It has been reported that the new permission criteria for the “Business Manager” status of residence came into effect on October 16, 2025, and that obtaining this status has become significantly more difficult compared to the previous requirements.
Below is an organized summary of the key permission criteria that foreign nationals should consider when applying for the “Business Manager” status of residence.
- Employment of Full-Time Staff
The company or business operated by the applicant must employ at least one full-time employee.
・“Full-time employees” are limited to Japanese nationals, Special Permanent Residents, Permanent Residents, spouses or children of Japanese nationals, spouses or children of Permanent Residents, and Long-Term Residents. - Amount of Capital, etc.
Capital of JPY 30,000,000 or more is required.
・In the case of a corporation: The amount of paid-in capital for a joint-stock company (kabushiki kaisha), or the total amount of capital contributions for a general partnership, limited partnership, or limited liability company.
・In the case of an individual: The total amount of funds invested as necessary for operating the business, including securing business premises, salaries for employed staff (one year’s worth), and capital expenditures. - Japanese Language Proficiency
Either the applicant or a full-time employee must possess Japanese language proficiency at or above one of the following levels:
・Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N2 or higher
・A score of 400 or higher on the Business Japanese Proficiency Test (BJT)
・Residence in Japan for 20 years or more as a mid- to long-term resident
・Graduation from a Japanese university or other higher education institution
・Completion of compulsory education in Japan and graduation from a Japanese high school - Background (Educational and Professional Experience)
The applicant must meet at least one of the following educational or professional experience requirements:
・Holding a doctoral, master’s, or professional degree in business administration or in a field related to the technology or knowledge necessary for the relevant business
・Having at least three years of professional experience in business management or administration - Business Plan
The submitted business plan must be evaluated as concrete, reasonable, and feasible. Such evaluation must be confirmed by a person with specialized knowledge of business management, such as a Certified Small and Medium Enterprise Consultant, Certified Public Accountant, or Licensed Tax Accountant.
The key point is whether “the foreign national is in a position to actually conduct business management or administration in Japan.”
Accordingly, in applying for this status of residence, it is necessary to demonstrate the availability of sufficient funds, appropriate staffing arrangements, and a business plan that ensures stability and continuity.
For those who are already residing in Japan under the “Business Manager” status of residence, a transitional period has been established until October 16, 2028. However, when applying for renewal, the new criteria will become an important element of the examination process.
At Uribou Administrative Legal Services, we provides services such as applications for permission to obtain a status of residence, applications for extension_of_period_of_stay, company establishment procedures, and other support services for foreign nationals.
Our primary service areas include Nakatsu City, Usa City, and Bungotakada City in Oita Prefecture, as well as Yoshitomi Town, Buzen City, Chikujo Town, and Yukuhashi City in Fukuoka Prefecture.
We are also able to assist clients in other regions, so please feel free to contact us for further information.