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Business Manager Visa

Capital requirement jumped sixfold to ¥30 million in October 2025, plus new hiring, language, and experience rules.

The investment requirement was raised from the earlier ¥5,000,000, so older guidance is out of date. Existing holders have a transition period until 16 October 2028.

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Official program name
Business Manager Visa (経営・管理)
Program category
Starting an innovative company / Operating a business / Transferring as executive
Current status
Active but restricted — significantly tightened October 16, 2025
Best suited for
Well-capitalized, experienced founders or executives able to meet the new higher bar
Overview
Japan raised the Business Manager Visa's minimum capital requirement sixfold — from ¥5 million to ¥30 million — effective October 16, 2025. The reform also added several new mandatory conditions: at least one full-time employee (who must be a Japanese national, permanent resident, or certain visa-status holder), Japanese language ability at JLPT N2/CEFR B2 level (held by the applicant or an employee), 3+ years of management experience or a relevant master's/doctoral degree, and a business plan verified by an expert such as an SME consultant, CPA, or tax accountant. A transitional period runs until October 16, 2028 for existing visa holders.
Minimum investment
¥30,000,000 (raised from ¥5,000,000 effective Oct 16, 2025)
Active involvement required
Yes
Residence status granted
Business Manager residence status, issued for 1, 3, or 5-year terms
Family inclusion
Yes
Spouse work rights
Requires separate work permission
Permanent residence pathway
Conditional — general PR after approximately 10 years, or faster via the Highly Skilled Professional points system
Additional requirements (effective Oct 16, 2025)
1+ full-time qualifying employee; JLPT N2/CEFR B2 Japanese; 3+ years management experience or relevant advanced degree; expert-verified business plan
Official source
moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/businessmanager.html

Want more background?

Our guide explains how this route works in practice and what to prepare first.

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Directional guidance only, not immigration advice. Confirm current requirements with Japan's Immigration Services Agency (ISA). Last verified September 15, 2026.