What changed on 16 October 2025
The reform didn’t just raise the amount — it changed the underlying logic: capital and an employee used to be alternatives to each other, now both conditions are mandatory at once.
What the process consists of
A transition period is provided for existing visa holders — the new rules do not apply retroactively straight away.
How the process runs
A good fit if
A poor fit if
Who runs this programme
Your request goes to two or three firms from this list. You see exactly which ones before it is sent, and you can exclude any of them.
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Frequent questions
Why is this called the most significant change in the region?
Because in the research covering this country block (Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan, South Korea), a 6x increase in a single revision is the sharpest change among all tracked programmes, officially confirmed via a direct fetch of Japan’s government website.
What changed in the logic of the requirement, not just the amount?
Previously, JPY5M capital and 2 employees were alternative paths — meeting one condition was enough. Now JPY30M capital and at least 1 employee are required SIMULTANEOUSLY — this is a fundamentally different logic, not just a higher bar.
What happens to visas already issued under the old rules?
A transition period runs until 16 October 2028 — existing visa holders are not immediately subject to the new requirements.
Must the language be Japanese specifically, or would English work?
The requirement is stated specifically as Japanese B2/JLPT N2 — per the available research, no English-language alternative is provided.
What is the expert business-plan review?
A separate assessment stage introduced with the 2025 reform — the specific review methodology is not covered on this page; check with a consultant.
Can management experience be replaced with a degree?
Yes — the requirement is stated as "3+ years of management experience OR a relevant degree", these are alternative paths to confirming qualification.
Sources
Figures are for reference only. Verified against official sources on 27 August 2026. A precise quote is issued by the appointed firm after document review. This material is not legal advice, a public offer or investment advice.