What changes
The Ministry of Justice amended the landing permission criteria ordinance and the Immigration Control Act enforcement rules, published on 10 October 2025 and in force on 16 October 2025. A Business Manager application now needs all of the following:
- Capital: paid-in capital or total investment of at least 30 million yen, up from 5 million.
- Staff: at least one full-time employee who is a Japanese national, special permanent resident, permanent resident, spouse of a Japanese national or permanent resident, or long-term resident.
- Japanese: the applicant or that employee must have Japanese at CEFR B2, shown by JLPT N2, a BJT score of 400 or more, 20 years' residence, or a Japanese university or high school education.
- Background: three years of management experience, or a master's, doctoral or professional degree in a relevant field.
- Business plan: checked by a certified management consultant, certified public accountant or tax accountant.
A home office is, as a rule, no longer accepted. On renewal, the immigration authorities check the business's labour insurance, social insurance and tax payments.
Who it applies to
Founders, investors and executives managing a Japanese business on this status. Applications received before 16 October 2025 were assessed under the old rules. Existing holders who apply to renew before 16 October 2028 are judged on the business's condition and its prospects of meeting the new criteria; later renewals must meet them in full. Holders who do not meet the new criteria cannot obtain permanent residence from this status.
Action for employers
- Choose the right status for a country manager. An executive sent from abroad may fit the intra-company transferee or Highly Skilled Professional status better.
- Hire locally before applying. A new subsidiary needs its first qualifying full-time employee in place.
- Plan renewals before October 2028. Small entities whose managers hold this status should fix capital, staffing and payroll compliance now.
- Keep social insurance and tax clean. Late payment now counts against renewals.
Sources
- Ministry of Justice ordinance on landing permission criteria and Immigration Control Act enforcement rules, as amended with effect from 16 October 2025.
- Immigration Services Agency, page on the revised Business Manager criteria, and explanatory note on the revision and transitional measures.