Requirements and Considerations for Business Manager Visas [Latest for 2026 - Responding to Stricter Regulations]
Reviewed against ISA's amended Business Manager criteria. Last updated: September 2026.
- Business scale of at least ¥30 million
- At least one eligible full-time employee
- CEFR B2-equivalent Japanese ability held by the applicant or an eligible full-time employee
- A relevant master's, doctorate or professional degree, or at least three years of management experience
- Professional review of the business plan
1. Main criteria effective October 16, 2025
| Item | Current rule in outline |
|---|---|
| Business scale | At least ¥30 million, calculated under the official method for the relevant corporate or sole-proprietor structure. |
| Full-time employee | At least one eligible full-time employee. The applicant is not counted. Eligibility of the employee's status must be checked. |
| Japanese ability | The applicant or an eligible full-time employee must have CEFR B2-equivalent ability. |
| Degree or experience | The applicant must have a relevant master's, doctorate or professional degree, or at least three years of business management experience. |
| Business plan | A person with professional business knowledge must review its specificity, rationality and feasibility. |
| Office | A separate business office is required; combining the office and home is generally not accepted. |
The business-scale calculation depends on legal form and the official method. A bank loan does not universally substitute for paid-in capital.
2. Japanese ability means B2-equivalent
The applicant or the eligible full-time employee must demonstrate CEFR B2-equivalent Japanese. The official material gives examples including JLPT N2 or higher and BJT 400 or higher. Do not describe this as a lower universal JLPT threshold or as a blanket exemption for graduates.
3. Degree or experience, plus business-plan review
The applicant needs a relevant master's, doctorate or professional degree, or at least three years of experience in business management. The business plan must also be reviewed by a person with professional business knowledge and demonstrate specificity, rationality and feasibility.
4. Transition for existing Business Manager residents
For people already residing under Business Manager before October 16, 2025, extension applications through October 16, 2028 are assessed flexibly. Failure to meet every new criterion does not by itself mean automatic refusal; business conditions and prospects for compliance are considered.
After October 16, 2028, the new criteria apply in principle. The official material also describes possible consideration where the business is sound, corporate-tax and other duties are fulfilled, and compliance is expected by the next extension. This is not an automatic refusal at the next renewal.
5. Tax and social-insurance compliance
Performance of public obligations is important in residence screening. ISA communications to the administrative-scrivener association have warned practitioners about cases in which failure to enroll in or pay required social insurance contributes to refusal. That practice information should not be presented as a published statistical increase or as proof that every issue is detected automatically.
- Applicable employee health-insurance and pension enrollment and payment
- Corporate and local tax filing and payment
- Public obligations applicable to the applicant personally
Payment immediately before filing does not guarantee approval. Confirm the legal position with the responsible authority and retain evidence of payment, an approved arrangement, the reason, and corrective measures.
6. Pre-application checklist
- ☐ Official business-scale calculation reaches ¥30 million
- ☐ At least one eligible full-time employee
- ☐ B2-equivalent Japanese evidence for the applicant or employee
- ☐ Relevant degree or three years of management experience
- ☐ Professionally reviewed, specific and feasible business plan
- ☐ Independent business premises and real operations
- ☐ Tax and social-insurance position verified
- ☐ Existing residents have checked transition rules and a compliance plan
7. FAQ
How many full-time employees are required?
The current rule is at least one eligible full-time employee, excluding the applicant.
What Japanese level is required?
B2-equivalent ability held by the applicant or eligible employee. The official examples include JLPT N2 or higher.
Must existing holders meet every new criterion at the next renewal?
Applications through October 16, 2028 fall under transitional treatment. Preparation should still begin early.
Starting or running a business in Japan?
See the Business Manager requirements and what you may need to prepare.