Japan sees surge in foreign business owners leaving due to stricter visa rules

Nearly 1,000 foreign nationals holding ‘Business Manager’ visas left Japan in the first half of 2026, a nearly fourfold increase compared to the same period last year. This exodus follows stricter immigration requirements implemented by the Japanese government in the autumn of 2025.

According to data from the Immigration Services Agency, 953 individuals departed without completing the necessary procedures to re-enter. The new regulations increased the minimum business capital requirement from 5 million yen to 30 million yen (approximately $187,000). Additionally, applicants must now demonstrate at least three years of management experience or hold a master's degree, possess a certain level of Japanese language proficiency, and employ at least one full-time staff member.

Minister of Justice Hiroshi Hiraguchi stated that the previous standards were being exploited as a means of immigration, noting instances where companies conducted no actual business activities. While the government is allowing existing visa holders to extend their stay until October 2028 even if they do not meet the new criteria, the tightening of rules aims to address a 70% surge in business visa holders seen over the last five years.