'Business Manager' Visa: ISA Denies ¥30 Million Rumour, Updates FAQ

The revised landing standards for the Business Manager (経営・管理) residence status — raising the required capital/investment amount and adding a check on labour-law compliance — took effect on 16 October 2025. In the wake of this, a rumour spread that anyone unable to secure ¥30 million in capital would have to leave Japan. On 26 June 2026, the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) updated its FAQ to dispel that misunderstanding.

• 「施行後３年が経過するまで（令和１０年１０月１６日まで）の間は、新たな基準を満たさない場合でも、そのことのみをもって在留期間更新許可申請が不許可になることはありません。」 ("Until three years have passed since enforcement — that is, until 16 October 2028 (Reiwa 10) — an application to renew the period of stay will not be refused solely on the ground that the new standards are not met.")
• The update was carried out as a restructuring and revision of the existing Q&A, rather than as new policy.
• It clarifies that the current transitional period runs until 16 October 2028, and confirms that failure to meet the new standards alone will not result in refusal during that period.

Foreign entrepreneurs and investors active in Sapporo should not be misled by the rumour, and should understand the transitional measures correctly.

Source: Immigration Services Agency (FAQ)