Naturalization from a Business Manager Visa｜Practical Guide to Requirements, Review Points, and Successful Approval

1. Is Naturalization Possible from a Business Manager Visa?

1. Conclusion: Yes, Naturalization is Possible Even with a Business Manager Visa

Individuals holding a Business Manager Visa may apply for naturalization with the Legal Affairs Bureau in Japan. Naturalization is examined regardless of your visa status, which means applicants with a Business Manager Visa or other work visas are eligible.

However, unlike permanent residency, naturalization does not have visa-specific written requirements. Therefore, reviews are more individualized, and factors such as actual business activities, stability of income, and tax compliance are comprehensively evaluated.

2. Tightened Permanent Residence Rules in October 2025 — Increasing Interest in Naturalization

Under the reform effective October 2025, permanent residency examinations for work visas — including the Business Manager Visa — were significantly tightened. Higher standards are now required for proving business scale, employment continuity, proper taxation, and ongoing social insurance coverage.

As a result, many Business Manager Visa holders aiming for permanent residency are now shifting toward naturalization (acquiring Japanese nationality).
Compared to permanent residency, naturalization does not directly evaluate visa category as an eligibility condition, making it a viable option for business owners uncertain about future visa renewals.

3. Naturalization is Determined Based on “Seven Legal Requirements”

Naturalization is approved based on whether the applicant satisfies the seven requirement categories, rather than on visa type.
Thus, Business Manager Visa holders can apply for naturalization so long as they meet the “Seven Requirements.”

Below, we explain these seven requirements in detail along with specific review points relevant to business owners.

2. Seven Requirements for Naturalization and Key Review Points for Business Owners

Naturalization is judged not by visa status but by whether the seven statutory requirements are satisfied. Holders of a Business Manager Visa are no exception and will be reviewed along these criteria.

However, business owners face additional scrutiny — including business stability, tax status, and credibility — so more thorough preparation is required compared with ordinary employment visa holders.

Even though permanent residency screening tightened in October 2025, naturalization reviews increasingly emphasize stable income, social insurance enrollment, and accurate tax reporting.

1. [Residence Requirement] Continuous Residency in Japan

Generally, five or more consecutive years of residence in Japan is required. For Business Manager Visa holders, proof that the business activities are real and ongoing is important — cases with long residence but weak business records may be scrutinized.

2. [Capacity Requirement] Being an Adult

Applicants are generally required to be age 20 or older (under Japanese or home country law). For business owners, authorities consider whether your decision-making and judgment ability is credible.

3. [Conduct Requirement] Social Suitability and Credibility

Naturalization reviews not only criminal history but also proper tax filing and social insurance compliance. For Business Manager Visa holders, unpaid corporate tax, consumption tax, or withholding tax can become serious negative conduct factors.

4. [Livelihood Requirement] Ability to Maintain Stable Living

You must demonstrate the ability to maintain life via stable income. If a Business Manager Visa holder has low executive compensation or sustained corporate deficits, personal livelihood ability may be questioned.

5. [Prevention of Dual Nationality] Ability to Renounce Current Nationality

Applicants generally must be able to renounce their current nationality after acquiring Japanese nationality. For business owners, foreign corporate interests or assets may influence renunciation procedures, making individual review important.

6. [Constitutional Compliance Requirement] Not Acting Against Japan’s System

Authorities examine whether you fulfill tax obligations, comply with social insurance rules, and intend to follow the norms of Japanese society.

7. [Guarantor Requirement] Having a Personal Guarantor

A guarantor reinforces the applicant’s social credibility. For Business Manager Visa holders, trusted Japanese employees, clients, or business partners often act as guarantors.

Reflecting stricter permanent residency reviews since 2025, naturalization reviews for business owners now increasingly emphasize stable operations, proper taxation, and social insurance enrollment, making careful preparation essential.

3. The “5-Year Rule,” “10-Year Rule,” and Exceptions for the Business Manager Visa

For naturalization applications, it is generally required that the applicant has continuously resided in Japan for at least five years. This is the so-called “5-year rule.” However, depending on factors such as visa status and family situation, there are cases where exceptions are made to the way the years of residence are counted.

1. Basic Guideline for Naturalization: Five or More Consecutive Years of Residence

As a rule, naturalization requires that the applicant has had an address in Japan for five consecutive years. The idea behind this is to confirm the person’s integration into Japanese society and the stability of their life base.

