Business Manager Visa: The 30 Million Yen Capital Requirement | For Corporations and Sole Proprietors

Following the amendment to the landing criteria that came into effect on October 16, 2025, applicants for Japan's "Business Manager" residence status are now required to have capital of at least 30 million yen. The calculation method differs between corporations and sole proprietors. Understanding the specific standards and how to demonstrate compliance is essential.

For Corporations

For corporations, the "total value of assets used for the business in question" refers to the paid-in capital of a stock company (kabushiki kaisha), or the total investment amount for general partnerships (gomei kaisha), limited partnerships (goshi kaisha), or limited liability companies (godo kaisha).

Capital reserves, capital surplus, and retained earnings are not included in the "total value of assets used for the business." Operating costs such as employee salaries and office maintenance expenses cannot be combined with capital to reach the 30 million yen threshold.

Compliance is confirmed through a certificate of registered matters (登記事項証明書) and similar documents.

For Sole Proprietors

For sole proprietors, the "total value of assets used for the business in question" refers to the total amount invested in operating the business, including securing a business office, one year of employee salaries, and equipment investment costs. This is not a requirement to prepare registered capital.

As proof, the most recent year's financial statements must be submitted. Receipts and other documentation related to business expenses may also be required as needed.

Handling of Balance Sheets

A balance sheet is required as part of the application documents. Even if the first fiscal year has not yet ended and no balance sheet has been prepared, applicants must create and submit a balance sheet as of the date of establishment or any point thereafter. The fact that the fiscal year has not yet ended does not exempt applicants from this requirement.

Transitional Measures for Those Already Residing in Japan

Those already residing in Japan under the Business Manager status who file a renewal application before October 16, 2028 (three years after the enforcement date) will not be automatically denied solely because their capital falls below 30 million yen. If the business is performing well, tax and other payment obligations are being properly fulfilled, and there is a reasonable prospect of meeting the revised criteria by the next renewal, the overall circumstances of residence will be taken into account in the decision.

Renewal applications filed after three years from the enforcement date must meet the revised criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. As a sole proprietor, how do I prove that my business scale reaches 30 million yen?

Submit your most recent year's financial statements. Receipts and other documentation related to business expenses may also be required. The total amount invested in operating the business — including securing a business office, one year of employee salaries, and equipment investment costs — will be assessed.

Q. Can a corporation with less than 30 million yen in capital still apply?

No. New applications (certificate of eligibility or change of status applications) require capital of at least 30 million yen. For renewal applications by those already residing under the Business Manager status, transitional measures apply within three years of the enforcement date (by October 16, 2028), meaning the decision will take into account overall circumstances even if the capital falls below 30 million yen.

Q. If I operate multiple companies, can I combine their capital to reach 30 million yen?

No. At least one of the companies must individually have capital of 30 million yen or more. Combining the capital of multiple companies does not satisfy the requirement.

Q. Does the 30 million yen capital requirement apply to those acting as managers rather than owners?

Yes, it does. Even when applying as a manager rather than an owner, the company to which the applicant belongs must have capital of at least 30 million yen. The requirement applies to the scale of the applicant's company, not to the manager personally providing the capital.

Arch Immigration Law Office specializes in Business Manager visa applications and renewals. We support clients in meeting the capital requirement, preparing necessary documents, and filing applications. Please feel free to contact us for a consultation.