– How to Prepare for the New Era of the Business Manager Visa, Following the August 4, 2025 Reports –
📢 Breaking News: Business Manager Visa Requirements to Be Significantly Tightened
According to the Asahi Shimbun on August 4, 2025, the capital requirement for the Business Manager Visa will be revised from the current “5 million yen or employment of two Japanese staff” to “30 million yen in capital plus at least one full-time Japanese employee.” This new regulation is expected to be enforced by the end of the year.
Other major media outlets have reported the same, and it is now clear that the Immigration Services Agency is moving forward with a serious overhaul of the system.
If these changes are officially implemented, obtaining the Business Manager Visa with a small-scale start-up model will become extremely difficult.
🔍 The “Preparation Period” and “Flexibility” of the Startup Visa
| Criteria | Business Manager Visa (Current) | Business Manager Visa (New) | Startup Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital | 5 million yen or more | 30 million yen or more | No requirement (grace period available) |
| Employment | Two Japanese employees or 5 million yen capital | at least one full-time employee (Japanese or work-authorized) | No employment requirement |
| Pre-arrival preparation | Essential in most cases | Even stricter | Preparation after arrival allowed |
The Startup Visa guarantees entrepreneurs a legal “grace period” and “flexibility” to prepare their business in Japan, and its importance will increase further under the new rules.
⚖ Our Policy as Administrative Scriveners
- Strengthen support for Startup Visa applicants
・Assistance with obtaining local government recommendations
・Enhanced review system for application documents and business plans - Consulting for the new requirements
・Support for entrepreneurs who can meet the new 30 million yen capital and employment conditions, including direct routes to the Business Manager Visa - Recommend early applications before the reform takes effect
・For those wishing to apply under the current requirements, we provide schedule management and advice to complete applications before the new rules come into force
💬 A Message to Foreign Entrepreneurs
Regulations may change, but the fundamental principle remains the same: “Japan grants residency to those who can build a sustainable business.”
The amendment reported in August 2025 will shift the requirement from the current “5 million yen or two Japanese employees” to “30 million yen plus at least one Japanese full-time employee.”
This shift will make low-risk, low-capital business models virtually impossible for visa applicants.
In this environment, the Startup Visa is becoming the most realistic and legally viable entry point for foreign entrepreneurs.
If you apply for the “4-month Business Manager Visa” or the standard Business Manager Visa, you will generally need to prepare 30 million yen in capital in advance. This includes company incorporation, office lease, and fund transfers before arriving in Japan—a significant financial risk.
By contrast, the Startup Visa allows you to obtain residency through a local government’s recommendation even before completing capital injection or office contracts. This flexibility enables on-the-ground market research, business planning, and office selection after arriving in Japan.
Moreover, if the business proves unfeasible, withdrawal is still an option, making it a much safer strategy from a risk management perspective.
For entrepreneurs who wish to “see Japan in person before making a decision”, the Startup Visa is the most rational choice.
It is now more important than ever to understand the system correctly and design the right visa strategy based on your business model, financial resources, and support network in Japan.
📩 Contact Us
We will continue to provide the latest updates on regulatory changes and maintain a support system to help you start your business in Japan with confidence.
If you have questions or wish to arrange a personal consultation, please contact us through the form or email below.
