- Introduction: Focus on the Reality, Not the Emotion
- 1. What Is the Original Purpose of the Business Manager Visa?
- 2. October 2025 Reform: Detailed Requirements
- 3. Background of Reform: Why Was Tightening Necessary?
- 4. “Safe Until October 2028” Is a Major Misconception
- 5. What Entrepreneurs Must Do Immediately
- [Countermeasure 1] Increase Sales and Profits
- [Countermeasure 2] Thoroughly Comply with Laws and Regulations
- [Countermeasure 3] Employee Hiring (Especially Japanese Nationals)
- [Countermeasure 4] Strengthen Management Structure
- [Countermeasure 5] Systematically Increase Capital
- [Countermeasure 6] Visualize Contributions to Japanese Society
- 6. What Companies Employing Foreign Residents Should Do
- 7. Support Immigration Specialists Can Provide
- 8. How Should We View This Reform?
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- 10. Conclusion: Now Is the Time to Face the Reality
Introduction: Focus on the Reality, Not the Emotion
In October 2025, the requirements for the Business Manager Visa underwent significant reform. Capital increased from 5 million yen to 30 million yen, and hiring Japanese nationals became mandatory. Some media have portrayed this as a hardship story about “foreign entrepreneurs suffering.”
However, as a certified administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) and immigration specialist, I would like to present a different perspective.
This reform represents a legitimate revision that returns to the original purpose of the Business Manager Visa.
In this article, I will clearly explain the essence of the reform, the reality that stricter screening has already begun, and the “path to sustainable business management” that entrepreneurs must immediately pursue.
1. What Is the Original Purpose of the Business Manager Visa?
The Business Manager Visa Is Not a “Means of Staying in Japan”
Many people misunderstand this, but the Business Manager Visa is not “a means to live in Japan.”
The Business Manager Visa is “a visa for running a business in Japan.”
In other words, its original purpose is to:
- Conduct proper business activities and generate sales
- Generate and retain profits and contribute to Japan by paying taxes
- Employ staff as your business expands
- Strengthen management structure and improve financial stability
As a result of accumulating such sustainable management practices, a financial foundation of “30 million yen in capital” naturally forms.
30 Million Yen in Capital Is a “Result,” Not a “Condition”
This is the key point.
The 30 million yen capital requirement is not an unreasonable requirement.
It is an indicator that should not be considered absolutely unattainable if you continue sustainable business management for several years.
- Sales increase
- Profits remain
- Retained earnings grow
- Capital is raised for business expansion
- As a result, capital increases
This reflects a typical growth trajectory.
2. October 2025 Reform: Detailed Requirements
Requirements Before Reform (Until October 15, 2025)
- Capital of 5 million yen or more OR
- Employment of 2 or more Japanese nationals or permanent residents
The requirements were relatively accessible, making them achievable even for small-scale businesses.
Requirements After Reform (From October 16, 2025)
- Capital: 30 million yen or more (6 times the previous amount)
- Employment: Full-time employment of Japanese nationals or permanent residents is mandatory
- Japanese language ability: N2 equivalent
- Management experience: 3 years or more
- Education: Master’s degree or higher (with some exemptions)
The requirements have certainly been tightened. However, this is not unjustified strictness.
These are legitimate standards for selecting those genuinely qualified to run a business in Japan. The new requirements have simply clarified that the Business Manager Visa is not for individual proprietors or freelancers, but is granted to those who properly manage companies.
3. Background of Reform: Why Was Tightening Necessary?
The Reality of Abuse Through Paper Companies
According to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, the following problems increased:
- Establishment of paper companies with no actual business operations
- No meaningful business activity or financial records
- Essentially abused as an immigration pathway
Business Manager Visa holders reached approximately 47,000 at the end of 2025—more than double the figure from ten years ago. Behind this rapid increase was such fraudulent use.
