[2025 Revised] Business Manager Visa: Staff & Joint Manager Rules

“Is hiring staff mandatory to get a Business Manager Visa?” “Can all joint managers obtain visas together?”

For foreign entrepreneurs aiming to start a business in Japan, requirements regarding the “number of people” are a major concern. Previously, the rule was “no employees required if capital is 5 million JPY or more.” However, following the legal amendments on October 16, 2025, those rules have changed significantly.

The key points of this article are as follows:

✓  Legal Amendment (Oct 16, 2025): The requirements for obtaining a Business Manager Visa have been significantly tightened. ✓[Most Important]: In addition to capital of 30 million JPY or more, “hiring at least one full-time employee” is now mandatory. ✓Store-based Businesses: For businesses like restaurants, you must hire additional on-site staff on top of this one mandatory employee. ✓Multiple Visas for One Company: Multiple joint managers can obtain visas if each meets individual requirements (e.g., 3+ years of management experience) and the business scale justifies it—however, the hurdle is extremely high. ✓ Anticipated Rejections: It is expected that failure to meet these new, strict requirements will become an increasingly common reason for visa denials.

1.How Many Business Manager Visa Holders Are There in Japan? | Latest Statistics

As of the end of June 2024, there are a total of 39,616 Business Manager Visa holders in Japan. Of these, 37,005 holders (93.4% of the total) are from Asian countries, with 20,551 holders (51.9%) from China. The number of Business Manager Visa holders in Japan each June over the past 10 years is as follows.

The increase in the number of Business Manager Visa holders since 2015 has been largely influenced by amendments to Japan’s Immigration Control Act. Before the amendment, the visa was known as the “Investor/Business Manager Visa,” and it was difficult for foreigners who were not residing in Japan to register a company or open a bank account.

However, following the amendment in April 2015, the “Business Manager” status of residence began to allow applicants who had not yet completed company establishment or secured office space to be granted an initial four-month period of stay. With proof of articles of incorporation and capital, applicants could now enter Japan and complete these procedures after arrival. This significantly lowered the barriers to obtaining the visa, leading to an increase in the number of visa holders.

Although there was a temporary decline during the pandemic, the number of visa holders is now recovering. Japan is also moving toward expanding support for foreign entrepreneurs and easing visa requirements. The environment for obtaining the visa is steadily improving. However, challenges remain regarding fraudulent or superficial applications, and there are calls for stricter review standards.

Reference: Immigration Services Agency of Japan | Statistics on Foreign Residents (formerly Alien Registration Statistics) Statistics on Foreign Residents

2.Japan’s Business Manager Visa: Mandatory 1+ Staff & Japanese Fluency.

Due to the legal amendments on October 16, 2025, obtaining a Business Manager Visa now requires two new human resource mandates in addition to the business scale (capital of 30M JPY+): “hiring a full-time employee” and “a specific level of Japanese proficiency.” It is no longer possible for a solo entrepreneur to obtain this visa without proof of Japanese language skills.

2-1. Mandatory Requirement #1: Hiring at least one full-time employee

Under the old system, you could choose between “capital of 5 million JPY or more” OR “hiring at least two full-time employees.” Consequently, in many cases, it was possible to obtain a visa without hiring any staff.

However, under the new system, this optionality has been abolished. It is now mandatory to meet both the condition of “capital of 30 million JPY or more” AND “hiring at least one full-time employee.”

Important: Defining “Full-time Employee”

The “full-time employees” eligible to satisfy this hiring mandate are limited to those who fall under any of the following categories:

• Japanese Nationals
• Special Permanent Residents
• Holders of the following visa statuses: “Permanent Resident,” “Spouse or Child of Japanese National,” “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident,” or “Long-term Resident”

Note: Foreign nationals working under work visas such as “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” are not included in this one-person headcount.

2-2. Mandatory Requirement #2: A Specific Level of Japanese Language Proficiency

To demonstrate the ability to operate a business smoothly within Japan, it is now mandatory that either the applicant themselves or the hired full-time employee possesses a high level of Japanese language proficiency.

Specific Criteria for “High-level Japanese Language Proficiency”

This is defined as being equivalent to “B2 level or higher” by international standards. Specifically, you must provide proof that you meet any of the following criteria:

• Certified at JLPT N2 or higher (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)
• A score of 400 or higher on the BJT (Business Japanese Proficiency Test)
• Over 20 years of residency in Japan as a mid-to-long-term resident
• Graduated from a Japanese higher education institution (e.g., university or college)
• Completed Japanese compulsory education and graduated from high school in Japan

Who must satisfy these requirements?

