Requirements (2025 revised)
Applications filed on or after October 16, 2025 must meet the new standards below.
| Requirement | Before | After (from 2025/10/16) |
|---|---|---|
| Capital / investment | 5 million yen+ | 30 million yen+ |
| Employment | 5M yen or 2 staff | 1+ full-time employee |
| Japanese ability | None | Applicant or staff: JLPT N2 / CEFR B2 |
| Experience / degree | None | 3+ yrs management, or a master's or higher |
| Business plan | Submission only | Verified by an expert (consultant / CPA / tax accountant) |
| Office | Secured | Independent premises (substance required) |
The full-time employee must be a Japanese national, special permanent resident, or a person holding a status in Appendix II (permanent resident, spouse of Japanese national, etc.). Part-time workers and foreigners on work visas do not count.
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