The Essential Purpose of the Reform
Statement by then-Minister of Justice Suzuki:
“The approval standards are lax compared to other countries and have been abused by some foreign nationals as an immigration pathway.”
In other words, the purpose of the reform is:
“To provide business continuation opportunities to corporations that employ Japanese nationals, redistribute profits, and contribute to Japan’s national interests.”
This is an extremely legitimate approach.
- Reducing unemployment through job creation
- Contributing to public finances through increased tax revenue
- Revitalizing local economies
- Maintaining the social security system through payment of social insurance premiums
Companies that contribute to Japanese society in these ways are the ones qualified to continue business operations long-term.
4. “Safe Until October 2028” Is a Major Misconception
Content of Transitional Measures
Those who already hold Business Manager Visas may be able to renew them until October 2028 without meeting the new requirements.
However, this information has spread with the misconception that “the current situation is acceptable until October 2028.” Some entrepreneurs with this overly optimistic understanding apply for renewal, then panic when they receive requests for “additional documents,” or become confused when they receive denials, wondering “What should I do…?”
Reality: Stricter Screening Has Already Begun
This is a major misconception. Stricter screening has already begun.
Currently, those who have applied for renewal report the following:
(1) Very Detailed Scrutiny of Submitted Documents
- Detailed explanations of financial statements are required
- Sales breakdowns are checked thoroughly
(2) Strict Verification of Business Operations
- On-site inspections of business locations have increased
- Interviews with employees are conducted
- Presentation of customer lists and transaction records is requested
(3) Detailed Examination of Financial Status
- Sales and profit trends are scrutinized carefully
- Reasons for deficits must be explained in detail
- Cash flow status is verified
(4) Verification of Compliance Status
- Tax payment status
- Payment status of social insurance, pension, and employment insurance
- Acquisition and renewal status of necessary licenses
- Compliance with the Labor Standards Act
In other words, October 2028 is not a “grace period” but a “preparation period to demonstrate proper management.”
The Real Meaning of “Case-by-Case Assessment”
The Immigration Services Agency guidelines state that “not having 30 million yen won’t result in automatic denial; we will conduct a case-by-case assessment.”
This does not mean “lenient.”
It means “we will comprehensively evaluate business operations, social contributions, compliance status, etc.”
In other words:
- Are you truly conducting sustainable business management?
- Are you contributing to Japanese society?
- Are you operating your business in compliance with laws?
- Is there a prospect of continued growth in the future?
This means these points will be strictly examined.
5. What Entrepreneurs Must Do Immediately
There is no time to hesitate.
The only reliable countermeasure is to focus seriously on your business now and immediately begin building sustainable management practices.
[Countermeasure 1] Increase Sales and Profits
Why It’s Important: These are the most fundamental indicators of business soundness.
Specific Actions:
- Improve product/service quality
- Strengthen marketing activities
- Develop new customers
- Improve repeat customer rate
- Increase average customer spending
- Improve profit margins through cost reduction
What to Record:
- Monthly and annual sales trends
- Profit margin trends
- Customer count trends
- Repeat customer rate
[Countermeasure 2] Thoroughly Comply with Laws and Regulations
Why It’s Important: There is no justification for granting visas to companies that don’t comply with laws.
Specific Actions:
(1) Tax Matters
- Pay corporate and consumption taxes by deadlines
- Keep tax payment certificates readily available
- Coordinate with tax accountants for proper tax procedures
(2) Social Insurance
- Properly pay health insurance and pension premiums
- Enroll all employees
- Pay immediately if any arrears exist
(3) Employment Insurance/Workers’ Compensation
- Properly enroll employees
- Pay premiums by deadlines
(4) Licenses and Permits
- Obtain and renew necessary licenses (restaurant business permits, etc.)
