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Screening for the 在留資格「経営・管理」 (Business Manager) has passed 6 months. Is it safe to move my funds?

Foreigners Employment Support Organization (FESO)　／　Published 4 September 2025　／　Last updated 21 August 2026

This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails. Read the Japanese original（日本語版を読む）

Answer

Please never withdraw your contributed funds while screening is going on. A fall in the funds is taken to mean that the financial base for starting the business is unstable, and it also contradicts the business plan you submitted. If screening is dragging on, consider submitting a written petition explaining the current situation and the reasons why permission is needed.

What is this enquiry about?

With an application made for the 3rd time running for more than 6 months, the enquirer asks whether they may withdraw the capital and put it to work.

Subject: the 経営・管理 visa (prolonged screening)
Situation: The enquirer first applied for the 経営・管理 visa 2 years ago, but was denied. They applied again last year, and that too was denied. 6 months have passed since they applied for the 3rd time, and there is still no result.
The problem: The capital of 5 million yen (500万円) that was set aside at the outset keeps shrinking as the office rent is paid.
Question: The business cannot be started as things stand, so may they withdraw the 5 million yen (500万円) for a while and put it into investments or the like?

Why does screening run long?

Screening for the 経営・管理 visa looks in the round at the feasibility of the business plan and at the applicant's intention and ability to manage, so it is carried out with particular care.

A past record of denial — Once you have been denied, even once, that record remains. When you apply again, whether the cause of the denial has been put right is checked strictly. Where denials have been repeated, screening becomes more careful
The credibility of the business plan — If the screening officer judges the content of the business plan not to be realistic, additional material may be requested and screening may take time
The source and the use of the funds — It matters whether the contributed funds are merely "money for show", and whether their source is clear. If the funds fall during screening and it is judged that the business cannot be carried out as originally planned, permission becomes difficult
The applicant's management ability — Whether you have the ability to run a business is screened carefully on the basis of your past career history and your education
How busy screening is — Where screening at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau is congested, such as in a busy season, it can take longer than usual

May I withdraw my contributed funds while screening is going on?

You should avoid it at all costs. It damages, by your own hand, your ability to carry out the business and the credibility of the business plan.

Screening for the 経営・管理 visa judges, on the basis of the business plan submitted with the application, whether the business is likely to be carried on continuously and stably. The capital you have set aside is an important ground for that judgment.

You are judged to lack the ability to carry out the business — A fall in the funds during screening is taken to mean that the financial base for starting the business is unstable. Where the capital is being eaten up by expenses needed to keep the business going, such as the office rent in particular, the continuity of the business itself is doubted
Contradiction with the business plan — Putting the funds into investments or the like contradicts the business plan you originally submitted, and seriously damages the credibility of the content of the application

Even while screening is dragging on, you need to show that the business is in a state in which it can continue.

What should I write in a written petition?

Asking simply to "hurry up" has no effect; a written petition explains the current situation and the proper reasons why permission is needed now.

Where screening is dragging on, submitting a written petition (上申書) to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau may prompt progress in screening. A written petition is there to explain the current situation in which screening is running long, why permission is needed now, and that there is no impediment to carrying out the business.

The current situation in which screening is running long, and the concrete problems arising in the meantime (the continuing payment of the office rent and the like)
The proper reasons why permission is needed right now
That there has been no change to the funds or the business plan, or, where there has been a change, the reason for it and why it is justified
That your motivation to start the business is very high
How you have addressed the reasons for the past denials, and the concrete steps you have taken

How much is the capital requirement now?

Following the amendment of the ministerial ordinance on the criteria for landing permission, it has been at least 30 million yen (3,000万円) since 16 October 2025 (令和7年10月16日).

The 5 million yen (500万円) in this enquiry is the amount the enquirer actually set aside. Under the current criteria for permission for 在留資格「経営・管理」, the capital or total contribution is stated to be at least 30 million yen (3,000万円) (in force from 16 October 2025, 令和7年10月16日). If you are considering an application from now on, please prepare on the basis of the current criteria.

Screening running long is not something special that happens to you alone. While screening is going on, do not move funds on an easy judgment of your own; what matters most is to show unshakeable continuity and stability in the business, such that the screening officer is satisfied that "this business will succeed with this manager".

Frequently Asked Questions

May I withdraw the capital while screening is going on?

Please avoid it. It is taken to mean that your financial base is unstable, and it also contradicts the business plan you submitted.

When does screening run long?

The main reasons are a past record of denial, the credibility of the business plan, the source and the use of the funds, the applicant's management ability, and congestion in screening.

Will screening go faster if I submit a written petition?

Asking simply to "hurry up" has no effect. Write concretely about the current situation and the proper reasons why permission is needed now.

How much capital is required now?

Under the amendment in force from 16 October 2025 (令和7年10月16日), the capital or total contribution is required to be at least 30 million yen (3,000万円).

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This article provides general information. Immigration rules change, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Please check the Immigration Services Agency website or consult a qualified specialist.
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.