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

The Japan Immigration Services Agency (ISA) has announced revisions to the eligibility criteria for the Business Manager (BM) and Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) i-c (Business Manager Type) visas, Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) ii (Business Manager Type) effective October 16, 2025. The changes are as follows:   

• Local employee requirement. Applicants must employ at least one full-time worker who is either a Japanese national, a Special Permanent or Permanent Resident, a Spouse or Child of a Japanese national or Permanent Resident, or a Long-Term Resident. Proof of employment, including residence registration and salary payment, must be submitted. Previously, employing local staff was encouraged but not mandatory; a sole-proprietor or one-person company could qualify if it maintained a physical office and met the capital criterion. 

• Minimum capital requirement. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum capital of JPY 30 million. For corporations, this refers to paid-in capital or total contributions, while individuals may include essential business expenses such as rent, employee salaries, and equipment costs. Further clarification is expected on the definition of “individual.” Previously, the minimum was JPY 5 million in paid-in capital or investment, or the employment of at least two full-time employees.  

• Japanese language proficiency. Either the applicant or a full-time employee must have Japanese language ability equivalent to B2 level or higher, such as JLPT N2, BJT 400+, or equivalent qualifications, including long-term residency or graduation from a Japanese high school or university. Previously, there was no language requirement. 

• Residency requirement. Extended absences from Japan without a valid reason may lead to a finding that the business is inactive, potentially resulting in visa renewal denial. Previously, absences were evaluated on a case-by-case basis; there was no defined limit on time spent abroad if the business continued to operate. 

There are also new rules regarding certification of business plans, proof of registration and payment for employment insurance, pension, health insurance, and taxes, submission of business licenses, and denial of home office operation. 

Applications submitted by October 15, 2025 will continue to be assessed under the current rules, while BM and HSP-BM visa holders will have a three-year grace period until October 16, 2028 to comply with the new rules. From October 16, 2025, the new BM criteria will also apply to permanent residency applications and HSP ii applications filed by BM or HSP-BM holders, regardless of when the application was submitted. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].