Japan will update its business manager visa requirements in 2028, tightening the criteria for foreign entrepreneurs. Find out what rules remain in place, what will change, how to prepare for renewal, and why the government is implementing these reforms.

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In general, for a long period of time, Japan's migration policy has been quite limited. However, in recent years, this highly developed country has begun to experience a shortage of highly qualified workers due to an aging population. In order to strengthen its labor market, the country has begun to invite specialists from abroad. In particular, they introduced a visa for qualified specialists in Japan, approved the simplification of a certain number of migration procedures, and also launched a new permit - Visa Business Manager.

From now on, the country has become a super attractive place for specialists from different countries of the world, including citizens of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Romania.

Read about the basic requirements and procedure for obtaining a business manager visa from Japan in this article.

Before leaving, be sure to take out medical insurance that will cover treatment, hospitalization, and emergency care in Japan. This is not only a guarantee of your safety, but also one of the requirements for obtaining a long-term visa.

Choose a policy that will meet the conditions of your stay - from a short trip to a long-term business stay.

What is the Japanese Business Manager Visa?

The Business Manager Visa is a new work permit in Japan, according to which owners, directors and managers of business entities in Japan are entitled to apply for business manager status to reside in Japan. This type of permit is suitable for foreigners who:

- Plan to open or run their own business in Japan.

- Participate in and manage an existing Japanese business.

- Are the company manager on behalf of a corporation already operating in Japan.

Who can apply for a Japanese Business Manager Visa?

From October 16, 2025, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) has introduced new standards for applicants for Business Manager Visa (BM) and Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visas. The new rules are aimed at improving the quality of business projects and ensuring greater participation of foreign entrepreneurs in the Japanese economy.

1. Hiring a local employee is a mandatory condition

Each visa applicant must hire at least one local employee on a full-time basis. The employee must be:

- a Japanese citizen, or

- a permanent/special permanent resident, or

- a long-term resident, or

- a spouse or child of a Japanese citizen or permanent resident.

To confirm this, you must provide:

- copies of employment contracts,

- salary certificates,

- registration of the employee's place of residence.

Previously, this requirement was optional - the business could operate without local staff.

2. Minimum capital - 30 million yen

The minimum investment or authorized capital has been increased to 30 million yen (about 205,000 US dollars).

For corporations, this is paid-in capital or total contributions.

For sole proprietors, this may include rent, salaries, equipment, etc.

Previously: 5 million yen was required.

3. Business plan and company registration

As before, the applicant must:

- submit a detailed business plan describing the business’s operations, financial projections, and potential profitability;

- register the company in Japan, including all necessary licenses and permits for the specific industry;

- secure office space – the lease must be in the name of the company, and the office must be used exclusively for business purposes (working from home is prohibited).

4. Japanese language requirement

At least one of the following must be fluent in Japanese: the applicant himself or one of the full-time employees.

Minimum level – JLPT N2, BJT 400 points or equivalent qualification.

An alternative is to prove that you have studied or resided in Japan for a long time.

5. Actively managing your business and residing in Japan

The visa holder must be permanently present in Japan and actively managing your business.

Prolonged absence without a valid reason may result in your business being deemed “inactive” and your visa being denied renewal.

6. Proof of financial stability

The applicant must prove that he/she has sufficient income to live in Japan, regardless of the business income.

7. Additional documents and eligibility requirements

Candidates must provide:

- confirmation of participation in health, pension and labor insurance systems;

- certified business plan;

- proof of tax payment;

- copies of licenses and permits, if required for the activity.

8. Transition period

Existing BM and HSP-BM visa holders have a three-year grace period (until October 16, 2028) to bring their activities into compliance with the new requirements.

Package of documents for obtaining a Business Manager Visa

- CV.

- Documents confirming the position and salary.

- Certified copy of business license or registration documents.

- Business plan.

- Certificates of availability of office space.

- Financial report.

- Original and photocopy of passport.

- Two passport-sized photographs.

Business Manager Visa Validity

A Business Manager Visa is issued for a period of 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 4 months or 3 months. The Immigration Bureau assesses the appropriate period based on factors such as the size and stability of the business. Initial visas for newly established companies are often issued for a period of 1 year. Before the visa expires, the resident can apply for an extension, provided that the requirements are met.

Typically, the visa holder can be eligible for permanent residence after 10 years of continuous legal residence in the country (3 if married to a Japanese citizen).

Dual citizenship is not recognized in Japan. To become a Japanese citizen, you must renounce your previous citizenship.

How to prepare if you already have a business manager visa

To smoothly renew your visa after 2028, it is worth adapting to the new requirements in advance.

1. Increase capital

Gradually increase your paid-up capital to 30 million yen through additional investments or reinvestment of profits.

2. Hire a local employee

Your company must have at least one full-time employee who is a Japanese citizen or a permanent resident, long-term resident, or family member of a Japanese citizen.

3. Maintain active business operations

Continue to conduct business continuously, legally, and transparently, comply with reporting requirements, and avoid long periods of inactivity.

Continuous operations for three years will help meet the management experience criteria required for further visa extensions or obtaining a PMP.

4. Improve your Japanese language skills

The new rules require JLPT level N2 or higher. If you don’t already speak the language at this level, start studying early.

5. Comply with tax and insurance requirements

Make sure your company is registered with insurance and pension programs and is paying all national and local taxes correctly.

Failure to comply with these obligations may result in a visa extension being denied, even if other criteria are met.

Why did Japan tighten the rules?

According to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, the reform aims to:

- prevent visa abuse by those who do not conduct real business activities;

- increase the reliability and stability of foreign businesses in the country;

- ensure effective communication between entrepreneurs and Japanese clients, banks, suppliers and government agencies.

Japan is a promising market for expat employment, attracting highly qualified specialists, and the simplification of migration legislation and the introduction of new permits will facilitate easy relocation to the country.

Are you planning to move or open a business in Japan? Our migration specialists will help you prepare documents, draw up a business plan, apply for a Business Manager visa and will accompany you at all stages of obtaining a residence permit.

Seek advice to avoid mistakes and speed up the legalization process.

Reminder! The Japanese government has an entry system for highly qualified foreign specialists to attract talent to the country. The Japanese visa for highly qualified specialists is issued according to a points system to foreigners who meet certain criteria. Find out how to get a Japanese visa for highly qualified specialists in 2025: updated requirements, points system, list of documents and tips for registration.

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