– Policy Update and Current Information as of August 2025 –
目次
Introduction
Since late July 2025, rumors have rapidly spread on X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms that the capital requirement for the Business Manager Visa in Japan will be raised to 30 million yen. Until now, the official requirement has been a minimum capital of 5 million yen, so a sudden sixfold increase would have a major impact—not only on foreign entrepreneurs, but also on professionals who support business establishment in Japan.
This article summarizes all confirmed information as of August 2025, highlights what remains unconfirmed, and explains the fundamentals of the Business Manager Visa system and the possible implications of the proposed changes.
Chapter 1: What Is the Business Manager Visa?
Let’s begin by reviewing the basics of the Business Manager Visa, which is at the center of this discussion.
The “Business Manager” visa is a status of residence in Japan for foreigners who wish to start a company or manage an existing business in Japan. It is designed for entrepreneurs, investors, branch managers, and similar roles.
Current Main Requirements:
Item
Details
Capital Investment
At least 5 million yen (or hiring two full-time employees)
Business Premises
A physical office is required (virtual offices are not allowed)
Business Plan
A feasible business plan and financial forecast must be submitted
Others
Required licenses (depending on industry), residential setup in Japan, etc.
Chapter 2: Where Did the “30 Million Yen” Rumor Come From?
On July 29, 2025, the Tokyo Immigration Bureau reportedly held a closed-door briefing for administrative scriveners, during which the following message was conveyed:
“We are considering raising the capital requirement for the Business Manager Visa to 30 million yen.”
This information quickly spread via social media as several administrative scriveners shared it on X, creating a stir among professionals and prospective applicants.
However, as of August 5, 2025, the situation is as follows:
❌ No official announcement from the Ministry of Justice or Immigration Services Agency
❌ No change to the Immigration Control Act or related ordinances
✅ Most likely to be introduced as a change in operational guidelines (not a legal amendment)
Therefore, it is not yet confirmed that “you must have 30 million yen to apply.” This is still at the consideration and internal preparation stage.
Chapter 3: Why Raise the Requirement? The Background and Purpose
Why would Japan consider raising the capital requirement so drastically?
✅ Background Issues
Increase in “paper companies” with no real business operations
Applicants misusing the visa for short-term employment (e.g., food service, manual labor)
Large-scale applications by brokers and some unscrupulous professionals
✅ Purpose of the Change
To prevent abuse of the visa system and improve the quality of foreign entrepreneurship
To set a financial threshold that filters out unserious applicants
To promote trust in the visa system and support only viable business ventures
However, the 30 million yen requirement is quite steep and could become a major barrier, especially for small startups and entrepreneurs in rural areas.
🔍 Why Is This Linked to “Chinese Applicants”?
Surge in Suspicious Company Formations
There have been many cases in Tokyo where Chinese nationals have registered multiple shell companies—sometimes dozens in one small shared office. These cases have raised concerns of visa misuse.
Media and Social Media Amplification
Some media outlets and SNS users have portrayed Chinese nationals as systematically exploiting the visa system, fueling the narrative that they are the reason for the crackdown.
✅ But the System Does Not Discriminate by Nationality
Japan’s immigration law officially prohibits discrimination based on nationality. Any change in visa requirements applies equally to all applicants, regardless of their country of origin.
While there may be more prominent examples involving Chinese nationals, similar misuse has also occurred with other nationalities.
Chapter 4: If the 30 Million Yen Rule Is Implemented, What Will Happen?
If the requirement is formally changed to 30 million yen, the impact will be significant:
Area of Impact
Details
Higher Barrier to Entry
Many applicants will not be able to raise the required capital
Decline in Broker-Driven Cases
Paper companies and fraudulent applications may decrease
Challenges for Rural Startups
Regional entrepreneurs and student-led ventures may be affected
Change in Support Services
Visa consultants will need to focus more on financial planning and feasibility support
Chapter 5: What Should Applicants Do Right Now?
For those currently preparing to apply or planning to start a business in Japan, the big question is:
“When will the new requirement take effect?”
✅ Key Points (As of August 2025)
No formal announcement or amendment has been made yet.
Internal discussions and preparations appear to be underway.
A guideline update and stricter reviews may occur within the next few months.
Past examples show that immigration offices often tighten screening without legal amendments.
✅ Advice for Applicants
If your capital is below 30 million yen, consider alternate visa options (e.g., if you have a Japanese spouse, other residency options may be available).
If you plan to apply under the 5 million yen rule, act fast. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of facing the new threshold.
Even if your company is already established, your application could still be reviewed under new criteria depending on the submission date.
Chapter 6: Has the Stricter Review Already Started?
As of August 2025, the official capital requirement remains 5 million yen. However, many immigration offices are already conducting stricter reviews in practice.
✅ Current Trends in Practice
Applications with “bare minimum” setups (e.g., exactly 5 million yen, no staff, shared office) are more likely to be rejected.
Greater emphasis is placed on substance over form—profit potential, sustainability, and detailed business operations are under scrutiny.
Among administrative scriveners, many now say: “Just 5 million yen isn’t enough anymore. Aim for at least 10 million.”
Social media posts by professionals also reflect this growing concern.
✅ Practical Conclusion
While the legal threshold is still 5 million yen, immigration officers may already be applying stricter internal standards. It is safest to assume that the de facto requirement has already been raised.
📌 If you are planning to apply:
Strengthen your business plan, personnel strategy, and office setup.
If possible, increase your capital to 10 million yen or more for higher approval chances.
Chapter 7: Summary and Key Takeaways
✅ Key Takeaways
A capital requirement increase to 30 million yen is under discussion.
As of August 2025, there has been no official policy change or legal revision.
A guideline update may come within the next few months.
If you wish to apply under the 5 million yen rule, act quickly.
The system is already becoming stricter in practice, even without legal reform.
At our office, we continue to monitor these developments and offer support to those considering applying for the Business Manager Visa in Japan.
If you’re concerned about the upcoming changes or planning to start a business, feel free to contact us for assistance.
📝 Want to Understand the Deeper Background?
This proposed change to a 30 million yen capital requirement is more than just a number—it may reflect a major shift in how Japan evaluates foreign entrepreneurs.
To help applicants and professionals better understand the intent behind this change, we’ve prepared a dedicated article that explores:
Why now?
What is the immigration authority’s real concern?
How will future visa screening change?
👉 [Why 30 Million Yen? The Truth Behind Japan’s Business Manager Visa Capital Requirement Change](※insert link)
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