Business Manager Visa New Requirements｜JPY 30 Million Capital Is Not a “Barrier” but a “Business Power”
From October 2025, the requirements for the Business Manager Visa will undergo significant changes.
The minimum capital will increase from JPY 5 million to JPY 30 million plus one full-time employee. Understandably, many potential applicants worry: “Isn’t this amount too high to achieve?”
JPY 30 Million Capital ≠ Untouchable Money
Capital is not just a number shown in the registration documents—it is the actual financial resource to operate your business.
This means the JPY 30 million does not need to sit idle. It can be actively used for:
- Employee salaries and social insurance contributions, demonstrating stable employment
- Office rent and equipment investment, showing your business has a real foundation
- Advertising, marketing, and market research, leaving evidence of sales expansion efforts
Why Proper Use of Capital Matters
Immigration authorities will not only check whether the capital is in place, but also whether it is actively being used for real business operations.
If the money is only on paper or disappears quickly, it may be judged as “no substantive business,” leading to rejection.
Three Key Points to Overcome Concerns
- Consistency with Business Plan
→ Clearly show how funds are used for salaries, equipment, and advertising. - Cash Flow Management
→ Prepare a 12-month income and expenditure simulation to prove sustainability. - Documentary Evidence
→ Keep salary slips, rental agreements, invoices, and payment records intact.
From “Barrier” to “Strength”
Although JPY 30 million seems large, the ability to prepare it itself demonstrates business credibility.
When used effectively and supported by documentation, it can actually strengthen your visa application.
Conclusion｜JPY 30 Million Is an Investment in the Future
Capital of JPY 30 million is not merely a condition, but a driving force to put your business on track.
By using it strategically for salaries, office expenses, and marketing—and keeping proper records—you can significantly increase your chances of success with the Business Manager Visa.
If you are unsure about preparing capital, consult a professional early and create the most suitable plan for your case.
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Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1. Do I need to prepare the entire JPY 30 million in cash?
A. Yes, in principle the capital must be paid in cash and deposited into the corporate account. However, it can then be used flexibly for salaries, rent, and business operations.
Q2. Can I use the capital to pay employee salaries?
A. Yes. Salaries and social insurance contributions are essential business expenses and even serve as strong evidence of real operations. Just be sure to keep proper payment records.
Q3. What if I cannot prepare JPY 30 million?
A. Under the new rules, it will be very difficult to obtain a Business Manager Visa with less capital. In such cases, Startup Visa programs can be considered to gain preparation time before raising capital.
Q4. Should I keep all the capital untouched?
A. Keeping some funds is fine, but if none of it is being used, it may be judged as “inactive business.” Capital should be invested in operations with supporting evidence.
Q5. What documents should I keep as proof?
A. Salary slips, rental agreements, receipts, bank transfer records, and advertising invoices. These documents will be crucial when renewing or extending your visa.
