Business Manager Visa Renewal (Japan) — 2025 Complete Guide

2. Requirements for business manager visa renewal

[Handling under the revision] This chapter explains the basic requirements for renewal.

From the effective date (October 16, 2025) to October 16, 2028, during the transitional period, a comprehensive decision will be made with a focus on substantive examination (business continuity, tax/social insurance, activity record).

For renewals on/after October 16, 2028, satisfying the post-revision criteria (actual existence of at least one full-time employee, Japanese language operation framework, required licenses/permits, etc.) becomes the premise (see Transitional measures / Examination points).

The following three items are especially important requirements for business manager visa renewal.

Note that for renewals of period of stay on/after October 16, 2025, submission of an “Activity Details Statement” (free format) that concretely explains your managerial/administrative activities during the most recent period is in principle required. Quantify results, KPIs, contracts/invoices/cash-in/out, personnel/social insurance, tax payments, and reasons for changes (see latest form).

1. Business continuity (Is a renewal granted when the company posts a net loss?)

[Post-revision evaluation perspective] For renewal, it is important to quantify real transaction evidence (contracts; invoices/cash-in/out; deliveries), improvement plans for the next year, and third-party evaluation letters (from SMECs/CPAs as necessary) to demonstrate continuity. Even in deficit, renewal may be possible if objective materials and a financing plan are in place.

For the Business Manager status, the company’s financial condition is closely related to renewal.

If you have consecutive negative equity for two periods or cannot record gross profit, your business manager visa renewal may be refused. Once you obtain the Business Manager visa, you must focus on your core business and strive to achieve results as an executive.

If there have been major changes in your company’s management status or business content, you must report them accurately. For example, if there have been changes in the business content, a significant increase/decrease in the number of employees, or fluctuations in the financial situation, you will be required to submit documents and proofs to show those facts.

Companies can sometimes run a deficit, but what matters is whether the company can continue operating. A deficit itself does not automatically mean a problem. However, if deficits continue, doubts may arise about the company’s continuity.

Therefore, for business continuity, instead of focusing only on a single fiscal year’s results, a comprehensive judgment should be made including the balance-sheet situation; the following handling applies based on the most recent two fiscal periods.

1. When there is gross profit in either the most recent fiscal year or the preceding fiscal year

a. When there is no deficit carried forward at the end of the most recent fiscal year

If there is net income in the most recent fiscal year and there is surplus at the end of that year, there is no issue with continuity.

Even if there is a net loss for the most recent fiscal year, provided that there is gross profit, and the surplus merely decreased without creating a deficit carried forward, it is not necessarily considered to have a significant impact on business continuity; continuity is recognized in such a case as well.

Therefore, if there is surplus at the end of the most recent fiscal year, or if there is neither surplus nor deficit carried forward, continuity is deemed to exist.

b. When there is a deficit carried forward at the end of the most recent fiscal year

When there is no negative equity at the end of the most recent fiscal year

Considering business plans and financing status, and the possibility of continued business going forward, the applicant will be required to submit a one-year business plan and projected profit documents; unless there are doubts about whether the business is actually operating, continuity is in principle recognized.

However, depending on the contents of those materials, the applicant may also be required to submit a written evaluation (only those stating the grounds/reasons for the evaluation) prepared by a third party with a public qualification deemed capable of corporate evaluation, such as an SMEC or CPA.

When there is negative equity at the end of the most recent fiscal year but not at the end of the preceding fiscal year

Negative equity generally reduces a company’s creditworthiness and jeopardizes continuity. Nonetheless, if negative equity has not continued for more than one year, and provided there is a prospect of concrete improvement within one year (i.e., elimination of negative equity), continuity can be recognized.

Specifically, where there is negative equity at the end of the most recent fiscal year, but there was no negative equity at the end of the preceding fiscal year, the applicant will be required to submit an evaluation letter (only those stating the grounds/reasons) by a third party with a public qualification deemed capable of corporate evaluation—such as an SMEC or CPA—regarding the prospect of improvement (including elimination of negative equity within one year). Continuity will be judged with reference to that letter.

