Revised Criteria for Japan “Business Management” Residence Status (Effective October 16, 2025)

●Employment of Full-Time Staff
The applicant must employ at least one full-time staff member at the company or organization they operate. “Full-time staff” are limited to Japanese nationals, special permanent residents, permanent residents, spouses of Japanese nationals, spouses of permanent residents, and long-term residents.

●Amount of Capital
A capital of 30 million yen or more is required.

This refers to the paid-in capital (capital amount) for a stock company or the total capital contribution for a limited liability company.

This refers to the total amount invested as necessary for operating the business, including securing business premises, salaries for employees (for one year), and equipment investment expenses.

●Japanese Language Proficiency
Either the applicant or a full-time employee must possess a sufficient level of Japanese language proficiency. “Full-time employees” include foreign nationals residing under the status of residence listed in Appendix Table 1 of the Act. Sufficient Japanese language proficiency means proficiency equivalent to or above B2 level in the “Japanese Language Education Reference Framework.” For individuals other than Japanese nationals or special permanent residents, one of the following must be confirmed:

・Certification of JLPT N2 or higher
・A score of 400 or higher on the BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test
・Residence in Japan for 20 years or more as a medium-term resident
・Graduation from a Japanese university or other higher education institution
・Completion of compulsory education in Japan and graduation from high school

●Background (Academic and Work History)
The applicant must hold a doctoral, master's, or professional degree in a field related to the technical skills or knowledge necessary for business management or the operations of the business for which the application is made, or possess at least three years of work experience in business management or administration.

●Business Plan
The business plan submitted at the time of residence status determination must be evaluated as concrete, reasonable, and feasible. A confirmation by a person possessing specialized knowledge in management is required. As of the effective date, the following persons qualify as such:

・ Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant("Chusho Kigyo Shindanshi")
・ Certified Public Accountant
・ Certified Tax Accountant