Japan Immigration News

Can Japan's New Visa Rules Stop Exploitation and Social Fallout?

Release Date: 2025-11-11
Media: JAPAN Forward
Summary: In Osaka, there was a rush of last-minute company registrations just before Japan tightened requirements for the *business manager* visa. Many of the newly registered companies appear to be shell entities created mainly to obtain residency, rather than to operate real businesses. Experts say the visa had effectively become a cheap “migration visa” because Japan’s capital requirement (5 million yen) was far lower than in other countries, and some visa holders were believed to be accessing Japan’s social welfare system without meaningful economic activity, causing friction with local residents.

The revised rules now require stronger proof of genuine business activity and higher standards, including Japanese language ability for either the applicant or an employee. This is expected to make past loophole-based methods mostly unworkable, though authorities will review existing visa holders over the next three years.

Meanwhile, Osaka has faced issues with privately-operated “Special Zone Private Lodgings” used by some foreign entrepreneurs to obtain visas while outsourcing operations. Complaints about noise and community disruption have risen. In response, Osaka will stop accepting new applications in May 2026 and will strengthen enforcement, including revoking licenses when necessary.
Tags: Business Manager

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