Japan tightens requirements for business manager visa beginning next week

Quick summary, capital requirements raised from 5 million yen ($30k) to 30 million yen ($200k) and at least 1 full time staff required.

Possible paywall so some quotes

> Currently, applicants can qualify for the visa status by establishing a business in Japan and either investing at least ¥5 million in capital into it or hiring two full-time employees who live in the country. The visa is renewable and allows stays of up to five years each time.

> However, under the revised criteria, the minimum investment requirement for those applying from Thursday will be increased sixfold to ¥30 million.

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> Applicants will also be required to employ at least one full-time worker who is either a Japanese national or a foreign resident with independent residency status, such as a permanent resident or spouse visa holder.

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> The government will also be introducing a new language requirement. Either the applicant or a full-time employee must demonstrate business-level Japanese proficiency — approximately CEFR B2 level.

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> In addition, applicants must prove at least three years of management experience or hold a graduate degree in business administration or a related field, which they were not previously required to do.