This report provides an overview of the recent revision to the permit criteria for the Status of Residence “Business Manager” announced by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan on October 10, 2025. The revision follows the draft ministerial ordinance initially released on August 25, 2025.
This will officially take effect on October 16, 2025.
The following sections outline the key points of the revision, its impact on current holders of the Business Manager status, and practical considerations for future applications.
Key Changes to Permit Requirements
- Employment of Full-Time Staff
・Companies must employ at least one full-time staff member.
・Eligible employees include Japanese nationals, permanent residents, spouses of Japanese nationals or permanent residents, and long-term residents. - Capital Requirements
・The minimum required capital has been raised from JPY 5 million to JPY 30 million. - Japanese Language Ability
・Either the applicant or the full-time staff member must possess a sufficient level of Japanese language proficiency.
・For applicants who are not Japanese nationals or special permanent residents, the following will be accepted as evidence:
– JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test) level N2 or higher
– BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test score of 400 points or above
– 20+ years of residence in Japan as a mid- to long-term resident
– Graduation from a Japanese university or other higher education institution
– Completion of compulsory education and graduation from high school in Japan - Educational or Professional Background
・Applicants must either:
– Hold a doctoral, master’s, or professional degree in a field relevant to business management or the business they intend to operate (including equivalent degrees awarded overseas), or
– Have at least three years of experience in business management or administration.
・Experience in preparatory activities under the “Designated Activities” status for starting a business (such as securing an office or other setup steps) can be counted toward this three-year requirement. - Business Plan Review
・The submitted business plan will now require verification by a qualified professional, such as a certified SME management consultant, certified public accountant, or tax accountant.
・The plan will be assessed for specificity, rationality, and feasibility.
Application Requirements and Conditions
- Business Activity
・Applicants must demonstrate actual, ongoing business operations.
・If the applicant’s activities are limited to outsourcing or if there is insufficient evidence of management activity, the application may be denied. - Business Office
・Using a private residence as an office is, in principle, not permitted. - Permanent Residency and Status Changes
・If the applicant does not meet the new criteria after the revision takes effect, applications for permanent residency or status changes from Business Manager or Highly Skilled Professional (i)(c) or (ii) may be denied. - Overseas Travel During Residence Period
・Unjustified long-term absences from Japan during the residence period may result in denial of a residence status renewal. - Tax and Social Insurance Obligations
・Payment records for taxes and social insurance contributions will be checked during residence status renewals. - Required Licenses and Permits
・Applicants must provide documentation proving that they have obtained any necessary licenses or permits to conduct their business.
Important Notes for Current Holders of “Business Manager” Status
- Applications Submitted Before the Effective Date
・Applications filed before October 16, 2025 will be reviewed under the pre-revision criteria. - Renewal of Residence Status
・If a renewal application is submitted within three years after the effective date (by October 16, 2028), it may still be approved even if the new criteria are not fully met, provided that the business performance and future compliance prospects are reasonable. In such cases, a professional evaluation report may be required.
・For renewal applications submitted after October 16, 2028, applicants must fully comply with the new criteria.
・The same applies to holders of Highly Skilled Professional (i)(c) whose activities are based on Business Manager requirements. - Change from “Designated Activities” to “Business Manager”
・If an applicant applies for or holds a “Designated Activities (No. 51 – Future Creation Talent)” status before October 15, 2025, the status change to Business Manager will be assessed under the old criteria.
・Applications submitted for “Designated Activities (No. 51)” on or after October 16, 2025 will be subject to the new criteria when changing to Business Manager status.
Reference
For more details, please refer to the Immigration Services Agency website:
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/resources/10_00237.html?hl=en
Contact Information
For inquiries regarding this revision or assistance with applications, please contact us:
JAPAN Immigration Law firm
https://japan-sk.com/english/#Inquiry
TEL: 080-4716-4343 (Direct to English speaker)
Note: This English translation is intended for explanatory purposes for foreign clients and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult an immigration lawyer for case-specific guidance.