Japan Business Manager visa: the October 2028 transition

Tiếng Việt · 日本語 · English

The Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) expressly rejects the claim that existing holders must leave Japan if they cannot prepare ¥30 million by that date. GTB explains the distinction and the operational records businesses should prepare.

Official information checked on 3 November 2026. ISA’s highlighted FAQ was updated on 26 June 2026. Source: ISA official guidance.

What does October 2028 mean?

During the transition, covered existing holders are not refused renewal solely because they do not yet meet the revised criteria. ISA considers business performance and the prospect of meeting those criteria.

Renewal applications after the three-year transition are expected to meet the new standards. However, ISA states that even when they are not yet met, it considers the overall circumstances where business performance is sound, corporate tax and other relevant obligations are properly fulfilled, and there is a prospect of meeting the revised criteria by the next renewal. This is an individual assessment, not a guaranteed extra extension. See the highlighted FAQ questions 1–3 and transitional provisions.

Key revised requirements to review

• At least ¥30 million in capital or qualifying business investment.For companies, the applicable paid-in capital or total contributions are assessed; payroll and office maintenance costs cannot simply be added. For sole proprietors, the measure is the total invested in items needed for the business, such as premises, one year of employee salaries and equipment.
• At least one eligible full-time employee.This covers Japanese nationals, special permanent residents and foreign nationals holding an Appended Table II status, such as Permanent Resident, Spouse or Child of Japanese National, Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident, or Long-Term Resident. Not every work-status holder qualifies for this employment requirement.
• Japanese proficiency.The applicant or a full-time employee must have proficiency equivalent to B2 or above. JLPT N2 or higher and BJT 400 or higher are examples; ISA also recognizes specified educational and residence histories. Employees who can satisfy the language criterion are a wider group than those counted for the employment criterion.
• The applicant’s education or experience.A relevant doctorate, master’s or professional degree in management or a field of skills or knowledge needed for the business, or at least three years of business management experience, is required.
• Expert review of the business plan.At the residence-status determination stage, a qualified expert must assess its specificity, reasonableness and feasibility. ISA identifies Japanese-qualified SME management consultants, certified public accountants and tax accountants. An officer or employee of the applicant’s company cannot act as that evaluator.

This summarizes the amendments, not every requirement for every application. Check the official criteria and Q&A and the application-document guidance.

Revenue and tax payments are not the whole assessment

ISA also examines compliance with labor laws and minimum wages, required social and labor insurance procedures and payments, and business permits. Genuine day-to-day management matters. Outsourcing most activity while the applicant neither manages the business nor understands its finances may cause problems. See ISA’s highlighted FAQ question 2 and Q&A question 19.

For a restaurant, retailer or business unit, revenue reports should therefore be supported by purchasing records, payroll, insurance records, permits and evidence of actual management decisions.

A practical preparation plan

The following is GTB’s management recommendation, not an additional statutory deadline.

1. Map the gaps within 30 days.Record the residence expiry and next renewal, capital, eligible staff, language evidence, qualifications or experience, permits, and tax and insurance obligations. Assign an owner and supporting documents to each item.
2. Maintain monthly records.Reconcile revenue, bank transactions, invoices and payroll. Retain tax and insurance payment evidence and management decisions. Keep each legal entity’s figures distinct from consolidated group reporting.
3. Plan feasible capital and recruitment changes.Identify funding sources, fixed costs, cash-flow needs and the ability to sustain employment. A target without financing or evidence is not an executable plan.
4. Work back from the actual renewal date.Consult appropriately authorized immigration, tax and labor professionals early. Do not wait until October 2028 to start.

How GTB’s operating model fits

GTB’s operating platform emphasizes clear responsibility, financial control and visibility into each business unit. Applied here, the objective is an accountable record of who made decisions, what activity occurred, where funds went and which obligations were fulfilled.

Joining a group or using management support does not automatically satisfy residence-status requirements. Capital from several companies cannot simply be combined to reach ¥30 million: ISA’s Q&A question 11 requires at least one of those companies to meet the capital threshold. Each applicant’s genuine management activity remains relevant.

When discussing operating-record preparation with GTB, provide the business sector, legal form, planned renewal period and current management issues. Immigration assessment and procedures require appropriately authorized professionals. GTB does not guarantee an immigration outcome.

Frequently asked questions

Do the new rules only start in October 2028?

No. They took effect on 16 October 2025. October 2028 is the transitional milestone for covered renewals.

Does having less than ¥30 million mean automatic refusal?

No. ISA expressly explains a conditional overall assessment after the transition. This does not mean approval is guaranteed.

Is JLPT N2 enough?

No. Language proficiency is one requirement among capital, staffing, education or experience, genuine business activity and other applicable criteria.

Should a company start by increasing capital?

First identify all gaps, then coordinate capital, staffing and operational preparation with appropriate professionals. Capital alone does not resolve every issue.

Official sources and scope

• ISA: revised criteria, transition and FAQ
• ISA reform guidelines (PDF)
• Business Manager application guidance

This article summarizes public guidance checked on the date above and does not replace an individual assessment. Guidance may change before 2028; check the current official requirements when applying.