As advanced countries compete to attract skilled talent and investors, Japan has tightened the requirements for business manager visas, fearing a rise in phantom companies. The visa fee has been increased from 5 million yen to 30 million yen, alongside stricter scrutiny of employment requirements, Japanese language proficiency, professional background, and business plans. This creates a sharp new barrier for foreign startups, which Japan claims it wants and needs. The 'business manager' residence status was originally designed for foreigners who establish and run businesses in Japan, not for passive investors. In 2024, the number of visa holders for this category doubled.
