Japan Immigration News

Japan: Stricter Eligibility and Documentary Requirements for Certain Visa Types Implemented

Release Date: 2025-10-16
Media: Fragomen
Summary: Japan’s Immigration Services Agency will implement revised eligibility rules for the Business Manager and Highly Skilled Professional (Business Manager type) visas beginning October 16, 2025. Under the new system, applicants must employ at least one full-time local worker who is a Japanese national or has an equivalent residence status, and they must provide proof of employment and salary payment. The minimum capital requirement will increase to 30 million yen, replacing the previous threshold of 5 million yen or two full-time employees. Either the applicant or a full-time employee must have Japanese language proficiency equivalent to JLPT N2 or BJT 400 or higher, marking the first time a language standard has been introduced. In addition, extended absences from Japan without a valid reason may lead to denial of visa renewal if the business is deemed inactive.

Other new measures include stricter requirements for certification of business plans, proof of registration and payment for employment and social insurance, tax compliance, submission of business licenses, and the prohibition of home office operations. Applications submitted by October 15, 2025, will still be assessed under the current criteria, and existing Business Manager and HSP-BM visa holders will have a three-year grace period until October 16, 2028, to meet the new standards. From October 16, 2025, the revised criteria will also apply to permanent residence and HSP ii applications by holders of these visas, regardless of when the applications were filed.
Tags: Business Manager

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