When there is negative equity at the end of both the most recent fiscal year and the preceding fiscal year

If more than one year has passed since negative equity occurred and it still has not been eliminated, this indicates continued harsh financial conditions and insufficient improvement within a year; continuity is, in principle, not recognized.

However, for startups (unlisted domestic companies within five years of establishment; same hereafter) that aim to grow their business based on unique technologies/services or new business models, consecutive deficits at the early stage are conceivable.

Therefore, for startups, the following documents will be required; if, upon reviewing them, there are reasonable grounds for the negative equity, continuity will be judged flexibly.

2. When there is no gross profit in both the most recent fiscal year and the preceding fiscal year

When sales in your core business fall below cost of goods sold, it is not considered a normal business activity; even if profits are secured through non-operating or extraordinary gains/losses, those are not from core operations.

Although a single period without gross profit may occur due to special circumstances, two consecutive periods without gross profit suggests the company does not have the capacity to continue its main business on an ongoing basis.

Therefore, continuity is, in principle, not recognized in this case.

However, for startups that aim to grow their business based on unique technologies/services or new business models, consecutive deficits at the early stage are conceivable.

Therefore, for startups, the following documents will be required; if, upon reviewing them, there are reasonable grounds for the lack of gross profit, continuity will be judged flexibly.

Examples of permission/refusal when there was a net loss in the most recent year

2. Length of stay in Japan

In renewal examinations, the applicant’s living situation in Japan is also emphasized. Having a fixed address, paying taxes properly, and enrolling in health insurance are basic conditions.

If the executive is overseas for an extended period, a business manager visa renewal may be refused.

The Business Manager status is for operating a company in Japan; long absences may raise questions such as “Who is actually managing the business in Japan?” or “Is a Japanese visa even necessary?” Even for business trips, if you will be away from Japan for several months, prepare reasonable explanations in advance.

In cases of long overseas stays, attach supporting documents for business travel (itineraries, air tickets, travel orders/reports), evidence of a domestic management execution framework (board minutes, powers of attorney, logs of instruction emails/chats), and records of remote management (sales meetings, purchase orders, approval workflows), to demonstrate that business management in Japan is ongoing.

3. Executive duties (tax/social insurance payments, etc.)

Once you obtain the Business Manager visa, you are naturally expected to devote yourself to company management in Japan.

However, if, for example, a restaurant owner personally handles cooking, the “Skilled Labor” status could be implicated, raising questions about which tasks qualify as managerial activity. If you are uncertain, verify in advance whether your duties fall within executive activity; that way you can apply for renewal in a composed manner.

Foreign nationals staying under “Business Manager” must properly operate their organization (including sole proprietorships; same hereafter) and comply with laws concerning the performance of various public obligations, as outlined below.

1. Compliance with tax laws

National taxes (income tax, corporate tax, etc.) and local taxes (inhabitant tax, etc.) must be paid properly.

If you have been criminally punished for failure to fulfill tax obligations—or even without punishment, if high or long-term delinquency is identified—such non-performance will be evaluated as a negative factor.

In addition, for institutions subject to heavy additional tax due to fraudulent consumption tax refunds, the malicious nature of the act will be regarded as a particularly negative factor.

2. Compliance with labor and social insurance laws

The working conditions of employed staff (including part-time employees; same hereafter) must comply with labor laws. If your business is subject to labor insurance, you must enroll properly and pay premiums.

Furthermore, if your business falls under the scope of health insurance and pension, you must complete the enrollment procedures and file for qualification acquisition for employees, and pay premiums properly.

Non-compliance with labor/social insurance laws will be evaluated as a negative factor.

3. Conditions to obtain 3-year or 5-year periods at business manager visa renewal

[2025 revision and transitional measures] Although the length of the period of stay continues to be determined primarily based on track record, from October 16, 2025, checks will be strengthened for “actual full-time staff,” “Japanese language operation framework,” “licenses/permits,” and “proper tax/social insurance.” For renewals on/after October 16, 2028, conformity with the post-revision criteria is the premise (see Transitional measures / Examination points).

