The Business Manager status lets you run a company in Japan — but a major 2025 rule change raised the bar sharply, moving the effective capital requirement from ¥5 million to the ¥30 million range and adding staffing and language conditions. It is now a route for funded businesses, not visa-driven paper companies.
Key facts
- Capital (post-2025)
- ~¥30 million range
- Previous threshold
- ¥5 million (historical)
- Physical office
- Required (no virtual)
- Staffing
- Full-time employee required
- Family
- Spouse & children permitted
What changed in 2025 — and why it matters
For years, ¥5 million in capital plus an office was enough on paper, and a cottage industry of visa-driven shell companies grew around it. The 2025 revision ended that model: the capital bar moved to the ¥30 million range, a full-time employee became required, and language/qualification elements were added. The message is clear — this status is now for people actually operating a funded business in Japan.
What examiners actually look at
- Money that is real and traceable. Capital parked briefly in an account is spotted; source-of-funds documentation matters.
- Premises that fit the plan. A one-desk serviced office claiming to run an import business with inventory will fail the smell test.
- A business plan an accountant would sign. Revenue model, market, hiring plan. Renewals then test the plan against reality — see the cost side in Cost of living in Tokyo when budgeting your own pay.
Who should consider other routes
If your goal is simply to work in Japan flexibly, this is now an expensive way to do it. High earners may reach management-track freedom faster via Highly Skilled Professional; early-stage founders should check startup-visa programs under Designated Activities; employees moving with a company belong in the standard work-visa map.
Common mistakes & warnings
- Requirements changed substantially in 2025 and transitional details vary by case. Confirm the current thresholds directly with the Immigration Services Agency or a gyoseishoshi before spending money on incorporation.
- A serviced-office address without real, exclusive premises is a classic ground for refusal — immigration checks the office physically exists and fits the business.
- First grants are typically short (often 1 year, with 4/6-month grants in some cases). Renewals hinge on the business actually operating — revenue, payroll and tax filings are reviewed.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to invest the capital before applying?
Yes. The capital must be real, documented and already in the company (or committed per the current rules) at application time, with a traceable source.
Can I work in my own restaurant/shop day-to-day?
Your role must be management. Standing in the kitchen or serving customers full-time contradicts the status — plan staffing so your documented duties are running the business.
Is there a smaller-scale alternative?
Some startup-support programs (regional startup visas under Designated Activities) offer a 6–12 month runway with lower initial requirements, designed to bridge into Business Manager. Check whether your target municipality runs one.
Official sources
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Immigration rules change; always confirm details with the official sources listed above before making decisions.