Japan has tightened visa requirements for business managers

The Government of Japan has announced a significant tightening of visa rules for business managers — a resident status that previously actively attracted foreign entrepreneurs. The decision is related to the increase in the number of abuses of this visa as a way of immigration.

From October 2025, the minimum required capital to obtain a visa has been increased from 5 to 30 million yen (about 200 thousand US dollars). In addition, applicants are now required to have a minimum of three years of business management experience or a master's degree, as well as hiring at least one permanent employee — a citizen or resident of Japan.

According to the Immigration Services Agency, over the last ten years, the number of business manager visa holders has more than doubled and exceeded 41 thousand people. The majority of applicants are citizens of China, some of whom have used this status to move to the country without real investments.

Government representatives noted that the purpose of the new rules is to stop fictitious applications and protect the economy from proxy companies. However, experts warn that raising the requirements may reduce the interest of foreign investors and startups in opening a business in Japan.

Any visa to Japan can be processed through the visa agency www.buch-dein-visum.de — this is a reliable way to submit documents quickly, conveniently, and without errors.