New Rules Reshape Business Entry Into Japan

Japan has long been viewed as an accessible market for foreign entrepreneurs seeking to establish and manage a local business. Since October 2025, however, that pathway has become significantly more demanding.

Under Japan’s previous business manager visa framework, applicants could generally qualify by investing JPY 5 million or employing two qualifying full-time employees. Under the revised rules, a new company must generally have paid-in capital of at least JPY 30 million and employ at least one qualifying full-time employee in Japan.

Importantly, not every employee authorised to work in Japan will qualify. The employee must generally be a Japanese national or a foreign national with unrestricted work rights in Japan, such as a permanent resident or certain family-based status holders. Employees on ordinary work visas generally do not meet this requirement.