GUIDE · BUSINESS MANAGER
Business Manager visa: the new requirements
在留資格「経営・管理」Keiei-kanri — revised on October 16, 2025
Since October 16, 2025, the Business Manager status asks for much more than before. Here is what the official standards say, in plain English.
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Capital
¥30M
Paid-in capital for a company
Staff
1+
Full-time, with qualifying status
Japanese
B2
You or a full-time employee
Existing holders
2028
Transition until Oct 16, 2028
The requirements since October 16, 2025
| Requirement | What the official standards say |
|---|---|
| Capital資本金 | At least ¥30 million. For a company, this is paid-in capital (retained earnings do not count). For a sole proprietor, the total invested to run the business. |
| Full-time staff常勤職員 | At least one full-time employee who is Japanese, a special permanent resident, or holds a status such as permanent resident or spouse. Dispatched staff do not count. |
| Japanese language日本語能力 | You or a full-time employee at about B2 level — for example JLPT N2 or BJT 400 or higher. |
| Education or experience経歴 | A relevant master’s, doctorate or professional degree, or at least 3 years of business management experience. |
| Business plan事業計画 | Checked by an outside expert: a certified SME consultant, CPA or tax accountant. |
| Office事業所 | An office suited to the size of the business. Using your home as the office is generally not accepted. |
Summary of the Immigration Services Agency’s page. Always read the official page and the full guidelines before you apply.
If you already hold Business Manager
- Until October 16, 2028, a renewal will not be refused only because you do not meet the new standards yet; the agency looks at how the business is doing and whether you are likely to meet them
- After that date, renewals are expected to meet the new standards, with case-by-case decisions for sound businesses that pay their taxes and social insurance
- Applications filed before October 16, 2025 were judged under the old standards
Office: check before you sign
The standards ask for an office that fits the business, and a home office is generally not accepted. A mailbox or virtual-office address alone may not be enough — ask a gyoseishoshi before you sign a lease. Your office address also matters for bank screening.
How this links to subsidies
- With ¥30 million in capital, your company is a taxable business for consumption tax from its first year — see Taxes for new companies
- The required full-time employee means you will run payroll and social insurance from the start — see Hiring and social insurance
- Employment grants such as the Career-Up Grant can support hiring and raising pay
FAQ
How much capital do I need for a Business Manager visa in Japan?
Since October 16, 2025, at least ¥30 million. For a company this means paid-in capital; retained earnings and capital reserves do not count.
Do I need to hire an employee for the Business Manager visa?
Yes. The revised standards require at least one full-time employee who is a Japanese national, special permanent resident or a resident with a status such as permanent resident or spouse of a Japanese national.
Can I renew my Business Manager visa under the old rules?
Until October 16, 2028, a renewal will not be refused only because you do not yet meet the new standards. After that, renewals are expected to meet them, with case-by-case decisions for sound businesses.
Can I use a virtual office for the Business Manager visa?
The standards ask for an office suited to the business and say a home office is generally not accepted. They do not approve virtual offices, so check with a gyoseishoshi before you sign.
Sources
- Revised standards for the Business Manager status (経営・管理) — Immigration Services Agency
- Setting up business in Japan — residence status steps — JETRO
This page is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. The official Japanese guidelines always take priority.
NEED HELP IN ENGLISH?
Talk to an English-speaking expert
Gyoseishoshi who handle Business Manager applications for foreign founders — in English.
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USEFUL TOOLS
- Zeirishi.com — find a tax accountant (free enquiry) ↗Japanese-language service
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