Visa Requirements for Entrepreneurs in Japan: updaded Guide
For foreign entrepreneurs dreaming of establishing a business in Japan, the Business Manager Visa is the gateway to turning vision into reality. However, as of October 2025, Japan’s Immigration Services Agency has introduced stricter requirements, raising the bar for applicants to ensure only serious, well-prepared entrepreneurs qualify. This comprehensive guide breaks down the updated requirements, application process, and how Oyemi Japan can guide you through this complex journey with expertise and precision.
1) Proof of Business Registration
Your business must be registered with Japan’s Legal Affairs Bureau, a critical step to establish legitimacy. This involves:
Drafting and notarizing Articles of Incorporation, specifying your business structure and objectives.
Providing proof of a registered office address in Japan.
Completing all registration paperwork, including tax and corporate filings.
Oyemi Japan Services:
Expert assistance in drafting and submitting Articles of Incorporation.
Support in obtaining Certificates of Registered Matters and other documentation.
Coordination with the Legal Affairs Bureau to ensure compliance.
Key Update (October 2025): The registration process remains unchanged, but the Immigration Services Agency now scrutinizes the business’s operational intent more closely, requiring clear evidence of active management by the applicant.
2) Office Space Requirements
A physical office in Japan is mandatory, meeting strict zoning and regulatory standards. Virtual offices or shared residential spaces are generally not accepted. Requirements include:
A commercial lease agreement with clear boundaries and signage.
Proof of a dedicated workspace (e.g., photos, lease contracts) to demonstrate stability.
Oyemi Japan Services:
Guidance on securing compliant commercial office spaces.
Advice on navigating zoning regulations and lease agreements.
Solutions for shared workspaces that meet immigration standards.
Key Update (October 2025): The Immigration Services Agency emphasizes “stability and continuity” of the office space, rejecting temporary or movable setups like stalls. Applicants must provide robust evidence, such as detailed lease contracts, to satisfy stricter screening.
3) Capital Investment and Staffing
Previously, applicants needed either ¥5 million in capital or two full-time employees (Japanese citizens or permanent residents). As of October 2025, both of the following are required:
Capital Investment: A minimum of ¥30 million (approximately $203,000 USD), a significant increase from ¥5 million, to demonstrate financial commitment.
Full-Time Employee: At least one full-time employee (Japanese citizen or permanent resident) with a contract meeting labor standards (30+ hours/week, 5+ days/week).
Oyemi Japan Services:
Assistance in documenting and verifying ¥30 million capital investment.
Support in hiring and onboarding compliant full-time staff.
Financial planning to meet the new threshold and sustain operations.
Key Update (October 2025): Only 4% of current Business Manager Visa holders meet the ¥30 million threshold, highlighting the challenge for small-scale entrepreneurs. Applicants can include paid-in stock options in the capital, but funds must be verifiable.
4) Business Plan Submission
A robust, expert-reviewed business plan is now more critical than ever. It must include:
Clear business objectives and market analysis specific to Japan.
Detailed financial projections, including revenue and expense forecasts.
Operational strategies showing stability and continuity.
Evidence of the applicant’s active management role (not just investment).
Oyemi Japan Services:
Crafting tailored, immigration-compliant business plans reviewed by certified professionals (e.g., CPAs or Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultants).
Translating and formatting plans to meet Japanese standards.
Ensuring plans demonstrate economic contribution to Japan.
Key Update (October 2025): Business plans must now be vetted by a Certified Public Accountant, Tax Accountant, or similar expert to ensure feasibility. The Immigration Services Agency rigorously evaluates plans for market viability and the applicant’s managerial capacity.
5) Background Documentation
Applicants must provide comprehensive documentation to prove their suitability, including:
A resume detailing at least three years of management experience or a university-level business degree.
Evidence of financial stability to support the business and personal living expenses.
Proof of relevant industry experience or skills.
Oyemi Japan Services:
Thorough document preparation and review to meet immigration standards.
Professional translation and notarization of resumes and certificates.
Financial documentation support to demonstrate stability.
Key Update (October 2025): The new requirement for three years of management experience or a business degree adds a significant hurdle, emphasizing the need for a strong professional background.