Even for Business Manager Visa holders, five or more years of residence is formally one benchmark. However, in addition to mere length of stay, the following points are evaluated at the same time:

• Whether visa renewals have been stable
• Whether there is a real and ongoing business
• Whether there is a stable foundation for living

2. The “10-Year Rule” — When Total Years in Japan Become Crucial

In some cases, “10 or more years of residence in Japan after first entry” effectively becomes an examination benchmark. This tends to apply where stronger evidence of social integration is required due to factors such as family circumstances, extended periods spent outside Japan, or unstable activities.

In particular, if the business has been unstable or there are doubts about the reality of management activities, permission may not be granted even after five years, and a longer track record may be required.

3. Exception for the Business Manager Visa: Visa Category Itself Does Not Decide Eligibility

Naturalization is a system that does not use visa category as the primary criterion, so there is no clear rule that a Business Manager Visa is “advantageous” or “disadvantageous” in itself.

That said, because the Business Manager Visa presupposes independent business activities and stable income, when the actual situation is sound, it can positively influence the evaluation of “stability of living” and “reliability of tax payment” in naturalization examinations.

4. De Facto Additional Conditions for Business Owners

Conversely, if business activities are unclear, or there are deficiencies in tax filings or social insurance enrollment, then even if you have stayed more than five years, there is a real risk that approval will be delayed or the application will be refused.

5. Impact of Permanent Residence Reforms: Greater Focus on the Reality of Activities

Due to the tightening of permanent residence examinations in 2025, naturalization reviews are also shifting toward placing more weight on “substance and credibility” rather than just “years of residence.”

Therefore, Business Manager Visa holders considering naturalization should not rely solely on superficial figures like “I have lived here for five years” or “It has been ten years,” but should simultaneously ensure the continuity of the corporation, appropriateness of executive remuneration, enrollment in social insurance, and tax payment history.

In the next chapter, we will introduce specific examples of refusals that are common for Business Manager Visa holders and practical tips on how to improve your situation to move toward approval.

4. Typical Reasons for Refusal Specific to the Business Manager Visa

When Business Manager Visa holders consider naturalization, it is important to understand that approval is not granted based solely on years of residence or the fact that the visa has been renewed.

In naturalization reviews, the authorities closely examine “business stability,” “certainty of tax payment,” and “social credibility”, and if these are lacking, the application may be refused.

1. Executive Remuneration is Too Low

Stability of living is a key element in naturalization examinations. Under the Business Manager Visa, it is not uncommon to see situations where “the company is in the black but executive compensation is low” or “personal living expenses cannot be clearly covered,” and in such cases there is a high risk that the livelihood requirement will be considered unmet and the application refused.

2. Continued Deficits or Dormant Corporation

Naturalization reviews ask whether the applicant can continue the business in a stable manner. If deficits continue for an extended period, the corporation is effectively dormant, or actual business activities are unclear, the stability of residence and the applicant’s ability to maintain a livelihood may be questioned.

3. Tax Irregularities and Lack of Social Insurance Enrollment

For business owners, authorities check not only individual residence tax and income tax, but also corporate tax, consumption tax, and employees’ social insurance premiums — in other words, compliance with multiple tax and insurance obligations. Delays or non-payment can be treated as a negative factor under the conduct requirement and often lead to refusal.

4. Multiple Shell Companies and Suspected Name Lending

In naturalization examinations, operating multiple companies or activities that appear to be name lending can be treated as undermining credibility and creating doubt about the reality of business activities. If there are corporations whose substance is unclear, or companies in which the applicant’s involvement is questionable but their name appears, authorities may request additional documentation and detailed explanations.

5. Family Residence and Living Situation Not Well Established

For Business Manager Visa holders, naturalization examinations also look at the stability of the family’s life and children’s educational environment. Even if the business owner’s activities are going well, unstable residence of family members or problematic support situations can negatively affect the review.

6. Seen as “Escaping to Naturalization Because Permanent Residence is Difficult”

Since the 2025 reform of permanent residence, more applicants are choosing naturalization because permanent residence has become harder to obtain. However, the Legal Affairs Bureau is concerned about applications that appear to “flee to naturalization as a substitute for permanent residence”, and tends to strictly examine the applicant’s level of integration into Japanese society and the genuine necessity of naturalization.

For Business Manager Visa holders, naturalization usually involves submitting more documents, and the key is how well you can objectively demonstrate the reality of your activities. In the next chapter, we will explain the documentation required in naturalization examinations and additional materials often requested from business owners.

5. Required Documents When Applying for Naturalization from a Business Manager Visa

For naturalization applications, the Legal Affairs Bureau makes a comprehensive assessment of the applicant’s personal status, actual living situation, tax history, and conduct, so the range of documents to be submitted is broad. For Business Manager Visa holders and self-employed persons, there is a tendency for both corporate and personal documents to be required, in greater volume than for general employees.

