Japan’s Immigration Services Agency is considering raising the minimum capital requirement for the Business Manager visa, which grants foreign entrepreneurs the right to reside and operate businesses in Japan. Currently set at 5 million yen, the proposed increase aims to better regulate visa issuance and address concerns about public safety and the business environment.
Compared to other countries, Japan’s current capital threshold is notably low. Raising the amount is expected to curb cases where the visa is used for purposes other than genuine business activity, particularly by some Chinese nationals.
The Business Manager visa allows holders to stay in Japan for up to five years, provided they meet certain criteria such as investing at least 5 million yen, employing two or more full-time staff, and maintaining a business office in Japan. There are no restrictions based on age, education, or language skills.
In recent years, the number of Chinese nationals holding this visa has surged. As of June 2024, the figure had more than doubled since 2015, reaching 20,551—over half of all holders of this visa category in Japan. This growth is especially noticeable in areas like Osaka Prefecture, where some companies offering guesthouse services have been established primarily to obtain visas, with the operators relocating to Japan.
Haruko Arimura, a Liberal Democratic Party member of the House of Councillors, said lawmakers are concerned the visa has become “an easy pathway to permanent residency,” potentially impacting public safety and the business climate.
Some affluent Chinese nationals are also attracted to Japan because of its education system and social security benefits.
By comparison, South Korea requires capital of approximately 300 million won (about 30 million yen) for similar visas, highlighting Japan’s relatively low threshold.
Japan intends to maintain the Business Manager visa as a category for high-skilled professionals. Discussions on revising the Ministry of Justice regulations are expected to begin in the current fiscal year.
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