Business Manager visa: ¥30 million capital and a full-time employee

The standards for the Business Manager status went up on 16 October 2025. A new permit now needs all of these:

• ¥30 million or more in capital, up from ¥5 million. For a sole proprietor, it’s the total invested in the business.
• At least one full-time employee who is a Japanese national, a special permanent resident, or a foreign resident on a status such as Permanent Resident or Spouse. Employees on work visas don’t count.
• Japanese at B2 level or above, from either the applicant or a full-time employee. Here the employee can be on any status. ISA checks this through JLPT N2, 400 or more on the BJT, 20 or more years as a mid- to long-term resident, a degree from a Japanese university or similar institution, or finishing compulsory education and high school in Japan.
• 3 years of management experience, or a master’s, doctoral or professional degree in management or the business’s field.
• A business plan checked by a small and medium enterprise consultant, certified public accountant or tax accountant.

Before, ¥5 million in capital or two full-time employees was enough. As a rule, your home can no longer double as your office.

If you already hold the status

Until 16 October 2028, ISA won’t refuse a renewal only because you don’t meet the new standards. It still checks labour law compliance, social insurance, licences and tax payments. After that date, ISA says it can still consider your case if the business is doing well, its taxes are paid, and you’re likely to meet the standards by your next renewal.

The new standards already matter for permanent residence. If you don’t meet them, you can’t get PR from Business Manager or from Highly Skilled Professional (i)(c) or (ii) based on business management.