---
title: "Transition Period for the BM Visa Reform (Grace Period Until 16 October 2028)"
url: https://memocore.ai/memos/6a5f62d863d783ad68709383
project: "Doing Business in Japan"
tags: "japan-business, visa-business-manager, current-2025"
updated_at: "2026-07-21T12:15:20.873Z"
---

# Transition Period for the BM Visa Reform (Grace Period Until 16 October 2028)

Holders of already-issued BM visas (and of startup visas that were processed under the old rules by the time the municipal certificate was obtained) are covered by a three-year grace period running until 16 October 2028. During this window, renewal is possible based on "the actual state of the business and progress toward the new criteria," even without full compliance with the new requirements; immigration may request an opinion from a certified professional (CPA/税理士/中小企業診断士). After 16 October 2028, full compliance with the new criteria is required, or the application will be refused. For new applications (not renewals), the new requirements have applied immediately and without exception since 16 October 2025. See: Transition Period in Practice: Startup-to-BM Conversion, PR Ban, and Post-Reform Statistics. Sources: https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/resources/10_00237.html — official MOJ page on transitional rules for the BM visa and startup visas under the reform.