Key Facts
• August 25, 2025: Japan’s Immigration Services Agency proposed stricter visa rules.
• Capital requirement for the “Business/Management” visa raised from ¥5 million to ¥30 million.
• New requirements include 3+ years of management experience and hiring at least one full-time employee.
• Business plans must now be verified by certified small business consultants.
• No restrictions added for business sectors or Japanese language proficiency.
• By late 2024, 41,600 individuals held this visa; only 4% met the new capital threshold.
• Existing visa holders will face updated criteria during renewals but with flexible case-by-case reviews.
• Public comments on the proposal are open until September 24, 2025, with implementation planned for October 2025.
Summary
Japan’s Immigration Services Agency has announced a significant tightening of requirements for the “Business/Management” visa, aimed at foreign entrepreneurs. The capital requirement will increase sixfold, from ¥5 million to ¥30 million, alongside new conditions such as mandatory management experience, hiring full-time staff, and certified business plan verification. These changes address concerns over misuse of the visa by paper companies. While the stricter rules aim to enhance credibility, they do not impose restrictions on business sectors or Japanese language skills. Current visa holders will be evaluated under the new criteria during renewals, with flexibility promised for those unable to meet the updated standards immediately. The proposal is open for public feedback until September 24, 2025, with implementation expected in October 2025.