6) Legal Compliance
Your business must comply with Japanese laws and industry-specific regulations, such as:
Obtaining necessary licenses (e.g., restaurant, lodging, or real estate permits).
Adhering to labor and social insurance laws for employees.
Oyemi Japan Services:
Assistance in securing required licenses and permits.
Ensuring compliance with national and local regulations.
Guidance on labor and social insurance enrollment.
Key Update (October 2025): Compliance is now a focal point for visa renewals, with authorities checking tax payments, social insurance contributions, and medical payment records. Non-compliance could jeopardize visa extensions.
7) Application Submission and Processing
Submit your application to the Immigration Services Agency, typically via a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) process. Key steps include:
Compiling all documents (business plan, lease, capital proof, etc.).
Applying for a COE (1–3 months processing time).
Obtaining the visa at a Japanese embassy (if abroad) or changing status (if in Japan).
The process may involve interviews or additional document requests. Processing times vary by regional office and case complexity.
Oyemi Japan Services:
End-to-end application support, from document preparation to submission.
Monitoring application status and responding to agency queries.
Post-submission guidance for interviews or clarifications.
Key Update (October 2025): The stricter screening process means longer processing times and more frequent requests for additional evidence, especially for financial stability and business feasibility.
8) Post-Visa Support
After securing your Business Manager Visa, you must:
Register your residence at the local municipal office within 14 days.
Notify the tax office of your business operations.
Enroll employees in social and labor insurance programs.
Oyemi Japan Services:
Assistance with residence registration and tax office notifications.
Support for social and labor insurance compliance.
Ongoing guidance to maintain visa status.
Key Update (October 2025): Visa renewals now require proof of business growth (e.g., meeting the ¥30 million capital threshold) and compliance with tax and insurance obligations. Existing visa holders may need to scale up significantly to qualify for extensions.
Key Considerations for 2025
Stricter Standards: The new ¥30 million capital and one-employee requirements make the Business Manager Visa less accessible for small startups. Early planning is critical to meet these thresholds.
Language Barrier: Most documents must be in Japanese, requiring professional translation and notarization to avoid delays.
Cultural Nuances: Understanding Japanese business etiquette; such as punctuality, formal communication, and relationship-building; is essential for success.
Preparation Timeline: Start 6–12 months in advance to secure funding, office space, and a compliant business plan, especially with the new rules.
Why Choose Oyemi Japan?
Navigating Japan’s tightened Business Manager Visa requirements demands expertise, precision, and cultural insight. Oyemi Japan offers:
Immigration Expertise: Tailored support for visa applications, from document preparation to agency liaison.
Business Setup Solutions: Comprehensive assistance with company registration, office leasing, and compliance.
Language and Cultural Support: Professional translations and guidance on Japanese business practices to ensure a smooth transition.
Post-Setup Success: Ongoing compliance support to maintain your visa and grow your business.
With Oyemi Japan, you gain a trusted partner to overcome the complexities of Japan’s immigration and business landscape, ensuring your entrepreneurial journey thrives in 2025 and beyond.
Contact Oyemi Japan today to start your path to success in Japan! Visit our contact page https://www.oyemijp.com/contact-us
Sources
The Mainichi: Japan to toughen requirements for business manager visa applications, August 26, 2025.
Trust Immigration & Administrative: Japan’s Business Manager Visa Requirements Set to Tighten, August 4, 2025.
IMS Legal Professional Corporation: Major Reform: Stricter Requirements for Japan’s Business Manager Visa (Effective October 2025), August 27, 2025.
S-LegalEstate: 2025 Update: Japan’s Business Manager Visa Now ¥30 million; Draft Requirements & How to Prepare, September 5, 2025.
The Asahi Shimbun: Japan to tighten requirements for popular business manager visa, August 4, 2025.
The Japan Times: Japan aims to tighten rules for business manager visas from October, August 26, 2025.
E-Housing: New Rules Raise the Bar for Japan’s Business Manager Visa, August 28, 2025.
IMS Legal Professional Corporation: Important Update: Stricter Requirements for the Business Manager Visa in Japan, August 26, 2025.
S-LegalEstate: Business Manager Visa in Japan; Is It Hard? A Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs, June 4, 2025.
The Asahi Shimbun: Japan to punish longer-term foreign residents in arrears, August 2025.