How to Renew a Business Manager Visa in Shiga and Kyoto: Key Requirements Explained

Introduction: Background of the theme and the reader’s concerns (including cases in Shiga & Kyoto)

In today’s globalised business environment, many foreign entrepreneurs set up or manage companies in Japan under the “Business Manager” visa. For those based in the Shiga and Kyoto region, this means more than just fulfilling national immigration requirements — it also involves a local awareness of business operations, regional economic conditions, and administrative practices.

If you are currently holding a Business Manager visa (or preparing for renewal) in Shiga Prefecture or Kyoto Prefecture, you may be wondering: What exactly will the authorities look at when I apply for renewal? What has changed in 2025 that affects me specifically? How can I ensure smooth processing given regional circumstances?

This article addresses these questions by breaking down the key points you must check, highlighting regional case‑studies, flagging common pitfalls, and explaining the benefits of complying well — all from the vantage point of an administrative scrivener serving the Shiga & Kyoto area.

Key points for renewing a Business Manager visa in Shiga & Kyoto

Concrete case studies in Shiga & Kyoto (from the perspective of an administrative scrivener)

When you apply to renew your Business Manager visa, the authorities (the local regional immigration bureau) will typically assess:

• Whether your business continues to operate in Japan (and not just on paper)

• Whether you maintain a proper business office/structure in Japan

• Whether you fulfil tax obligations, social insurance, labour environment, etc.

• Whether your business shows signs of sustainability (profitability or credible recovery plan)

  
  

2025 Reforms: Stricter Rules for Business Manager Visa in Japan

What changed in 2025 and how it affects Shiga & Kyoto applicants

In 2025, the Japanese government introduced significant reforms to tighten the requirements for the Business Manager visa. These changes are especially important for both new applicants and those seeking renewal in regions like Shiga and Kyoto.

Key changes from October 2025:

• Capital requirement increased: The minimum capital to start a business under this visa is raised to ¥30 million (previously §5 million).

• Employee requirement: Applicants must now hire at least one full-time employee who is a Japanese national or permanent resident.

• Stricter scrutiny for renewals: Even for those already holding a Business Manager visa, as of July 2025, immigration officers apply stricter criteria:

  
  

  • Proof of real business activity (not nominal or shell companies)

  • Evidence of profitability or credible business plans

  • Tax compliance and social insurance enrolment

  • Local presence in terms of office space and staff

    
    

Transitional measures:

If you obtained your visa before these changes, a grace period or transitional policy may apply — but you still need to prepare documentation that meets the new spirit of enforcement.

Implications for Shiga & Kyoto entrepreneurs:

• Regional businesses must comply just as strictly as those in major cities.

• The authorities are particularly focused on ensuring the business has real substance: operating in a verifiable physical office, engaging with the local market, and employing properly registered staff.

• Even if your business is still small or recovering from a slow year, submitting a credible business plan and showing tax/social compliance can support a successful renewal.

Recommendation: Consult an experienced administrative/immigration lawyer who understands how these reforms are being applied locally in Shiga and Kyoto. Early preparation is now more essential than ever.

Common pitfalls when renewing the Business Manager visa in Shiga & Kyoto

Frequently asked questions and counter‑measures

Q1: If my business made a loss last year, can I still renew?

A1: Yes — a loss does not automatically disqualify you. What matters is whether there is business continuity and a credible recovery plan.

Q2: Do I have to maintain exactly the same office address in Shiga/Kyoto as when first approved?

A2: If you move the business address, you need to ensure the new premises meet the criteria (real office, business purpose, lease under the company, etc.). A virtual office alone does not suffice.

Q3: How long in advance should I prepare for renewal?

A3: You can apply as early as three months before your visa expiry. Given review times of 1‑2 months (or longer), particularly in regional bureaux, starting early is wise.

Q4: What major changes happened in 2025 that I should be aware of?

A4: See the section above on "2025 Reforms." The requirements have become more stringent for both new applicants and renewals.

Counter‑measures/tips for the Shiga & Kyoto region:

• Maintain clear accountant‑prepared financial statements (profit & loss, balance sheet) for your enterprise in the region.

• Prepare a statement detailing your business management or administrative activities during your most recent period of stay (format optional).

• Make sure you have at least one full‑time (regular) Japanese or resident employee, properly enrolled in social insurance, if possible.

• Keep your business premises in Shiga or Kyoto clearly dedicated to your operations (e.g., have signage, staff, actual business operations) rather than just a registration address.

• File corporate tax, income tax, resident tax without delay — non‑payment is a major negative factor.

• Prepare a brief “Statement of Reasons” or business outlook for the next year to submit, explaining business prospects if you are in a weaker financial position.

  
  

Benefits of renewing the Business Manager visa across the whole Shiga & Kyoto region

Points that also apply in areas around Shiga & Kyoto

Renewing successfully gives you several benefits:

• Stability of residence: A longer period of stay (3 or 5 years) may be granted if your business is stable, which reduces the administrative burden of frequent renewals.

• Family residence eligibility: With a stable visa status, you may more easily sponsor spouse and dependents.

• Regional business legitimacy: Operating in regions like Shiga and Kyoto can offer advantages — lower rental costs than Tokyo, access to local supply chains (for manufacturing, tourism), and regional subsidies or support programmes.

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Points that also apply to surrounding areas (e.g., Kansai region) include:

• Having a genuine business presence (not just a registration) is valued everywhere, not only in major cities.

• The need for tax/social‑insurance compliance is nationwide.

• The upcoming reforms (capital/employment requirement) will apply across all prefectures; thus, even regional companies must prepare for higher standards.

  
  

For example, if you have operations in Otsu (Shiga) but also serve Kyoto or Osaka markets, presenting your business as regionally integrated can help show viability and continuity. Using the Shiga/Kyoto location as a base may also allow you to highlight regional revitalisation benefits (an often favourable factor) when interacting with local administrative bodies.

Summary and conclusion (for residents of Shiga & Kyoto)

In summary, if you are planning to renew your Business Manager visa in the Shiga or Kyoto region, you should focus first on demonstrating that your business is real, viable, and well managed.

Ensure your office address is legitimate, your staff structure is sound, taxes and social insurance are up to date, and you have credible future plans.Take into account the evolving regulatory landscape: the government is increasingly seeking substantial business operations rather than nominal ones.

While regional operations may sometimes be perceived as lower‑profile than big cities, that does not reduce the standards — rather, it places more emphasis on regional actualities (office, local staff, regional market activity).

By preparing ahead, keeping all documentation in order, and applying with professionalism, you maximise your chances of obtaining a renewal for a longer period, reducing administrative burden, and enabling your business to continue growing within the Shiga & Kyoto region.

Why consult an administrative scrivener and contact information (serving the Shiga & Kyoto area)

As an administrative/immigration lawyer specialising in business‑visa matters in the Shiga & Kyoto area, I offer the following services. To ensure full compliance with the new Business Manager Visa standards, I have formed a partnership with an experienced licensed tax accountant.

• Reviewing your business operations and documents to ensure they meet renewal criteria.

• Assisting in preparing your financial statements, business plan/statement of reasons, office‑lease documents, employee contracts and social‑insurance proofs.

• Advising on regional peculiarities (e.g., local government support programmes, regional business networks in Shiga & Kyoto) and how they may enhance your renewal application.

• Keeping you informed of upcoming changes (such as the October 2025 reforms) and helping you plan for transition.

  
  

Please feel free to reach out for a consultation on your Business Manager visa renewal.