Japan's Business Manager Visa Now Needs ¥30 Million: What Changed

Updated October 2026.

Japan raised the minimum capital for the Business Manager Visa from ¥5 million to ¥30 million on October 16, 2025. Any guide that still quotes the old figure is out of date.

The new conditions The reform added several rules. You need at least one full-time employee. That person must be a Japanese national or a permanent resident or hold another qualifying status. Japanese language ability at JLPT N2 level must be held by the applicant or by an employee. You need three or more years of management experience or a relevant master's or doctoral degree. The business plan must be verified by an expert such as an SME consultant or a CPA or a tax accountant.

Existing visa holders have a transition period that runs until October 16, 2028.

The Startup Visa as a bridge The Startup Visa gives founders up to two years under a Designated Activities status. You can use that time to find an office and build a team and arrange financing before you must meet the full Business Manager requirements. It is not a route to permanent residence on its own.

Who is this for The Business Manager Visa now suits well-capitalized and experienced founders. Early-stage teams may do better with the bridge visa or with a different country. Permanent residence usually takes about 10 years in Japan and can be faster under the Highly Skilled Professional points system.

Sources: Immigration Services Agency of Japan. ORBIZLY program review of September 15, 2026.