The available periods of stay for Business Manager are “5 years,” “3 years,” “1 year,” “6 months,” “4 months,” and “3 months.” For first-time approvals, many cases receive “1 year.”

Even if you previously had “3 years” under statuses like “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services,” the period may be shorter after switching. Whether you can obtain “3 years” at the next renewal depends on a comprehensive assessment of your executive background, residence situation, company size, management content, and investment status.

Furthermore, for renewals on/after October 16, 2025, submitting an Activity Details Statement (free format) that concretely explains your managerial/administrative activities during the most recent period is in principle required. Quantitatively describe your results/KPIs, contracts/invoices/cash-in/out, personnel/social insurance, taxes, and changes since the prior filing.

Benchmarks for obtaining a 5-year period

Those who meet both ① and ② and ⑤, and also meet either ③ or ④

① The applicant fulfills notification obligations under the Immigration Control Act (notification of residence, changes of residence, change of affiliated organization, etc.) (not applicable at initial landing).

② If the applicant is a parent of a school-age child (compulsory education), the child attends an elementary school, junior high school, or compulsory education school (including so-called international schools) (not applicable at initial landing).

③ The company you manage or where you engage in management falls under Category 1 or Category 2.

④ If not under ③, the applicant has already been granted a 3- or 5-year period under “Business Manager,” and has continuously engaged in activities corresponding to “Business Manager” in Japan for five years or more.

⑤ The planned period of stay exceeds three years.

Benchmarks for obtaining a 3-year period

Any of the following

① Meets all of the following

a Meets both ① and ② under the 5-year section and also meets either ③ or ④

b Planned period of stay is over one year and within three years

② For those previously granted a 5-year period, and at renewal meet all of the following

a Do not meet either ① or ② of the 5-year section, but meet either ③ or ④

b Planned period of stay exceeds one year

③ Does not fall under any of the 5-year, 1-year, 4-month, or 3-month items

Checklist to aim for a “3-year” renewal under Business Manager

Fulfillment of notification obligations

Changes to affiliated organization, address, position, etc., have been reported within 14 days.

Financial stability

Indicators for the latest two periods are improving (continuous gross profit; concrete plan to correct capital deficits).

Compliance

Proper enrollment/payment for tax, social insurance, and labor insurance (be ready to submit certificates immediately).

Actual residence/office

Backed by lease, utility bills, work/meeting logs.

Actual full-time staff

Evidence via employment contracts, payroll, social insurance, and proof of work.

Japanese language operation framework

The representative or a full-time staff member can handle business/administrative interactions in Japanese (N2-equivalent/domestic education/interpreting system).

Required licenses/permits

Obtained/renewed as applicable.

Activity Details Statement

Quantify results/KPIs/reasons for changes and align with attachments.

For details on notifications and penalties, also see the following Q&A:

Benchmarks for obtaining a 1-year period

Any of the following (excluding those that fall under the “4 months” or “3 months” sections)

① The organization you manage or where you engage in management falls under Category 4 (organizations/individuals not in Categories 1–3)

② Those previously granted a 3-year or 1-year period who, at renewal, do not meet either ① or ② of the 5-year section

③ Based on position, activity record, and the organization’s activity record, it is necessary to verify the residence situation annually

④ The planned period of stay is one year or less (excluding those likely to be extended based on activity record)

First, to obtain a 3-year period at business manager visa renewal, pay special attention to fulfilling the notification obligations in ① under the 5-year section.

For those under Business Manager, when your company name or address changes, you must notify Immigration within 14 days. Many are unaware of this system and forget to file, which can happen surprisingly often.

For details about the notification system regarding affiliated organizations, see the page below:

Are there penalties if I forget to file the notification regarding affiliated organizations?

People often forget this notification, and it can lead to unfavorable treatment in future visa renewals or permanent residence examinations. This article explains the system in detail.

Beyond that, your company’s financial results are a key point for business manager visa renewal.

If you have maintained black figures (profits) for two or more consecutive terms, many cases can obtain a 3-year Business Manager period.