The Japanese language requirement does not necessarily have to be met by the applicant themselves; it is acceptable if the hired full-time employee satisfies it.

Crucially, regarding the “full-time employee” used to meet this language requirement—unlike the hiring mandate in Requirement #1—foreign nationals working under other work visas, such as “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services,” can be included.

Consequently, even in industries like IT or trading where a solo operation was previously possible, it is no longer possible to obtain a visa under the new system without hiring at least one full-time employee and proving that either the applicant or an employee possesses the required level of Japanese proficiency.

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3.How Many People Can Obtain a Business Manager Visa for One Company? | Number of Co-Managers

There is no legal limit on the number of Business Manager Visas that can be granted per company. However, in practice, the standard assumption during the review process is typically “one visa holder per company.”That said, depending on the scale and nature of the business, it is possible for multiple applications to be approved. In such cases, it is necessary to provide detailed proof of the reasonableness of having multiple visa holders.

This section explains the requirements for applying with multiple people and examples of cases where such applications have been approved.

3-1. Requirements for Multiple People Applying for a Business Manager Visa in Japan at One Company

In principle, the Business Manager Visa in Japan is intended for individuals such as company representatives, managers, or branch directors, and typically only one visa holder is permitted per company. However, if the business is large and it is determined that management by a single person is not feasible, it may be possible for multiple individuals to obtain visas for the same company.

The main requirements for such cases are as follows:

• There must be a “reasonable justification” based on the scale and workload of the business that necessitates multiple managers.
• The roles and responsibilities of each person must be clearly defined and separated.
• Appropriate compensation must be paid to each individual.

Due to the legal amendments, the hurdles for multiple individuals to obtain a Business Manager Visa within the same company have become even higher. In addition to demonstrating the rationality of the business scale, it is now a major prerequisite that each individual entrepreneur applying for the visa must satisfy the following strict personal requirements.

• At least 3 years of experience in business management or administration, OR a Master’s degree (or higher) in a related field.
• Japanese language proficiency equivalent to JLPT N2 or higher (either the applicant or another employee).

In other words, you must prove with objective data that all co-founders possess sufficient management experience and that the business scale is large enough to justify the need for multiple managers. Furthermore, it is required that each applicant actually performs roles such as making management decisions or executing business operations within their respective areas of responsibility.

Without meeting all of these requirements, obtaining visas for multiple people is generally not allowed. Therefore, when considering this type of application, it is essential to carefully verify the requirements in consultation with an immigration specialist or administrative scrivener.

3-2. Cases Where Multiple Business Manager Visa Applications Were Approved for One Company in Japan

In this section, we present cases in which Business Manager visa applications were approved, drawn from the Immigration Services Agency’s “Approved and Denied Cases.”

[IMPORTANT] The following cases were published by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan prior to the October 2025 legal amendments. While the basic principles regarding the necessity of multiple managers remain a useful reference, it is not guaranteed that the applicants in these cases would have met the current, more stringent personal requirements (such as 3+ years of management experience). Under the new system, you should expect even stricter screening than what is described in these examples when applying for visas for multiple individuals.

Case 1

Foreign nationals A and B each invested 5 million yen to establish a Japanese corporation (with capital of 10 million yen, hereinafter referred to as “Company X”) that handles imported miscellaneous goods. A has expertise in international trade and customs procedures, while B specializes in quality control, inventory management, and accounting for imported products. A is primarily responsible for international business operations, and B handles product management and accounting. The two share decision-making authority regarding Company X’s management policy through mutual consultation. Compensation is distributed from business profits based on their respective investment ratios.

Case 2

Foreign nationals C and D invested 6 million yen and 8 million yen respectively to establish Company Y, a domestic transportation service provider with capital of 14 million yen. In Company Y, each of them is responsible for managing business operations within their designated region, which was determined in advance. The overall management policy of the company is decided through discussions between C and D. Compensation is distributed from business profits according to their respective investment amounts.

Case 3

Foreign nationals E and F are pursuing entrepreneurship in Japan by utilizing the Foreign Entrepreneurship Promotion Project under the National Strategic Special Zones initiative. They plan to establish Company Z with capital of 10 million yen, with E investing 8 million yen and F investing 2 million yen. Company Z will operate a specialized education and training business focused on the field of digital marketing. E, leveraging past entrepreneurial experience and a track record in human resource development, will serve as CEO and Head Trainer. F, drawing on many years of experience in the marketing industry, will serve as Chief Marketing Officer. Together, they will jointly manage the business.