- Properly assign qualified personnel; replace them immediately if vacancies occur
- Manage expiration dates
(5) Labor Standards Act
- Create proper employment contracts
- Manage working hours
- Comply with minimum wage requirements
- Properly pay overtime
What to Record:
- Tax payment certificates
- Social insurance premium payment certificates
- Copies of licenses and permits
- Employment contracts, work rules
[Countermeasure 3] Employee Hiring (Especially Japanese Nationals)
Why It’s Important: “Job creation” is the most direct form of contribution to Japanese society.
Specific Actions:
- Actively recruit Japanese employees
- Utilize job search websites
- Improve work environment (create comfortable workplaces)
- Set appropriate salary levels
- Improve employee retention rates
What to Record:
- Employee roster (including nationality and residence status)
- Employment contracts
- Salary payment records (pension, social insurance, withholding income tax payments)
- Employment insurance certificates
[Countermeasure 4] Strengthen Management Structure
Why It’s Important: To prove you are a “solid company.”
Specific Actions:
- Accurate accounting practices (maintain proper books)
- Develop clear business plans
- Organize organizational structure (clarify roles and responsibilities)
- Build internal controls
- Hold regular management meetings
What to Record:
- Accurate financial statements (balance sheet, income statement)
- Business plans
- Organizational charts
- Meeting minutes
[Countermeasure 5] Systematically Increase Capital
Why It’s Important: It serves as proof of financial stability and is central to the new requirements.
Specific Actions:
- Accumulate profits as retained earnings
- Systematic capital increases
- Capital increases from shareholders
- Loans from financial institutions (capital loans, etc.)
What to Record:
- Capital history
- Capital increase plans
- Financial statements
[Countermeasure 6] Visualize Contributions to Japanese Society
Why It’s Important: This is important judgment material during case-by-case assessment.
Specific Actions:
- Participate in local events
- Join local organizations
- Engage in volunteer activities
- Gain media exposure
- Record customer evaluations
What to Record:
- Photos and articles of community activities
- Media coverage records
- Customer testimonials
- Review site ratings
6. What Companies Employing Foreign Residents Should Do
Managing Residence Status of Foreign Directors and Managers
Companies with directors or managers holding Business Manager Visas should verify the following:
(1) Current Status Assessment
- Type and validity period of residence status
- Next renewal date
- Compliance with new requirements
(2) Compliance Status Verification
- Tax and social insurance payment status
- Acquisition status of necessary licenses
- Compliance with labor laws
(3) Business Performance Records
- Sales and profit trends
- Job creation achievements
- Social contribution activities
(4) Early Countermeasures
- Consult specialists
- Consider capital increases if necessary
- Plan for hiring Japanese employees
Impact on Dependent Visas
If a Business Manager Visa cannot be renewed, spouses and children living in Japan on dependent visas will also be affected.
This must be taken seriously as an issue affecting the entire family life of employees.
7. Support Immigration Specialists Can Provide
Our Fundamental Philosophy
“Obtaining a visa” is not the goal.
“Fostering companies that truly succeed and contribute to society in Japan” is the goal.
Specific Support Services
(1) Diagnosis of Management Status
- Analysis of current business operations
- Evaluation of financial status
- Compliance status check
- Assessment of compatibility with new requirements
(2) Presenting the Path to Sustainable Management
- Advice on increasing sales and profits
- Provision of compliance checklists
- Development of employment strategies
- Proposals for methods to increase capital
(3) Business Plan Development Support
- Creation of medium to long-term business plans
- Financial planning
- Growth strategy construction
(4) Visa Application Support
- Creation and representation for renewal application documents
- Creation of explanatory materials for Immigration Services Agency
- Organization of materials to properly communicate business operations
- Interview preparation
(5) Continuous Follow-up
- Regular verification of management status
- Monitoring of compliance status
- Management of renewal schedules
What We Value
“If you make essential management improvements, the visa will naturally follow.”
Rather than superficial countermeasures for visas, building sustainable and resilient companies is the most reliable visa countermeasure.
8. How Should We View This Reform?
Strict but Legitimate Reform
This reform is certainly strict.
