Business Manager Visa Support

Under the reform effective 16 October 2025, you must satisfy both requirements at once — capital/investment of ¥30 million or more, and at least one full-time employee. Unlike before the reform, these are no longer alternatives; both must be met. For a sole proprietor, the total amount invested (office costs, staff salaries, equipment investment, etc.) is assessed in place of capital.

For the employee-count requirement (one or more), only Japanese nationals, special permanent residents, permanent residents, spouses of Japanese nationals, spouses of permanent residents, and long-term residents can be counted. Foreign employees on a work-based status (such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services) cannot be counted here. By contrast, the "full-time employee" referred to in the Japanese language requirement (③) does include work-based status holders — the scope differs by requirement, so please take care.

Under the new background requirement, you need either a doctoral, master's, or professional degree in a relevant field, or 3 years or more of practical experience in business management (including time spent preparing to start the business). Even if you lack confidence in your academic background, organizing your career history carefully can sometimes satisfy this requirement — please contact us to discuss your situation.

A certified small and medium enterprise management consultant, a certified public accountant, or a certified tax accountant must confirm the specificity, reasonableness, and feasibility of your business plan. Preparing the actual application documents submitted to the Immigration Services Agency may only be done for a fee by a Gyoseishoshi (or an attorney). Our office can arrange the evaluator and prepare the application documents as a single package.

Either the applicant or a full-time employee must prove it through one of: JLPT N2 or above, a BJT score of 400 or above, 20 years or more of medium- to long-term residence, graduation from a Japanese university, or graduation from compulsory education/high school in Japan (this does not apply to Japanese nationals or special permanent residents).

The three years from the effective date (16 October 2025) to 15 October 2028 are treated as a transitional period. Renewal applications from existing holders will be assessed taking into account their business performance to date and the likelihood of meeting the new standards going forward. That said, the new standards will eventually apply, so we recommend consulting with us early.

In principle, this is no longer accepted under the new system. You need an independent, dedicated business office.

A loss in a single fiscal year does not automatically lead to refusal. Examiners look at whether the company is insolvent and whether the business is likely to continue.