If you obtain a 3-year Business Manager period, permanent residence may come into view next. With permanent residence, even if you post a temporary deficit, you can focus on management without worrying about visa renewal, which is a major benefit for foreign executives.

Therefore, for business manager visa renewal, aim to obtain a 3-year period whenever possible.

4. Five Reasons Why a Business Manager Visa Renewal May Be Refused

Impact of the 2025 revision: In addition to the conventional track-record review, refusal risk at business manager visa renewal now hinges on the quality of the following: actual existence of at least one full-time employee, Japanese language operation framework, required licenses/permits, proper tax and social insurance compliance, and the Activity Details Statement (a concrete record of activities during your most recent period of stay). For renewals on/after October 16, 2028, conformity with the post-revision criteria becomes the practical premise.

If a business manager visa renewal is refused, a comeback at reapplication becomes more difficult. Make full use of the window to apply starting three months before your expiry, and prepare the required documents and substantive evidence early (after the revision, the quality of the Activity Details Statement is key).

1. The business is not continuing

Causes

Countermeasures

2. Poor financial condition of the company

Causes

Countermeasures

3. Unclear actual operation of the company

Causes

Countermeasures

4. Issues with employment or labor costs

Causes

Countermeasures

5. Problems with the status of residence or the actual living situation in Japan

Causes

Countermeasures

From October 16, 2025 onward, examinations for both new acquisitions and business manager visa renewal have become stricter. If you are uncertain about renewal, we recommend consulting a professional.

If you hire a professional, you can expect the following benefits:

You’ll receive precise advice on document consistency and methods of proof.

If finances are a concern, you’ll get support to prepare an improvement plan and obtain third-party evaluation letters.

You can build your renewal application schedule with ample buffer.

If you have already been refused, please see the following page:

Accompaniment & Reapplication Service when Your Business Manager Visa Is Refused

This service aims to obtain permission at the next reapplication if you received a refusal notice after filing for the Business Manager visa.

5. Required Documents for Business Manager Visa Renewal (Aligned with/after October 16, 2025)

Here we explain the documents that a typical Category 3 company should submit for business manager visa renewal after company establishment. In short, after the revision, the “Activity Details Statement” is practically mandatory, and quantifying your real-world operations (transactions, personnel, tax/social insurance, licenses/permits) is the key to pass/fail.

Documents required for applications filed on/after October 16, 2025

Please check the Immigration Services Agency’s official page for the latest forms and required documents:

[For applications filed on/after October 16, 2025]

[For applications filed on/before October 15, 2025]

Please note that the documents listed here are generally required for a business manager visa renewal application, and submitting the documents below does not guarantee that everyone will obtain permission.

If you cannot gather all documents or feel uncertain about the application, feel free to contact us by phone at TEL 03-6905-6370 or by email.

2. [Important] Documents that became mandatory for renewals on/after October 16, 2025

For business manager visa renewal on/after October 16, 2025, submitting an Activity Details Statement is, in principle, mandatory. The aim is to eliminate “formal existence” and visualize the executive’s actual work.

While this is emphasized particularly for Categories 3 and 4 (SMB/individual scale), there is an overall trend of stricter substantive review. Be sure to cover the six items below.

Six items to include in the “Activity Details Statement”

• 1) Business overview and role: main services; scope of decision-making
• 2) Results: trends in sales, gross profit, operating income, and key KPIs (graphing recommended)
• 3) Clients and channels: key clients; examples of contracts/invoices/payments
• 4) Personnel and social insurance: whether you have full-time staff; records of employment and social insurance enrollment/payments
• 5) Governance and tax: tax payment certificates; accounting/tax framework
• 6) Changes and reasons: changes to address, officers, or business contents, and the grounds

 [Activity Details Statement] (Business Manager / Renewal of Period of Stay) 1. Business overview and the applicant’s role - Business description: - Main products/services: - Applicant’s duties (decision-making, management scope):

Business performance in the most recent period

Sales / Gross profit / Operating income (compare last two periods):

Key KPIs (orders received, ARPU, etc.):

Actual state of clients, channels, and contracts

Major clients and their composition:

Contracts, invoices, and cash-in/out records (attached):

