Japan Tightens Business Manager Visa: What Entrepreneurs Need to Know in 2025
Starting in October 2025, Japan will introduce major changes to its Business Manager Visa. For foreign entrepreneurs and executives, this means higher financial requirements, stricter eligibility rules, and closer scrutiny of business plans.
The New Rules at a Glance
・ Capital Requirement: Minimum raised from ¥5 million (~$34,000) to ¥30 million (~$200,000)
・ Employment: Must hire at least one full-time staff member
・ Qualifications: Either a relevant degree or 3+ years of management experience
・ Business Plan Review: Plans must be vetted by certified experts
・ Stricter Documentation: Renewals also require both capital and employee proof
👉 Under these rules, only about 4% of current visa holders would still qualify.
Why Japan Is Raising the Bar
The Business Manager Visa has grown fast: over 41,000 people held it by the end of 2024, compared to 27,000 in 2020. Over half are Chinese nationals (21,740), raising concerns about:
・ System abuse: Paper companies and shell entities created to gain residency
・ Unregulated operations: Some businesses were inactive or set up only for short-term lodging (minpaku)
・ International alignment: Japan benchmarked its policies against the U.S. and South Korea before making changes
For policymakers, this reform is about filtering out opportunistic applicants and ensuring only serious, well-capitalized entrepreneurs invest in Japan.
Why China–Japan Relations Matter Here
The visa debate can’t be separated from the historical tension between China and Japan:
・ Wars and Colonization: Japan’s victories over China in the 19th and 20th centuries, and atrocities like the Nanjing Massacre, left deep scars
・ Postwar Issues: Japan’s perceived lack of full apology continues to fuel resentment
・ Territorial Disputes: Islands in the East China Sea (Senkaku/Diaoyu) remain a flashpoint
With Chinese nationals dominating this visa category, the policy shift reflects both immigration reform and geopolitics.
What It Means for Entrepreneurs
If you’re considering Japan for business, here’s the takeaway:
・ Higher Barriers: Early-stage startups and lean ventures will struggle with the ¥30m requirement
・ Proof of Substance: Strong financials and expert-reviewed business plans are now essential
・ Prestige for Those Who Qualify: The visa will carry more weight for those who clear the higher bar
・ Timing Is Key: Applying before October may allow some to qualify under current rules
Beyond the Visa: Language as Your Edge
Even if you meet the new financial and legal requirements, success in Japan depends on communication and trust. Business in Japan is built on long-term relationships, and executives who can operate in Japanese have a clear advantage.
That’s where Kizuna Training comes in. Our Executive Japanese Coaching helps you:
・ Master business Japanese communication
・ Build credibility in negotiations and boardrooms
・ Integrate faster into Japan’s corporate culture
👉 Don’t just qualify for the visa—position yourself to succeed once you’re here.