evaluation

Transition period (important!):

Applications submitted before October 16, 2025: Reviewed under old standards, unaffected by the new rules.
Existing Business Manager Visa holders: Have a three-year transition period until October 2028. Visa renewals during this period can still be reviewed under the old standards. However, renewals after October 2028 will be subject to the new standards in full.
This means if you currently hold a Business Manager Visa, you have roughly three years to adapt — increase your capital, pass JLPT N2, hire full-time employees, etc. Don’t wait until the last minute.

Practical advice: If you’re considering applying for a Business Manager Visa, start preparing based on the new standards now. ¥30 million in capital, a JLPT N2 certificate, management experience or an advanced degree — each of these takes time. The sooner you begin planning, the better.

Application Timeline: From Decision to Visa in Hand

The total timeline varies widely depending on individual circumstances, but here’s a typical reference timeline for someone applying from overseas for the first time:

Phase 1: Preparation (2–6 months)

Define your business concept and model
Research the Japanese market and draft your business plan
Confirm funding sources and prepare proof of ¥30 million in capital
Verify your qualifications (credential evaluation or management experience documentation)
Confirm your JLPT N2 certificate (if not yet obtained, pass the exam first)
Engage an administrative scrivener (行政書士) and/or judicial scrivener (司法書士)
Submit your business plan for designated expert evaluation (this may take several weeks)

Phase 2: Company Incorporation (2–4 weeks)

Decide on a company name and address (secure office space first)
Draft the articles of incorporation (定款), have them notarized (公証役場での定款認証)
Transfer capital into the company’s bank account
Register the company at the Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局) — corporate registration (法人登記)
Obtain the certificate of registered matters (登記事項証明書) — your company is officially established
Begin hiring full-time employees

Note: If you’re overseas, you’ll typically need a collaborator in Japan to handle on-the-ground tasks, or you can authorize a professional to act on your behalf. Some procedures can be completed remotely via power of attorney (委任状).

Phase 3: Visa Application (1–3 months)

Prepare visa application documents (including the expert evaluation report, N2 certificate, management experience/academic credentials, and other new materials)
Submit a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application (在留資格認定証明書交付申請) to the regional Immigration Bureau with jurisdiction
Immigration review period: typically 1–3 months. Under the new standards, the expert evaluation step may extend actual processing times.
If additional documents are requested (追加資料提出), respond promptly

Phase 4: After Receiving the COE (2–4 weeks)

Receive the Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Send the COE to your home country
Apply for a visa sticker (査証) at the local Japanese embassy or consulate
Consulate processing typically takes 1–2 weeks
Enter Japan and receive your residence card (在留カード) at the airport

Phase 5: Post-Arrival Procedures (1–2 weeks)

Register your address at the local municipal office (市区町村役場)
File various business commencement notifications at the tax office (税務署)
Open a corporate bank account (this step can take considerable time)
Officially commence business operations

If you’re already in Japan (e.g., on a student visa or work visa), you’ll file a Change of Status of Residence application (在留資格変更許可申請) instead, skipping the COE and consulate steps — though review times are similar.

Overall: From deciding to start a business to actually receiving your residence card and commencing operations, expect roughly 6–12 months under the new standards if everything goes smoothly (longer if you still need to pass JLPT N2 or build management experience).

Required Documents Overview

The Business Manager Visa involves a substantial volume of paperwork, and requirements vary by individual circumstances. Here’s a broad framework to give you the big picture:

Company-related:

Certificate of registered matters (登記事項証明書)
Copy of articles of incorporation (定款)
Office lease agreement and photos
Business plan + designated expert evaluation report (new)
Financial documents such as profit/loss projections
Full-time employee employment contracts and proof of residence status (new)

Personal:

Passport copy
ID photo
Resume (履歴書)
Proof of funds (¥30 million)
JLPT N2 or higher certificate (new)
Academic credentials (master’s/doctoral degree) or proof of management experience (new)
Employment certificates or past business experience documentation (if applicable)

Application forms:

Certificate of Eligibility application form (or Change of Status application form)
Statement of reasons (申請理由書)

This is just an overview. For a complete checklist with preparation tips for each document, see our Document Checklist Tool.

💡 Tip: The new standards dramatically increase the complexity of the paperwork. The expert evaluation process and management experience documentation in particular are best handled with the help of an administrative scrivener (行政書士) — start early.

The Business Plan: The Make-or-Break Document

If you could only get one thing right in your entire Business Manager Visa application, it should be the business plan. Under the new standards, this document is more important than ever — because it must clear not just the Immigration officer’s review, but also the designated expert evaluation beforehand.