However, considering the original purpose of the Business Manager Visa, these are natural standards.
- Running a business in Japan means contributing to Japanese society
- Contributing means creating jobs, paying taxes, and revitalizing local economies
- A certain level of capital and management structure is necessary as the foundation for this
This logic is extremely legitimate.
“Natural,” Not “Pitiful”
Some media use the narrative of “foreign entrepreneurs are suffering,” but I don’t think so.
These are simply the standards that should naturally be cleared as business managers.
- Generate sales
- Generate and retain profits
- Pay taxes
- Employ staff
- Comply with laws
These are things all managers should naturally do, whether Japanese or foreign.
Also an Opportunity
This reform can be viewed as an “opportunity” rather than a “crisis.”
- An opportunity to review management practices
- A chance to build sustainable management structure
- An opportunity to elevate business to the next level
- A trial to become a truly strong company
Take a positive view and tackle essential management improvements.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I do nothing until October 2028?
A: No. Stricter screening has already begun. You should start working on sustainable management immediately.
Q2: Is 30 million yen in capital absolutely necessary?
A: You will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, but that doesn’t mean “lenient.” Business operations, social contributions, and compliance status will be strictly examined. Efforts to approach 30 million yen are essential.
Q3: I want to hire Japanese people but can’t recruit them. What should I do?
A: Are you seriously making recruitment efforts? There are many things to do: utilize job search websites, improve work environment, set appropriate salary levels. Don’t think “can’t hire” but “how can I hire?”
Q4: Can I renew my visa if I continue to have deficits?
A: It’s difficult. The Business Manager Visa is “a visa for running a business.” Continuing deficits means the business isn’t viable. Fundamental management improvements are necessary.
Q5: What records should I keep?
A: Keep all records that can prove business soundness: sales and profit trends, tax payment certificates, social insurance premium payment certificates, employment contracts, employee rosters, business plans, community contribution activity records, etc.
10. Conclusion: Now Is the Time to Face the Reality
The October 2025 Business Manager Visa requirement reform shocked many foreign entrepreneurs.
However, if you correctly understand the essence of this reform, what needs to be done is clear.
[Essence of Reform]
- The Business Manager Visa is “a visa for running a business in Japan”
- Proper business activities → sales increase → profit generation and retention → tax payment → job creation → financial strengthening → capital increase
- This series of steps reflects a typical growth trajectory
- 30 million yen capital is a “result” of sustainable management, not a “condition”
[Reality]
- Stricter screening has already begun
- October 2028 is a “preparation period,” not a “grace period”
- Submitted documents, business content, and financial statements are scrutinized in detail
[What to Do Immediately]
- Focus seriously on your business and increase sales and profits
- Thoroughly comply with laws: taxes, social insurance, licenses, etc.
- Employ staff (especially Japanese nationals) and contribute to Japanese society
- Strengthen management structure and improve financial stability
- Systematically increase capital
- Record and visualize contributions to Japanese society
This accumulation is the only reliable path to clearing new requirements.
This reform is certainly strict.
However, considering the original purpose of the Business Manager Visa, these are natural standards.
For entrepreneurs with genuine intent and achievements in contributing to Japanese society, clearing these standards is by no means impossible.
Now is the time to focus seriously on your business and build sustainable management practices.
We, as certified administrative scriveners (gyoseishoshi) and immigration specialists, will fully support that journey.
Don’t struggle alone. Please feel free to consult us first. Initial consultations are free.
However, we do not offer shortcuts.
We provide support to build sustainable and resilient companies through essential management improvements.
We believe that is the most reliable visa countermeasure and will lead to your long-term success.
Reference Article “Curry Restaurants May Disappear from Streets” Foreign Owners Anguish Over Business Manager Visa Requirement Tightening: Popular Hong Kong Congee Restaurant Decides to Close https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/b81ba765d0d5d4076902407484f7b0facea06939
