Requirements and Considerations for Business Manager Visas [Latest for 2026 - Responding to Stricter Regulations]
The "Business Manager Visa" (status of residence "Business Manager"), which is necessary for foreigners to start and manage businesses in Japan, underwent a major revision of its requirements on October 16, 2025. The hurdles for obtaining this visa have significantly increased, with the capital requirement being raised, the obligation to employ full-time staff, and the establishment of Japanese language proficiency requirements.
This page explains the new requirements after the revision, points of caution, and the reality of a surge in rejections due to unpaid social insurance premiums, based on the latest information for 2026.
The capital requirement has been raised from 5 million yen to 30 million yen (6 times), and the obligation to employ at least one full-time employee, Japanese language proficiency requirements, academic and work experience requirements, and evaluation of business plans by specialists have become mandatory. Even those who already hold a Business Manager Visa must comply with the new standards during the transitional period until October 16, 2028.
1. What is a Business Manager Visa?
The Business Manager Visa (status of residence "Business Manager") is a status of residence for foreigners to engage in business management or administration in Japan. It is used for company establishment, starting a business, joining an existing company, and so on.
- Period of Stay: 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 6 months, 4 months (preparation period before starting business)
- Work Restrictions: Limited to business management and administration duties
- Family Accompanying: Spouse and children can accompany with a "Dependent" visa
📌 Immigration Services Agency of Japan｜Business Manager (Official)
2. October 2025 Revision: 4 Changes
3. Details of New Requirements
① Capital of 30 million yen or more
Paid-in capital or total investment must be 30 million yen or more. Documents proving that the registered capital meets this requirement will be requested.
② Employment of at least one full-time employee (mandatory)
In addition to the applicant (manager), it is mandatory to employ at least one full-time employee residing in Japan. Full-time employees who can be employed are limited to Japanese nationals, permanent residents, special permanent residents, spouses of Japanese nationals, spouses of permanent residents, and long-term residents.
Proof of salary payment, residence certificate, and social insurance enrollment certificate for the employed full-time employee are required, so nominal employment (dummy employment) that does not reflect actual conditions is easily discovered.
③ Japanese Language Proficiency Requirement (newly established)
Either the applicant or the employed full-time employee must have Japanese language proficiency equivalent to JLPT N2 or higher (B2 level). If the applicant has graduated from a Japanese university or graduate school, there are other methods of proof.
④ Academic and Work Experience Requirements (newly established)
The applicant must have either a "Master's, Doctoral, or Professional Degree in a field related to business management" or "at least 3 years of practical experience in business management."
⑤ Evaluation of Business Plan by a Specialist (newly established)
The business plan must be submitted with an evaluation by a specialist such as an SME Management Consultant or certified public accountant. A third-party specialist is required to evaluate the profitability and feasibility of the plan.
⑥ Home Office Generally Not Allowed (newly established)
Using a home as both a residence and a business office is generally no longer permitted. Securing an independent business office is required.
4. Impact on Existing Visa Holders (Transitional Measures)
Those who already hold a Business Manager Visa have a transitional period until October 16, 2028. However, compliance with the new requirements will be reviewed at the time of renewal application.
Even if transitional measures apply to certain requirements (such as capital and full-time employees), unpaid or overdue social insurance premiums, labor insurance premiums, and various taxes are not subject to transitional measures. As of 2026, there is a surge in rejections due to unpaid social insurance.
- Enrollment in health insurance and employee pension insurance, and payment of premiums
- Application of employment insurance and workers' accident compensation insurance
- Payment of corporate tax, consumption tax, and local taxes
- Payment of withholding income tax
| Requirement | Transitional Measures | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Capital of 30 million yen | Yes (gradual transition) | Until October 16, 2028 |
| Obligation to employ full-time staff | Yes (gradual transition) | Until October 16, 2028 |
| Japanese language proficiency requirement | Yes | Until October 16, 2028 |
| Proper fulfillment of social insurance and tax obligations | No (immediate application) | — |
- October 2025 Revision Compliance Self-Checklist (for existing visa holders)
- Social Insurance and Tax Payment Confirmation List (immediately applicable items)
- List of documents to prepare for renewal applications during the transitional period
- Required document checklist for new applications and change of status applications (post-revision compliant)
5. List of Required Documents
| Document | Remarks |
|---|---|
| Application for Certificate of Eligibility | Attach photo (4cm high x 3cm wide) |
| Passport | Presentation |
| Company registration certificate | Must state capital of 30 million yen or more |
| Certificate of Capital Payment | Bank passbook copy, transfer statement, etc. |
| Business PlanRevised | With evaluation by a specialist such as an SME Management Consultant |
| Office lease agreement | No home office. Proof of independent business office required |
| Employment contract for full-time employeeNewly established | Social insurance enrollment certificate also required |
| Japanese language proficiency certificateNewly established | JLPT passing certificate, etc. (applicant or full-time employee) |
| Academic/work experience certificateNewly established | Master's degree or higher certificate, or proof of 3+ years of management experience |
| Social insurance and tax payment certificates | Payment certificates for health insurance, employee pension, employment insurance, and various taxes |
| Copy of business license/permit | For industries requiring licenses/permits such as restaurant, construction, real estate |
6. Application Process
7. Cases Prone to Rejection [2026 Practical Information]
In practice, cases where renewal is rejected because a company holding a Business Manager Visa is not enrolled in social insurance (health insurance and employee pension) or has overdue premiums are rapidly increasing. Please confirm and address this before applying or renewing.
- Enrollment in health insurance and employee pension insurance, and payment of premiums
- Application of employment insurance and workers' accident compensation insurance
- Payment of corporate tax, consumption tax, and local taxes
- Payment of withholding income tax
- Capital less than 30 million yen (new application without transitional measures)
- No full-time employees or nominal employment (dummy employment)
- No actual business activity or paper company
- Home is used as business office
- Business plan lacks specialist evaluation
- Does not meet Japanese language proficiency requirements
- Application documents or business plan contain false information
- Long-term overseas stay (exceeding half of the period of stay)
8. Frequently Asked Questions
- October 2025 Revision New vs. Old Requirements Comparison Table
- Transitional Measures Compliance Checklist for Existing Visa Holders
- Social Insurance and Tax Immediate Action Checklist