Why is it so critical?

Immigration officers review a large volume of applications every day. The primary basis for their judgment of whether your business is real and viable is your business plan. Under the new standards, a designated expert reviews your plan professionally before Immigration even sees it. A strong business plan should:

Clearly describe what you’re doing: Product or service, problem solved, target customers.
Clearly explain how you’ll make money: Business model, pricing strategy, sales channels.
Show the numbers: Revenue projections for years 1–3, expense breakdowns, break-even point. They don’t need to be perfectly precise, but they must be reasonable — the expert review focuses heavily on this.
Explain your competitive advantage: Why you? What resources, experience, or connections do you bring?
Detail your staffing plan: How many full-time employees will you hire, what are their roles, and why is this staffing structure appropriate?
Provide supporting evidence: Market data, industry reports, signed contracts, letters of intent, etc.

A common mistake: Many applicants treat the business plan like an essay, writing pages of vision and philosophy but lacking concrete business logic and financial data. Immigration officers aren’t investors — they don’t need to be inspired by your dreams. They need to see evidence that this business can sustain itself and keep operating. Under the new standards, the expert evaluation makes half-hearted plans completely unworkable.

Practical points on expert evaluation:

The list of designated experts is published by the Immigration Services Agency — make sure the expert you choose is on the list.
Evaluation may take 2–4 weeks; factor this into your application timeline.
If the expert recommends revisions, you’ll need to revise and resubmit.
Expert evaluation fees have no standardized pricing yet (the system is still new), but expect roughly ¥50,000–¥300,000, with typical cases falling in the ¥100,000–¥200,000 range.

We’ll cover detailed business plan writing guidance in a future dedicated article. If you’re preparing for a visa renewal, you may also find our Renewal Documents Guide helpful.

Cost Estimates

Setting up a company in Japan and applying for a Business Manager Visa involves numerous expenses. Under the October 2025 new standards, the total budget has increased significantly. Below are approximate cost ranges for each major component (for reference only — actual costs vary by region and circumstances):

Company Incorporation Costs

Item	Cost Range
Articles of incorporation notarization	~¥30,000–¥50,000
Registration and license tax (登録免許税)	Kabushiki Kaisha (株式会社): ¥150,000; Godo Kaisha (合同会社): ¥60,000
Company seal (印鑑)	~¥5,000–¥20,000
Judicial scrivener fees (if engaged)	~¥50,000–¥150,000

Kabushiki Kaisha vs. Godo Kaisha: A Godo Kaisha (similar to an LLC) costs less to set up, but carries slightly less social credibility than a Kabushiki Kaisha (similar to a corporation). Both are eligible for the Business Manager Visa. Given the ¥30 million capital requirement under the new standards, a Kabushiki Kaisha may be the more fitting choice.

Visa Application Costs

Item	Cost Range
Revenue stamp (application fee)	¥4,000 (change of status) / Free (COE application)
Administrative scrivener fees	~¥200,000–¥500,000 (higher under new standards due to increased complexity)
Expert evaluation of business plan	~¥50,000–¥300,000 (new; typically ¥100,000–¥200,000)

Office Costs

Item	Cost Range
Initial office costs (deposit, key money, agent fees, etc.)	3–6 months’ rent
Monthly rent	~¥50,000–¥200,000 in Tokyo; less in regional cities

Other Costs

Item	Cost Range
Capital	¥30 million+ (this goes into the company — it’s not “spent”)
Full-time employee salaries (initial)	~¥200,000–¥300,000/month per employee
Tax accountant retainer	~¥20,000–¥50,000/month
Translation, notarization, credential evaluation, etc.	~¥30,000–¥100,000

Rough estimate: Excluding capital, the total cost of incorporating a company and obtaining the visa — professional fees, government fees, and administrative costs — comes to roughly ¥500,000–¥1,200,000 (higher under the new standards due to expert evaluation and increased scrivener fees). Including the ¥30 million capital and initial office costs, you should budget approximately ¥32–34 million to be comfortable.

⚠️ The figures above are approximate ranges. Please confirm actual fees with the relevant service providers. As the new standards are still relatively fresh, some costs (such as expert evaluation fees) may still be settling. We recommend getting detailed quotes from an administrative or judicial scrivener before you begin.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Based on years of observation, these are the most frequent pitfalls. Many outdated assumptions need updating under the new standards:

Mistake 1: “If I have ¥30 million, I’m guaranteed the visa”

The ¥30 million capital requirement is just one of several mandatory conditions — it’s necessary but not sufficient. Under the new standards, you also need JLPT N2, management experience or an advanced degree, full-time employees, and an expert-evaluated business plan — all conditions must be met. Having money alone is far from enough; Immigration evaluates whether you’ll actually run a business and whether you’re capable of doing so.