Personnel / Social insurance

Whether you have full-time staff and their employment type:

Enrollment/payment status for health/pension/labor insurance (attached):

Governance / Tax

Tax payment certificates for corporate tax/consumption tax/local tax (attached):

Accounting/tax framework (advisors/internal controls, etc.):

Changes since the previous application and reasons

What changed:

Reasons and supporting documents:

6. Common Examples of Requests for Business Manager Visa Renewal Support

Since opening, ACROSEED has handled more than 1,300 Business Manager visa filings (including the former Investor/Business Manager). Among these, the most common requests for business manager visa renewal are as follows:

Please handle my business manager visa renewal in a format aligned with the 2025 legal revision.

I want a 3-year or 5-year period at renewal for my business manager visa.

I want to renew my business manager visa, but I’m worried because I was abroad for part of the period.

I want to renew my business manager visa, but I’m concerned because we posted a deficit and our financials are poor…

I want to renew my business manager visa, but I’m worried because we downsized our office…

I renewed my business manager visa by myself and got refused…

We also offer free consultations for other cases of business manager visa renewal.
If you would like to consult, please contact us at TEL 03-6905-6371 or by email.

7. Q&A on Business Manager Visa Renewal Applications

Aligned with the legal revision: This Q&A reflects the operation effective October 16, 2025. For renewals on/after October 16, 2028, conformity with the post-revision criteria becomes the practical premise (Activity Details Statement, proper tax/social insurance, full-time staff, Japanese language operation framework, etc.).

Q. Is renewal possible even if we are in the red?

A. Yes. In the Activity Details Statement, quantify your latest sales, gross profit, operating income, and KPIs; give real-world examples of transactions (contracts/invoices/payments); and present cash-flow and a one-year improvement plan. Be cautious if you have negative equity or two consecutive periods without gross profit. If needed, use a third-party evaluation letter (SMEC/CPA) to quantify improvement prospects and raise your pass rate.

Q. What’s the shortcut to obtaining a 3-year renewal?

A. The shortcut combines “compliance with notifications (within 14 days),” “financial soundness for the last two periods,” “proper payment of taxes/social insurance,” and “actual residence/office,” plus the quantitative clarity and consistency of the Activity Details Statement. It is also advantageous to explain the actual existence of at least one full-time employee (employment contract/payroll/social insurance) and the Japanese language operation framework (representative or full-time staff with N2-equivalent, domestic education, or an internal interpreting system).

Q. When can I apply?

A. You can apply three months before your expiry. Since processing can be prolonged during busy periods, start preparations four months ahead, and check the latest average processing times (monthly publication by the Immigration Services Agency). After the revision, the quality of the Activity Details Statement can also affect review speed.

Q. When do stricter rules like “JPY 30 million capital” take effect?

A. October 16, 2025. The stricter JPY 30 million capital requirement chiefly applies to new acquisitions; renewals continue to focus on substantive examination. However, even at renewal, authorities are increasingly requiring the Activity Details Statement and checking frameworks (full-time staff, Japanese language, licenses/permits, tax/social insurance). Always check the latest official announcements (this page is updated as needed).

Q. After the revision, are the stricter rules for new cases applied to “renewals” as-is?

[Latest interpretation (as of October 2025)]
The revised items—such as JPY 30 million capital, Japanese language operation framework, and full-time staff verification—apply in principle to new acquisitions (COE/Change of Status).
For renewals, due to transitional measures, conformity with the post-revision criteria becomes the practical premise for renewals on/after October 16, 2028. Even before then, if your framework explanations are insufficient, you may be asked for supplementary materials (Activity Details Statement; employment/social insurance; licenses/permits; tax certificates, etc.).
Furthermore, on/after the effective date, if you do not meet the post-revision criteria, neither a status change from “Business Manager” to Highly Skilled Professional (i)(c) (limited to Business Manager-type activities) nor permission for permanent residence while on “Business Manager” will be granted.
Our office offers a free consultation to advise individually on whether your renewal meets requirements.

