Early last year while visiting Japan I came up with a business idea. At the same time, my Japanese friend had the same idea seperately.
We decided we would do it together.
We came up with a plan and I went through the business manager visa application process. At times, by virtue of simply working things out, we were slow in getting some things done. Starting a business takes time.
Some small steps were lost in translation as we navigated this new relationship. But things were good. Heading in a positive direction.
We were trying to be ready to start in December 2025. It was August and I had not applied for BMV but had an immigration lawyer working on it.
We heard the news about the coming changes. I had ¥5 million capital and my partner was going to out in the same. We submitted in September. I expected to not get the visa in time, but my Japanese partner can run it.
We have a registered company, a bank account, a website, a license for what we offer, a business plan. Since my partner is Japanese, we even started operating. Yes, we had customers. I worked only on setting up the business, as I was told that is okay. I lived off savings.
The business started in December. The business works. It could work very well.
But here I am in my home country waiting for news. My immigration lawyer tells that applications that reach the new requirements are already being approved. Mine, which meets the old requirements and only some of the new ones, languishes with immigration. I hoped the original rules would apply to me ‘grandfathered’ but there is no clarity. I’m confident the business will reach new requirements in a few years.
But I am waiting. Expecting the rejection. I have worked so hard to make this dream real.
My only option might be to find more capital.
But what other options might I have? Does anyone have any creative ideas? I wish to live in Japan and contribute. I wish to employ locals. I wish to create a viable tax-paying business.
Any ideas or am I screwed?