Reference: Immigration Services Agency of Japan, “Clarification of the Residency Requirements for Foreign Business Managers”

4.【New System】How Many Employees Are Required to Obtain a Japanese Business Manager Visa?

Due to the legal amendments, cases where “no hiring is required” have, in principle, been eliminated. The real question now is: “What is the minimum number of employees required?”

4-1. A minimum of one employee is mandatory (Common to all industries)

As previously mentioned, the employment of at least one full-time employee is now mandatory for all Business Manager Visa applications, regardless of the industry. This represents the absolute minimum requirement under the new system.

4-2. Cases requiring “at least one employee + on-site staff”

In industries where on-site operations are essential to business management—such as restaurants, hair salons, massage parlors, and retail stores—the employment of additional staff to run the premises is required in addition to the minimum of one full-time employee mentioned above.

This is because holders of a Business Manager Visa are required to specialize solely in “management and administration,” and are not expected to primarily perform manual labor such as cooking or customer service. If the number of staff (including part-time workers) is not sufficient for the shop’s scale, number of seats, or operating hours as stated in the business plan, the business feasibility will be judged as low, and the likelihood of visa denial will be high.

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5. Other Eligibility Requirements for a Japanese Business Manager Visa

Due to the legal amendments on October 16, 2025, the “Landing Permission Criteria” (the minimum requirements for visa approval) for the Business Manager Visa have become much stricter. In particular, the requirements regarding the “number of people” have changed significantly. Under the new criteria, it is now mandatory to satisfy all five of the following key requirements.

5-1. Business Scale (Capital of 30 million JPY or more AND at least one full-time employee)

The criteria regarding business scale have undergone the most significant changes. The previous system’s optional choice of “either a 5 million JPY investment OR hiring two full-time employees” has been abolished, and it is now mandatory to satisfy both of the following:

• A capital or total investment amount of 30 million JPY or more.
• Employment of at least one full-time employee.

This “full-time employee” is limited to Japanese nationals, Special Permanent Residents, or foreign nationals with resident statuses that have no work restrictions, such as “Permanent Resident” or “Spouse or Child of Japanese National.” In short, to demonstrate the scale of the business, it is now mandatory to hire at least one person in addition to the business owner.

5-2. Securing an Independent Office Space

It is necessary to secure a physical base for conducting business operations. This requirement has also become stricter, and as a rule, using a private residence as a combined home-office is no longer permitted. You must secure an independent, clearly partitioned space that is dedicated solely to business activities.

5-3. A Business Plan Certified by Experts

It is now mandatory for business plans—which demonstrate the stability and continuity of the business—to be reviewed and confirmed by management experts such as Registered Management Consultants (SME Consultants), Certified Public Accountants, or Tax Accountants. You are required to present a highly objective plan that is recognized as “feasible” from the perspective of a professional third party.

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6. Reasons for Denial of a Japan Business Manager Visa Application or Renewal

When obtaining or renewing a Business Manager visa, it is not only the formal requirements but also the substance of the application that is strictly examined. Cases of denial are often seen due to insufficient supporting documents, doubts about the continuity and profitability of the business, or issues related to the applicant’s own suitability and conduct.

Below, let’s take a specific look at typical examples of denials and the reasons behind them.

6-1. The Applicant’s Proof is Insufficient

One of the major reasons a Business Manager visa application is denied is the inadequacy of supporting documents. It is not enough to simply gather the documents specified by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan; the applicants themselves must prove that they meet all the requirements.

Obtaining the visa becomes difficult if you cannot clearly show the source of the capital with documents such as a bank passbook, if the business plan fails to establish a clear outlook for business continuity, or if the physical existence of the office cannot be sufficiently demonstrated with a lease agreement and photographs. In addition, an application may also be denied if the submitted documents are incomplete, or if their content is suspected of containing contradictions or false information.

The entire burden of proof lies with the applicant. It is crucial to not only provide the requested documents but also to proactively prepare and clearly explain with “objective materials” that substantiate the reality and legitimacy of the business.

6-2. The Business Plan is Insufficient, and Stability or Continuity is Not Recognized

In the examination for a Business Manager visa, the stability and continuity of the business are crucial judgment criteria. The business plan, in particular, plays a central role in this evaluation, and if its content is insufficient, the risk of denial increases.