Q. Do the Japanese language requirements affect renewals?

A. For renewals, full application of the post-revision requirements begins on/after October 16, 2028 (transitional measures). Even before then, you may be asked to explain the Japanese language operation framework (representative or full-time staff with N2-equivalent, public score, domestic education, or internal interpreting). Visualize your capacity to handle Japanese-language transactions, HR, and administrative interactions in your Activity Details Statement with supporting materials (employment/social insurance; contracts/payments; licenses/permits).

Q. After the revision, how are HSP and permanent residence affected at renewal?

A. On/after the effective date (2025/10/16), if you do not meet the post-revision criteria, neither a status change from “Business Manager” to Highly Skilled Professional (i)(c) (limited to activities that correspond to Business Manager) nor permission for permanent residence for those staying under “Business Manager” will be granted. From the preparation stage, you need to ensure the actual existence of full-time staff, the Japanese language operation framework, licenses/permits, and proper tax/social insurance.

* Some related articles below may still show old terms in the titles, but the bodies are being updated for the reform.
I am currently living in Japan on a Humanities Visa but want to start my own business. How can I change to the Business Manager Visa?

I want to move to Japan to start a business. What do I need?

Japan Business Manager Visa (2025 Revision): What Changed, Who’s Affected, and How to Qualify

8. Flow from Consultation to Business Manager Visa Renewal

9.Google Customer Reviews

10. Why ACROSEED is chosen

Why clients choose ACROSEED


• Founded in 1986, with 40,000+ visa applications—among the most in the industry
• 99.9% approval rate—trusted by many clients
• No travel expenses—flat fees nationwide
• Many approvals for difficult and re-application cases
• No add-on fees—transparent pricing
• If refused, free re-application support until approval
• Support available in Japanese, English, and Chinese

Founded in 1986, over 40,000 visa applications

ACROSEED Administrative Scrivener Corporation opened in 1986 and has specialized in immigration procedures since 1990, when legal changes allowed administrative scriveners to handle such work. As of March 2025, our cumulative applications exceed 40,000.

We handle 3,000–4,000 visa applications annually, visiting Immigration twice a week to track examination trends and the latest rule changes.

By choosing ACROSEED, you benefit from services built on the deepest practical experience and the latest insight into Immigration’s reviews.

99.9% approval rate—services trusted by many

From our founding, we have focused on providing reliable services. At the free-consultation stage, we decline cases with no realistic chance of approval after explaining the situation to the client.

As a result, our approval rate has consistently exceeded 99% (including re-applications).

However, if a case is challenging yet still has a chance and the client strongly wishes to proceed, we will make maximum efforts together.

Our careful, client-centered service is widely supported.

Flat fees nationwide—no travel expenses

Our office is in Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, but we handle Immigration work nationwide at flat fees without charging travel expenses.

For remote clients we also provide online consultations via Skype/Zoom, offering the same face-to-face experience as in-person visits.

Many approvals for difficult and re-application cases

We have a strong track record of turning around cases refused multiple times by self-filers or other offices.

ACROSEED’s track record is widely recognized in the industry, and we receive referrals nationwide for tough cases—even from other professionals—acting like a “general hospital” for complex immigration matters.

Please consult us before giving up.

No add-on fees—transparent pricing

Our service fees are only those listed on our website.

We do not add fees based on your situation (e.g., many days abroad, prior refusals).

We provide services you can trust with a clear pricing system.

If refused, free re-application until approval

If a case filed by ACROSEED is unfortunately refused, we will re-apply free of charge as long as there remains a possibility of approval.

While some firms now offer “full refunds if refused,” we believe refunds do not solve the client’s problem.

Leaving a refusal in your history due to a careless filing can make approval harder later.

For clients who choose ACROSEED from among many offices, our stance is “win approval as quickly as possible—and if refused, support you thoroughly until approval.”

11. Fees for Business Manager Visa Renewal Application Agency Services (Tax Excluded)

・There are absolutely no surcharges based on your conditions.

・ACROSEED’s services cover Japan nationwide. Even for distant clients, you can engage us at the fees listed below.

・Payment by Visa or MasterCard is also available.