Business Manager visa (経営・管理) — post–16 Oct 2025 reform
Japan’s Business Manager status of residence (経営・管理) was reformed effective 16 October 2025. Confirmed headline changes for planners include: capital / investment of at least JPY 30 million (previously commonly cited at JPY 5 million); at least one full-time employee; Japanese language ability at roughly B2 / JLPT N2 level for the applicant or a full-time employee; a Master’s degree or at least three years of management experience; and business-plan verification by a qualified professional. Always confirm the exact statutory and Immigration Services Agency (ISA) implementing details on moj.go.jp / ISA pages and practical entry guidance on jetro.go.jp before incorporating or remitting funds — secondary blogs often lag the reform.
Min. capital
≥ JPY 30 million
Best for: Founders and executives who can fund ≥ JPY 30M, hire at least one full-time employee, meet language and education/experience bars, and submit a professionally verified business plan.
Post–16 Oct 2025 reform: capital/investment threshold of at least JPY 30 million (was JPY 5 million under prior practice). Confirm how “capital/investment” is measured for your entity type on official ISA / MOJ materials (verify-on-official-site).
Investment options
- Capital / investment ≥ JPY 30 million under reformed rules
- Employ at least 1 full-time employee as required
- Japanese language B2 / N2: applicant OR full-time employee
- Business plan verified by a qualified professional
- Company setup and office substance consistent with ISA expectations (verify-on-official-site)
Eligibility
- Capital / investment ≥ JPY 30 million (reformed threshold)
- At least one full-time employee
- Japanese proficiency at B2 / JLPT N2 level for the applicant or a full-time employee
- Master’s degree OR 3+ years of management experience
- Business plan verification by a qualified professional
- Standard passport, Certificate of Eligibility / visa process via ISA and missions abroad as applicable
Process timeline
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1
Confirm reform fit
Re-read ISA/MOJ Business Manager criteria post–16 Oct 2025; budget JPY 30M+ and hiring/language costs.
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2
Incorporate & capitalise
Form the Japanese entity, remit qualifying capital, secure premises, and prepare to hire one full-time employee.
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3
Verify plan & gather language/experience proof
Obtain professional business-plan verification; document Master’s or 3+ years management; evidence N2/B2 for applicant or employee.
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4
CoE / visa & landing
Certificate of Eligibility and visa issuance as required; enter Japan and maintain status conditions.
Family
Dependent status may be available for eligible family members under Japanese immigration rules — confirm current dependent work restrictions and document lists on ISA pages.
Work rights
Authorised to engage in business management activities covered by the Business Manager status. Other employment generally requires a different status or permission — verify ISA.
Route to PR
Permanent residence is a separate application after meeting residence duration, tax, and conduct criteria under Japanese rules — not automatic with Business Manager status. Verify ISA PR guidance (verify-on-official-site).
Route to citizenship
Naturalisation is discretionary and typically requires longer residence, language, and renunciation considerations under Japanese nationality law. Dual nationality with Pakistan needs careful legal advice.
Pros
- Clear post-reform published bars (capital, hire, language, experience, plan)
- Access to Japan’s large domestic market and deep supply chains
- JETRO support ecosystem for foreign investors
- Credible status for serious operators (not a minimal paper company route)
Watch-outs
- JPY 30M + full-time hire + language is a major jump from the old JPY 5M practice
- Plan verification by a qualified professional adds cost and lead time
- Office and substance expectations can be scrutinised — avoid shell setups
- Always verify live ISA/MOJ text; reform details may be refined in implementing notices