My name is Teruyoshi Yoneda, the representative of Yoneda Legal Services.I specialize in international legal services such as visa and naturalization applications. Based mainly in Hiroshima Prefecture, I support foreign nationals living in Japan with various immigration procedures, including work visas, Business Manager visas, spouse visas, and permanent residency applications, as well as naturalization.In this article, I will explain how foreign business owners operating companies in Japan can renew their Business Manager Visa, in accordance with the new standards.
1. Key Points of the Business Manager Visa Revisions
On October 16, 2025, the Ministerial Ordinance on Landing Requirements and related regulations were revised, resulting in stricter criteria. For individuals who are already residing in Japan under a Business Manager Visa and apply for a visa renewal between now and October 16, 2028, the examination will take into account their current business performance and the likelihood of meeting the new standards in the future—even if they do not yet fully satisfy the revised requirements.In other words, a three‑year grace period has been granted, during which applicants are expected to prepare and bring their business into compliance with the new criteria.
| Previous Requirements | Revised Requirements | |
| Capital Stock / Total Investment | 3M￥ | 30M￥ |
| Work Experience & Educational Background | Not required | At least three years of experience in business management, or a master’s‑level (or higher) degree related to business administration or the specific field of the business being managed |
| Employment Requirement | Not required | Employment of at Least One Full‑Time Employee |
| Japanese Language Proficiency | Not required | Either the applicant or at least one full‑time employee must possess a sufficient level of Japanese language proficiency. |
| Business Plan | No Expert Verification Required | Mandatory Verification by Certified Experts such as Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultants or Tax Accountants |
2. How to Renew a Business Manager Visa
To renew a Business Manager Visa, you are required to meet the revised criteria outlined below.
(1) Capital Stock / Total Investment
To meet the required business scale under the revised criteria, the company must increase its capital to at least 30 million yen. To carry out a capital increase, the following steps are necessary:①Resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders Decide the details of the capital increase.②Payment of the Capital Contribution Ensure that the funds for the capital increase are properly deposited.③Registration of the Capital Increase File the capital change registration with the Legal Affairs Bureau.(It is recommended to request assistance from a judicial scrivener.) ④Revision of Financial Statements Update the balance sheet to reflect the increased capital amount.⑤Preparation of Explanatory Documents for Immigration Prepare documentation explaining the background of the capital increase, the source of funds, and other relevant details.
(2) Work Experience & Educational Background
The applicant must have at least three years of experience as a business manager, or hold a master’s degree or higher in a field related to business management or the relevant industry.
(3) Employment Requirement
It is required that the company employ at least one full‑time employee. The employee must be a Japanese national, a permanent resident, a long‑term resident, the spouse of a Japanese national, or the spouse of a permanent resident.
(4) Japanese Language Proficiency
Either the business owner or one of the employees must possess Japanese‑language proficiency equivalent to at least the N2 level.
(5) Office
Regarding the office requirement, under the previous rules, a home‑office setup could be accepted as long as the living space and business area were clearly separated. However, under the revised criteria, home‑office arrangements are expected to no longer be permitted.Therefore, individuals currently operating from a home‑office will need to secure a separate, independent office space. When renting an office, the lease agreement must clearly state that the premises are to be used for business purposes—such as “commercial use,” “store,” or “office.” The tenant should be the corporation established by the foreign entrepreneur, and it must be clear that the premises are used by that corporation. Additionally, relocating the office requires updating the corporate registration, as well as preparing necessary office equipment such as desks, computers, and other furnishings.
3. Main Required Documents
The required documents vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the size of the company, but the main documents typically include the following.
①Application for Extension of Period of Stay
②Residence Card / Passport
③Total Statutory Report of Withholding Tax Certificates for Employees’ Salary Income (for the Previous Year)
④ Financial Statements for the Most Recent Fiscal Year
⑤Copy of the Certificate of Registered Matters of the Corporation
⑥Copy of Relevant Licenses or Permits (for businesses engaged in activities requiring official authorization)
⑦A detailed written explanation of the business management or administrative activities conducted during the most recent period of stay
⑧Documents evidencing actual business transactions, such as contracts with clients or invoices
⑨Documents certifying Japanese‑language proficiency (e.g., JLPT certificate)
⑩Certificate of Municipal Taxation and Tax Payment (showing total annual income and tax payment status) – for individuals
⑪Certificate of Payment of Labor Insurance Premiums
⑫Certificate of Social Insurance Premium Payment
⑬Tax Payment Certificate (Form No. 3) (Tax items: Withholding Income Tax and Special Reconstruction Income Tax, Corporate Tax, Consumption Tax, and Local Consumption Tax)
⑭Prefectural Tax Payment Certificate (Covering Corporate Enterprise Tax, Special Corporate Enterprise Tax, and Corporate Inhabitant Tax such as Tokyo Metropolitan, Hokkaido, or Prefectural Inhabitant Taxes)
⑮Municipal Tax Payment Certificate (Covering Corporate Municipal Tax, Corporate Town Tax, and Corporate Village Tax)
⑯Documents proving the employment of staff (e.g., employment contracts)
⑰Explanatory Statement for the Application
⑱Business Plan with Expert Evaluation (if required)
⑲Office Lease Agreement / Photographs of the Office
⑳Documents evidencing the formation process of capital (e.g., remittance records)
At our office, we conduct careful and thorough interviews to accurately understand each applicant’s individual circumstances, allowing us to provide support tailored to their specific needs.If you are considering renewing your Business Manager Visa in the Chugoku region (Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori) or elsewhere in Japan, we offer free consultations. Please feel free to contact us at any time.We are committed to providing full support so that you and your family can live in Japan with peace of mind.