Mistake 2: “A virtual office will work”

As discussed above, a pure virtual office (address registration only) is generally not accepted. Some agents may tell you it’s fine, but Immigration’s standards are clear. Don’t take this risk.

Mistake 3: “I’ll get the visa first and figure out the business later”

This mindset is even less viable under the new standards. Your business plan must pass a designated expert evaluation before it’s even submitted to Immigration, so you need a very clear and validated business concept and plan at the time of application. After obtaining the visa, Immigration may conduct site inspections. If they find your company is a shell, not only will your renewal be denied, but it could jeopardize future residence applications.

Mistake 4: “Incorporating a company means I’ll get the visa”

Company incorporation and visa application are two separate processes. In Japan, anyone can incorporate a company (including those without a valid residence status), but incorporation doesn’t automatically grant you the right to reside in and operate a business in Japan. Visa review follows its own standards.

Mistake 5: “I’ll just put a Japanese person as the representative director”

Some people try to install a Japanese friend as the nominal representative director (代表取締役) while running things from behind the scenes. This approach carries enormous risk. Immigration investigates who actually runs the business, and if the nominal representative and actual operator don’t match, not only will the visa be denied, but you may also face legal consequences for fraudulent application.

Mistake 6: “Losses in the first year don’t matter”

While first-year losses are normal in business and Immigration understands this, if your business shows continued losses with no signs of improvement, you’ll face serious trouble at renewal time. Under the new standards, business performance is monitored more closely. Build a solid financial plan with a credible path to profitability from the start.

Mistake 7: “Once I get the visa, I’m set”

The Business Manager Visa is typically granted for 1 year initially. You’ll then need to renew it (更新許可申請), and Immigration will review your actual business performance over the past year. If operations are poor, taxes and social insurance are unpaid, or the company has barely any activity, denial of renewal is entirely possible. Getting the visa is just the beginning — the real challenge is sustaining operations.

Mistake 8: “Old guides still apply”

The internet is full of guides written under the old standards (the ¥5 million era). Under the new standards, this information is severely outdated. If you plan based on “¥5 million is enough” guides and only discover the new requirements at the Immigration counter, you’ll have wasted more than just time. Always verify that the information you’re reading reflects the post-October 2025 standards.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: I have no academic credentials or work experience in Japan. Can I apply for a Business Manager Visa?

Under the new standards, you now need to meet at least one of the following: hold a master’s or doctoral degree, or have 3+ years of business management experience. If you meet neither, you currently cannot apply directly for a Business Manager Visa. Consider gaining management experience or pursuing a master’s degree first.

Q2: Can I use borrowed money for the ¥30 million capital?

In principle, yes — but you must clearly explain the source of funds and the lending relationship. ¥30 million is a significant sum, and Immigration’s review of funding sources will be very thorough. If borrowing from family or friends, you’ll need a loan agreement (借用証書) and proof of the lender’s financial capacity. If it’s a bank loan, provide the loan agreement. Immigration primarily looks for legitimacy, authenticity of funding sources, and your ability to repay.

Q3: Godo Kaisha (LLC) vs. Kabushiki Kaisha — which is better for the visa?

From a visa review perspective, there’s no fundamental difference. Both company types are eligible for the Business Manager Visa. A Godo Kaisha has lower setup costs and simpler procedures, but a Kabushiki Kaisha carries greater social credibility in business contexts. Given the ¥30 million capital scale under the new standards, a Kabushiki Kaisha may better match your business profile. Choose based on your business needs rather than visa considerations alone.

Q4: I’m in Japan on a tourist visa. Can I change my status to a Business Manager Visa from within Japan?

Generally, no. A tourist visa (short-term stay) cannot, in principle, be changed to another residence status from within Japan. You’ll need to return to your home country and apply via the COE (Certificate of Eligibility) route. There are very rare exceptions — consult an administrative scrivener to assess your specific situation.

Q5: Can I run any type of business? Are there industry restrictions?

Most legal business activities are permissible. However, certain industries require specific licenses (e.g., food service requires a 営業許可, travel agencies need 旅行業登録, second-hand goods dealers need a 古物商許可). You’ll need to obtain the relevant industry permits before or alongside your visa application. The visa itself doesn’t restrict industries, but all business activities must be lawful and properly licensed.

