On October 16, 2025, Japan’s Immigration Services Agency (ISA) under the Ministry of Justice implements an amendment to the landing criteria for the “Business Manager” status of residence.
This revision represents one of the most significant tightening measures in recent years, aiming to ensure that only companies with genuine business substance can qualify for this visa category. The key objective is to eliminate paper companies and nominal business structures used to obtain residency without real commercial activity.

Key Points of the Revision

The new standards introduce higher thresholds for both capital and employment, requiring more concrete proof of a viable, ongoing business operation.
According to the announcement and related press coverage, the changes include:

  • Increased capital or investment requirements, ensuring that only financially sustainable enterprises qualify.
  • Stricter conditions for full-time employees and stronger documentation proving actual business activities, such as contracts, sales, or office operations.
  • Enhanced scrutiny to prevent misuse by companies lacking operational substance.

(Exact figures and implementation details should always be confirmed through the official MOJ notice and the ISA website.)

The Transition Measure for Current Residents — What “Three Years After Enforcement” Means

One of the most important parts of the revised notice concerns transitional measures for individuals already holding the “Business Manager” visa.
The key passage states:

“For those who already reside in Japan under this status, compliance with the revised landing criteria will, in principle, be required from the first application for extension of period of stay submitted after three years have elapsed following the enforcement date.”

This note carries significant implications:

  1. The effective date of enforcement is October 16, 2025.
    Therefore, the three-year transition period lasts until October 16, 2028.
  2. During this transition period, existing visa holders who apply for an extension may still be granted approval even if their business does not fully meet the new standards, provided they demonstrate stable management and a reasonable plan toward compliance.
  3. However, for any renewal application submitted after October 16, 2028, applicants will in principle be required to meet the revised criteria in full.
    In short, the grace period is not permanent—it simply postpones full enforcement for three years.

Practical Implications for Current Visa Holders

The “three-year grace period” should not be misunderstood as a simple exemption.
Rather, it represents a window of opportunity for business owners to bring their operations in line with the new standards before the next renewal cycle after 2028.

Practical steps to consider include:

  • Increasing paid-in capital or securing additional investment if the business currently falls below the new capital threshold.
  • Hiring and retaining full-time employees, and maintaining clear employment documentation.
  • Strengthening business documentation, such as sales contracts, invoices, and financial records that demonstrate genuine business activity.
  • Preparing expert assessments (from accountants, lawyers, or immigration specialists) to accompany renewal applications, as immigration authorities are expected to rely more on professional verification during the transition.

Avoiding Misconceptions: The “Old Standards Until 2028” Myth

Some commentators have suggested that renewals before the end of the three-year period can still be approved under the old rules.
While technically true, this view oversimplifies the situation.
Even during the grace period, immigration officers will evaluate the actual business substance and future compliance potential.

Therefore, treating the transition period as a “loophole” could be risky.
It is best understood not as a suspension of the rules, but as a limited preparation period to adapt your business to the new, more demanding framework.

Strategic Takeaways

The stricter criteria are designed to enhance the credibility and transparency of Japan’s immigration and business environment.
While this raises short-term hurdles for some foreign entrepreneurs, in the long run it strengthens trust in Japan’s investment landscape and the legitimacy of the “Business Manager” status.

For current holders, the message is clear:

Plan ahead now for your first renewal after October 16, 2028.

Review your company’s structure, funding, staffing, and operational evidence early—and if needed, consult with qualified professionals to prepare supporting documentation.
By using the three-year window strategically, you can transition smoothly into the new regulatory era without risking visa renewal issues.

Japan Immigration News