If the sales and financial plans lack persuasiveness and their basis is unclear, the feasibility of the business will be questioned. Therefore, the reality of the business model, its profitability, cost structure, and competitiveness in the market must be clearly demonstrated.

Applicants must construct their sales forecasts, market research, competitor analysis, and profit and loss plans in a specific and realistic manner, and create a business plan that is easy for the immigration officer to understand.

6-3. Deemed to Lack Suitability as a Manager or to Have Poor Conduct

In the examination for a Business Manager visa, the applicant’s suitability and conduct as a manager are important judgment criteria. Major reasons for denial include a past criminal record, violation of tax obligations, failure to enroll in social insurance, exceeding permitted work hours while on a different visa status (Activities Outside the Scope of Qualification), or a history of fraudulent applications. If any of these apply, the applicant will be deemed to have “poor conduct,” which is disadvantageous in the examination.

The likelihood of denial also increases if the applicant lacks management experience or knowledge of the specific industry, or if they are judged not to be substantially involved in the management and administrative duties of the business. Furthermore, failing to complete necessary administrative procedures, such as obtaining business permits for a store or filing the required notifications with the tax office, will cause the credibility of the business to be questioned.

To avoid such risks, it is required that you clearly demonstrate your suitability as a manager by leveraging your work history in the same industry and any qualifications you have obtained. If necessary, hiring experienced staff can also be an effective strategy. It is crucial to prepare by addressing both your credibility and your suitability.

6-4. Failure to Correctly Understand the “Transitional Measures” Following the Legal Amendments

The legal amendments on October 16, 2025, primarily target new applicants with stricter rules, but they also significantly impact existing business owners already residing in Japan under a Business Manager Visa. While a three-year “transitional measure” has been established to ease the transition, misunderstanding these details could lead to the denial of future visa renewals.

Risk of Denial During the Transitional Period (Until October 16, 2028)

During this period, failing to meet the new criteria (such as the 30 million JPY capital requirement) will not result in an immediate denial. However, the screening process will take a comprehensive look at not only your current business situation but also “whether there is a prospect of meeting the new criteria in the future.”

Therefore, simply continuing the business as usual is insufficient. If you cannot demonstrate a specific improvement plan toward meeting the new standards or the future viability of your business at the time of renewal, you risk being judged as having “no prospect” of compliance, which could lead to a denial.

Risk of Denial After the Transitional Period (From October 17, 2028, Onward)

For renewal applications submitted from this date onward, compliance with the new permission criteria is, in principle, required. Failure to meet these criteria will, in and of itself, be a direct ground for denial.

While it has been indicated that exceptions may be made if the business performance is strong, taxes are paid properly, and there is a clear prospect of meeting the new criteria by the next renewal, this is strictly an exceptional measure. If you fail to make any preparations during the three-year transitional period and neglect to adapt to the new criteria, the likelihood of your renewal being denied will be extremely high.

7. Summary

In this article, we have explained the personnel requirements for the Business Manager visa. To summarize the content, the key points are as follows.

✓  Legal Amendment (Oct 16, 2025): The requirements for obtaining a Business Manager Visa have been significantly tightened. ✓[Most Important]: In addition to capital of 30 million JPY or more, “hiring at least one full-time employee” is now mandatory. ✓Store-based Businesses: For businesses like restaurants, you must hire additional on-site staff on top of this one mandatory employee. ✓Multiple Visas for One Company: Multiple joint managers can obtain visas if each meets individual requirements (e.g., 3+ years of management experience) and the business scale justifies it—however, the hurdle is extremely high. ✓ Anticipated Rejections: It is expected that failure to meet these new, strict requirements will become an increasingly common reason for visa denials.

To obtain a Business Manager Visa, it is now required to employ at least one full-time employee and have a capital of 30 million JPY or more. Furthermore, if multiple individuals are applying for a Business Manager Visa within a single company, it is necessary to clarify the necessity of each role and its specific duties. Additionally, each manager is required to have at least three years of experience in business management or hold a relevant academic degree.

For the Business Manager visa application, understanding the requirements and preparing the necessary documents are essential. You are required to meet the conditions regarding the business office, capital, and personnel, and to organize the necessary documents for your specific category. To ensure a smooth business launch in Japan, proceed with each step in a planned manner. If you find the visa application process difficult, it is recommended that you consult an expert, such as a gyoseishoshi (administrative scrivener).