Q6: Can a married couple both apply for Business Manager Visas?

If both spouses want Business Manager Visas for the same company, it’s quite difficult in practice. Immigration will question whether a newly established small company truly needs two business managers. The typical approach is: one spouse applies for the Business Manager Visa while the other applies for a Dependent visa (家族滞在ビザ). If there’s a genuinely reasonable division of responsibilities and the company is large enough, it’s not entirely impossible for both to receive Business Manager Visas — but it requires very thorough justification. Under the new standards, both individuals would also need to independently meet the JLPT N2 and management experience requirements. Consult an administrative scrivener.

Q7: How long after getting the Business Manager Visa can I apply for permanent residence?

Under general rules, you need 10+ consecutive years of residence in Japan. However, if you qualify for 70+ points under the Highly Skilled Professional points system (高度専門職ポイント制), the requirement shortens to 3 years; with 80+ points, it shortens to 1 year. Business Manager Visa holders can earn points in the “business management” category. Whether you reach the threshold depends on factors like age, income, and education.

Q8: What if my application is denied? Can I reapply?

Yes, you can reapply — there’s no limit on the number of attempts. The key is understanding why you were denied and making improvements. Immigration won’t provide detailed rejection reasons, but an administrative scrivener can help you learn the general cause. Blindly resubmitting the same documents is pointless. If you’re unsure how to improve, strongly consider engaging an experienced administrative scrivener.

Q9: Do I need to be in Japan during the application process?

If applying from overseas (COE route), you don’t need to be in Japan during the review — your representative (typically an administrative scrivener) submits and follows up on your behalf in Japan. If applying for a change of status from within Japan, you obviously need to be present, and your current residence status must remain valid throughout the review period.

Q10: Can I apply for a Business Manager Visa to run an e-commerce business?

Yes. E-commerce is a legitimate form of business. However, you still need to meet all the standard requirements — physical office, ¥30 million capital, full-time employees, JLPT N2, management experience or advanced degree, and an expert-evaluated business plan. For purely online businesses, Immigration may scrutinize business authenticity and scale more carefully.

Q11: I already have a Business Manager Visa. What should I do during the transition period?

If you held a Business Manager Visa before October 16, 2025, you have a transition period until October 2028. During this period, visa renewals are still reviewed under the old standards. However, we strongly recommend you start preparing now: increase your capital to ¥30 million, pass JLPT N2, and ensure you have full-time employees on staff. Don’t wait until your 2028 renewal to discover you don’t meet the new requirements — if you fall short, your renewal will be denied.

Recommended Next Steps

If you’ve read this far, you’re serious about starting a business in Japan and obtaining a Business Manager Visa. The new standards have significantly raised the bar, but with proper preparation, it’s far from impossible. Here’s what we recommend you do next:

Assess your situation: Where are you now (in Japan or overseas)? What’s your current visa status? How’s your funding? What business do you want to run? Do you meet the new education/experience requirements? Have you passed JLPT N2? Get clarity on these basics first.
Start drafting your business plan: It doesn’t need to be perfect from the start, but the earlier you begin thinking through your business model and financial projections, the better. Remember — under the new standards, this plan must pass expert evaluation, so the quality bar is much higher than before.
Confirm your funding sources: The source of your ¥30 million must be clearly traceable. If it involves loans or gifts, prepare supporting documentation in advance.
Prepare for JLPT N2: If you don’t have N2 yet, start studying immediately. The exam is held only twice a year — don’t miss your chance.
Consult a professional: Find an administrative scrivener (行政書士) who is familiar with the October 2025 new standards for an initial consultation. Many offer free or low-cost first consultations. The gap between old and new standards is enormous — make sure your advisor is up to date.
Start gathering documents: Use our Document Checklist Tool to confirm what you need and start collecting early.
Don’t rush: The new standards require more preparation across the board. Rather than rushing to submit a half-baked application, invest a few extra months to get every element right. Getting approved on the first try saves far more time and money than repeated rejections.

Starting a business is never easy, and doing it in a foreign country is even harder. The October 2025 reforms have undeniably raised the bar for the Business Manager Visa — but that also means the competitive environment for approved visa holders is healthier, and serious entrepreneurs will find stronger support. With thorough preparation, the right professional guidance, and genuine commitment to running your business, the Business Manager Visa remains a viable path.

Best of luck with your venture. 🚀

This article is based on publicly available information from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan and the new standards effective October 16, 2025. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific applications, please consult a qualified administrative scrivener (行政書士) or other relevant professional.

Last updated: March 2026