日本近日再度調整「經營管理簽證」（俗稱經管簽）的政策，引起在日外國創業者與準備赴日發展人士的廣泛關注。此次新政的最大變化在於正式新增「日語能力考試N2級」的語言要求，意味著未來欲申請該類簽證的外國人，除需要具備資金門檻與具體的事業計畫外，還必須具備一定程度的日語溝通能力，才能獲得資格。

這一政策的出發點，據官方說明，是為提高外國人在日本經商的實際可行性。許多過去持有經管簽的申請者，因語言不足導致與日本政府部門、銀行、稅務單位或合作夥伴溝通困難，不僅拖慢事業推進，也增加行政管理的負擔。政府認為透過設立N2語言門檻，可以確保申請人真正有能力融入日本市場環境，更有效率地經營事業，進一步提高政策的公信力與成功率。

然而，這項新規定在社會上引發兩面截然不同的反應。對支持者而言，這是一種提升整體制度品質的必要措施。日語是日本社會的核心語言，而N2代表了能夠流暢進行日常及專業溝通的程度，對於經營企業、處理法規文件、應對稅務審查或商務會談而言相對足夠。若外國經營者不具備這種能力，很難真正落地發展。因此，支持者認為設立N2標準有助於篩選出更具誠意與實力的申請人，避免「掛名公司」或純粹為簽證而勉強創業的現象，從而提高外國投資與創業的整體質量。

然而，反對聲音同樣強烈，特別是對於那些具有資金與專業背景，但語言能力不足的外國人來說，這幾乎等同於提高進入門檻。許多國際創業者或投資人認為，企業經營應以資本、創意與市場策略為核心，而非單純語言能力。若強行要求N2，將可能使不少優秀人才與資金望而卻步，轉而投向新加坡、香港或其他更開放的市場，最終削弱日本吸引國際創業的競爭力。部分批評者甚至指出，日本經濟正面臨人口老化、勞動力不足與創新乏力的多重挑戰，此時不應增加限制，而應該以更多元的方式鼓勵外資與外國創業者進入，否則可能與全球化趨勢背道而馳。

此外，也有專家提出折衷建議，例如應允許申請人先獲得簽證，再在限定時間內提升語言能力，或提供官方培訓課程來協助外國人達到N2水準，而不是將語言要求作為一刀切的前置條件。這樣既能確保外國創業者的實際適應度，又不至於打擊他們的積極性。

整體而言，日本經管簽新增N2語言門檻，短期內可能會使申請數量下降，尤其是對於剛起步的外國創業者而言，門檻明顯升高。但長期來看，若能成功吸引到具備語言能力與實際事業規劃的高質量申請人，或許能讓外國人在日本的經營活動更加穩健，進而提升日本在國際創業環境中的形象。這項政策的優劣，恐怕仍需經過數年的實際效果檢驗，才能看出最終影響。

Japan has recently tightened its “Business Manager Visa” policy, drawing considerable attention from foreign entrepreneurs already in Japan and those planning to set up businesses there. The most notable change is the introduction of a Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N2 requirement. In the future, applicants will not only need to meet the financial threshold and present a concrete business plan, but also demonstrate sufficient Japanese language skills to qualify.

According to the Japanese government, the rationale behind this move is to improve the practical feasibility of foreign business operations in the country. Many past visa holders struggled with communication when dealing with government offices, banks, tax authorities, or local partners. These challenges slowed business progress and created additional administrative burdens. By setting the N2 language standard, the government believes applicants will be better equipped to integrate into the Japanese market, manage their businesses effectively, and ultimately raise the credibility and success rate of the visa program.

The policy, however, has sparked sharply divided reactions. Supporters argue that this measure will improve the overall quality of the program. Since Japanese is the primary language of society and N2 indicates the ability to handle both daily and professional communication, the requirement ensures foreign entrepreneurs can realistically manage their enterprises, comply with regulations, and conduct negotiations. Advocates see this as a way to filter out “paper companies” or applicants who seek visas without genuine business intentions, thereby strengthening the long-term impact of foreign entrepreneurship in Japan.

On the other hand, critics contend that the rule raises the entry barrier for talented and well-funded foreigners who may lack advanced Japanese skills. They argue that business success depends on capital, innovation, and market strategy rather than language proficiency. By enforcing an N2 requirement, Japan risks deterring skilled entrepreneurs and investors, who might instead turn to more open business hubs such as Singapore or Hong Kong. This, critics warn, could undermine Japan’s competitiveness in attracting global talent at a time when the country already faces demographic decline, labor shortages, and sluggish innovation.

Some experts have proposed compromise solutions, such as granting visas first and requiring applicants to achieve N2 proficiency within a set timeframe, or offering government-backed training programs to help them reach the standard. These measures, they argue, would balance the need for integration with the need to attract international entrepreneurs.

Overall, the new N2 requirement will likely lead to a short-term drop in visa applications, particularly among start-up founders who face higher entry hurdles. However, in the long run, if the policy successfully attracts high-quality applicants who can operate effectively in Japan, it could lead to more sustainable business practices and improve the country’s image as a reliable entrepreneurial destination. The true impact—whether it strengthens or weakens Japan’s global competitiveness—will only become clear after several years of implementation.