Recently, if you have plans to start a business or immigrate to Japan, you may have to sweat it out - because Japan's immigration policy is undergoing the "strictest adjustment in history".
The Japan Exit and Entry Administration will implement a stricter material review system for the renewal procedures of the "business management visa":
Starting from July 10, 2025, when applying for renewal, in addition to the financial statements, tax certificates and other materials that were originally required to be submitted, a written report must also be submitted, detailing the actual business and management activities carried out by the company during the stay period, and indicating whether there have been any changes and reasons compared to the past.
The era of low-cost immigration to Japan may really be coming to an end, from "applying for a business management visa with 5 million yen" to raising the threshold comprehensively, from relaxed welfare to tightened rules.
01
Are you running out of the '5 million yen entrepreneurship visa'?
The increase in immigration may become a key factor
Japan's "business management visa" (commonly known as "entrepreneurial visa") has always been a "shortcut" for foreigners to emigrate: as long as there is 5 million yen (about 250000 yuan) of capital, you can apply for an office, stay for up to five years, and take your family to Japan.
The low threshold of no age check, no education background, no Japanese test has attracted a large number of Chinese people. Data shows that in June 2024, the number of Chinese holding this visa has exceeded 20000, accounting for more than half of all foreign holders, more than twice the number in 2015.
But problems also arise:
① Some people establish shell companies and obtain visas under the guise of "homestay operation", but in reality, they only immigrate for their entire family;
② Compared to the threshold of 300 million Korean won (approximately 1.5 million RMB) required for the same type of visa in South Korea, Japan's "5 million yen entrepreneurship can apply for entrepreneurship visa" has been criticized for "opening a backdoor for immigration".
Now, the Japanese government has made it clear that it will adjust its policies: not only will it raise the funding threshold, but it may also include checks on business background, Japanese language proficiency, and business authenticity. The era of 'buying identity with money' is coming to an end.
02
Not just the entrepreneurial visa!
Japanese immigration is subject to strict control
In addition to the entrepreneurship visa, the Japanese government, in the "Gutai Policy" (the national future plan), clearly wants to perform major operations on the system of foreigners in Japan. The core is: "If you want to enjoy benefits, you must obey the rules and pay".
Welfare is no longer a 'free gift'
? Medical insurance: foreigners who do not pay the national health insurance in full may not enjoy the same medical treatment;
? Subsidy: Strictly investigate the situation of "children receiving child allowances in Japan while abroad" and stop issuing them immediately if found.
Stricter entry and residence requirements
? Starting from 2028, "electronic travel authentication" will be introduced, requiring online approval before entry;
? Visa and entry fees have increased, following European and American standards;
? Illegal detainees will be accurately screened through technological means, with the goal of achieving zero cases.
Life details are getting tighter
? Change driver's license: Address verification, written test and road test difficulty upgrade, to prevent confusion and passing;
? Land purchase: establish a national database, disclose the source of foreign land purchase funds, and prevent "black box operation";
? Renewal: Foreigners who have not paid social insurance and medical insurance for a long time may be directly rejected for renewal.
03
How will immigration to Japan change in the future?
Either comply or leave
Japan's attitude towards this policy adjustment is very clear: foreigners are welcome, but they refuse to "opportunism".
Want to rely on shell companies and low funds to obtain identity? It's difficult!
Do you want to enjoy medical insurance and subsidies without paying? It's not working!
Want to stay for a long time? There must be real work, compliant taxation, and adherence to rules!
For those who truly want to start a business or immigrate to Japan, although the threshold has been raised, the living environment and conditions are also safer and more standardized.
If you are still planning Japanese immigration, what you need to do now is:
1. If you are ready to apply for a Japanese business management visa, submit the materials as soon as possible to lock in your eligibility before the policy is implemented;
2. If it has not been activated, more secure paths such as "highly skilled talent visa" can also be considered;
3. Regardless of the method, it is essential to ensure the authenticity of the materials, compliant operation, and timely payment.
The 'loose era' of Japanese immigration is coming to an end, and the next battle is not about 'saving money', but about 'compliance'.
If you are considering traveling to Japan through a business management visa or a high-level talent visa, or are interested in Japan's immigration policies, please feel free to inquire with Xingyunhai International, and we will provide you with customized exclusive services.
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