Introduction

The Japanese government plans to significantly revise the “Business Manager Visa” system for foreign entrepreneurs and managers starting in October 2025. The previous system allowed applications with relatively low capital requirements and employment conditions. However, the new system significantly increases capital requirements and adds new qualifications such as management experience and academic background.

This article compiles information from Japanese and English sources to indicate the clear outline of recent changes.

Overview

Business Manager Visa

Japan’s Startup Visa Program (formally known as the “Program to Promote Startups by Foreign Entrepreneurs”) allows foreign entrepreneurs to obtain a temporary residency status in order to establish a company or prepare for launching a business in Japan.

This visa allows entrepreneurs to stay in Japan for up to two years (with renewal every six months) while preparing for business launch. Each local government sets its own focus industries and provides support systems, which may include permission to use coworking spaces temporarily and availability of English-language application procedures.

The Current Requirement（〜September 2025）

To obtain a business management visa, several requirements must be met. First, regarding capital, establishing a business office in Japan and investing at least 5 million yen in capital is required to obtain the visa. If this capital requirement cannot be met, hiring two or more full-time employees can also be the requirement as an alternative. Additionally, the business must have a physical office within Japan (rental offices are acceptable); virtual offices are not accepted. Furthermore, submission of a business plan is mandatory, but review by external experts is not required; the review is conducted internally by the Immigration Bureau. Finally, regarding the qualifications of the business owner themselves, there are no specific requirements stipulated regarding educational background or management experience.

Requirement after Amendment（October 2025〜scheduled）

*The new system is scheduled to take effect in mid-October 2025. Public hearings will be held until September 24, 2025.

Under the new system, the requirements for obtaining a business management visa will be significantly tightened. First, the capital requirement has been raised sixfold, from 5 million yen to 30 million yen. Furthermore, not only must this capital condition be met, but the employment of at least one full-time employee will also be mandatory. Next, qualification requirements for the business operator will be established. Applicants will be required to have at least three years of management experience or hold an advanced degree such as a master’s degree in a management-related field. Furthermore, in addition to submitting a business plan, applicants must now obtain a review from an external expert, such as a certified public accountant or a certified small and medium enterprise management consultant, and attach proof of this review. These new standards are expected to apply not only to new applications but also to visa renewals after October 2025, with no grandfather clause anticipated.

Main Changes:Comparison with previous eligibility

Conclusion

The upcoming update will significantly tighten the requirements for the Business Management Visa. With increased capital requirements, mandatory employment obligations, and the addition of criteria regarding academic and career background and a reviewed business plan, the criteria would be clearer.

This article outlines the differences between the current and new systems, comparing the changes. These new requirements are scheduled to apply to new applications and renewals starting October 2025. Regarding future developments, it is important to monitor official announcements from relevant authorities and the latest news reports.

About EXPACT

EXPACT provides a variety of operational support to domestic and international startups.

EXPACT offers market entry strategy advisory for international businesses looking to establish a presence in Japan. Our services are as follows:

– Advice for visas and programs: Providing guidance on suitable visas and government programs for foreign entrepreneurs (e.g., Startup visa).

– Market research assistance: Evaluating the potential market size and demand for the product or service.

– Geographical evaluation based on the company’s target: Carrying out a location analysis to determine the most suitable region, prefecture, and city according to the startup’s specific needs.

– Support for applying for financial aid programs: Sourcing and supporting the application process for applicable government grants and subsidies.

– Assistance for forming partnerships: Serving as a liaison to help the startup establish connections with local partners, investors, and government institutions.

– Advice for a business plan: Offering a business plan review with insights from a Japanese perspective.

– Translation services: Providing translation services for in-person meetings, virtual discussions, and document preparation.

Additionally, the company also offers One-Stop support from Startup advisory to Finance, PR, Recruitment and EXIT.

Finance and Fundraising: Advisory on the financial health of startups and proposing an optimal fundraising plan by applying for government grants and facilitating investor introductions. Activities include drafting a pitch deck, and forming a business plan and/or cap table.
Promotion: Publishing press releases, building media relations, branding.
Startup Advisory: Business ideation, researching, conducting interviews, MVP analysis, investment access.
Human Resources: Personnel strategy, hiring support, institution building.
EXIT: IPO support, M&A support, exit system design.

For assistance or additional information, please contact us at info@expact.jp for inquiries.

Inquiries on market entry strategies can be directed to pramod@expact.jp