Japan weighs tightening rules on business visa popular among Chinese nationals
Japan is considering increasing the minimum investment threshold for its business manager visa in a bid to make it harder for foreigners to obtain residence status and launch commercial operations in the country, as the scheme becomes increasingly popular with Chinese nationals.
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The visa, which offers relatively accessible entry for foreign entrepreneurs, permits stays of up to five years for those who either invest 5 million yen (US$34,711) or hire two full-time employees while maintaining an office in Japan.
Visa holders can also bring family members, a feature that has gained traction, particularly among Chinese nationals. There are no restrictions on age, education, or language proficiency.
In recent years, the number of Chinese nationals who have secured the visa has more than doubled from about 10,000 in 2015 to 20,551 as of June 2024, The Japan News reported, citing the Immigration Services Agency.
Chinese nationals account for more than half of all business manager visa holders living in Japan.
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Haruko Arimura, a lawmaker from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, said the visa had become an 'easy route to obtain permanent residency'.
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