Japan Raises Business Visa Capital Rule to 30 Million Yen, Threatening Foreign Entrepreneurs
Updated
Updated · FRANCE 24 English · Jul 1
Japan Raises Business Visa Capital Rule to 30 Million Yen, Threatening Foreign Entrepreneurs
3 articles · Updated · FRANCE 24 English · Jul 1
Summary
30 million yen in required capital—up from 5 million yen—has become the biggest hurdle in Japan’s tighter business manager visa rules, leaving some foreign restaurant and shop owners fearing expulsion or non-renewal.
The crackdown follows rising political pressure over overtourism, land prices and visa abuse, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government also raising some tourist visa fees five-fold and tripling the departure tax to 3,000 yen.
67,800 people have signed a petition to suspend the new rules, while visa advisers say immigration officials are demanding more tax and social-insurance documents and, in some cases, denying renewals despite a three-year grace period.
46,000 people held the visa by mid-2025, up 70% from 2020, after authorities said it had become an easy route for sham entrepreneurs—yet advisers warn the tougher standards are also hitting legitimate small businesses in labour-short Japan.