1. Typical Documents Required for a Standard Naturalization Application (Examples)

• Application form, résumé, and personal statement
• Passport and Residence Card
• Resident Record and family registry–related documents
• Income and taxation certificates, tax payment certificates
• Certificate of employment (for salaried employees)
• Certificate of final academic background
• Guarantor’s information and signed guarantee forms

These documents are submitted to verify the applicant’s identity and prove their living foundation. However, for Business Manager Visa holders and business owners, additional documents are required to demonstrate the continuity of the business and its social credibility.

2. Additional Documents Required from Business Manager Visa Holders / Business Owners

To substantiate business reality, financial conditions, and proper fulfillment of social insurance obligations, the following documents are often required in addition:

• Tax payment certificates for corporate tax, consumption tax, etc.
• Corporate financial statements (balance sheet and profit and loss statement)
• Complete set of corporate tax returns
• Proof of payment of executive remuneration and payroll ledgers
• Certificate of registered corporate matters (company registry)
• Lease agreement for the office and photo evidence of actual business operations
• Documents showing corporate social insurance enrollment status
• Proof of employees’ employment status and payroll records (where applicable)

In particular, the status of compliance with mandatory social insurance coverage has attracted increasing attention in naturalization examinations following the 2025 reforms to permanent residence screening.

3. Why Additional Documents Are Needed: Business Owners Have Fewer Documents That “Directly Prove Themselves”

For business owners, it is difficult to fully understand their living situation using only pay slips or withholding tax certificates, so corporate documents are treated as evidence supporting the individual’s living foundation.

In addition, because the following points often become issues in reviews of business owners, explanatory materials are frequently requested:

• Whether corporate profits are sufficient
• Whether executive remuneration is appropriate
• Whether social insurance and taxes are properly handled
• Whether the corporation’s business activities are continuing in practice

In other words, it is important not merely to “submit documents,” but to prepare them as “materials that demonstrate credibility.”

4. Situations Where the Legal Affairs Bureau Becomes Stricter

In the following cases, you may be asked to provide additional explanations or submit more detailed documents:

• Ongoing deficit settlements
• Executive remuneration that is unusually low
• Lack of social insurance enrollment or suspected avoidance of coverage
• Cases that appear to involve name lending across multiple corporations

In the next chapter, we will explain approaches to improvement when a business owner’s naturalization is refused, and specific preparation points to move your case toward approval.

6. Flow of the Naturalization Application

Below is a general timeline for Business Manager Visa holders who apply for naturalization.

The above is only a model case, but for Business Manager Visa holders, a common guideline is “around 1–3 months for document preparation and around 6 months to 1 year from application to approval.”
In particular, corporate documents, tax history, and proof of social insurance enrollment can take time to prepare, so it is important to start early.

7. Q&A on Applying for Naturalization from a Business Manager Visa

Yes, you can. Naturalization is not judged by visa category, but by whether you satisfy the seven requirements such as residence, conduct, livelihood, and renunciation of your current nationality. There is no rule that a Business Manager Visa is particularly advantageous or disadvantageous, but business reality, corporate stability, and tax status are examined in more detail than for ordinary company employees.

Having a deficit in your corporate accounts does not automatically mean that naturalization will be refused. However, for Business Manager Visa holders, authorities will closely examine whether your personal life, including executive remuneration, is financially stable.
If deficits continue, your executive remuneration is extremely low, or the source of your living expenses is unclear, the review will often become stricter on the grounds that you may not meet the livelihood requirement. It is therefore important to consider reviewing your financial statements and remuneration settings before applying.

Legally, there is no rule that you cannot apply for naturalization after a permanent residence refusal. However, if you apply for naturalization without resolving the reasons that led to the refusal, the same points are very likely to be scrutinized again.
For Business Manager Visa holders in particular, business stability, tax compliance, social insurance, and actual residence are common examination items for both permanent residence and naturalization. Depending on the reasons for refusal, it is advisable to review your financial results, tax payment status, and the way you present supporting documents before deciding on the timing of a naturalization application.

Even for business owners and directors, if the corporation meets the legal requirements, it is normally obliged to enroll in social insurance (health insurance and employees’ pension). If you have not enrolled despite being required to do so and are considered to be engaging in so-called “social insurance avoidance”, this may be evaluated as a negative factor in terms of legal compliance and conduct.
Before applying for naturalization, it is important to整理 and be able to explain proper enrollment in social insurance, any periods of non-enrollment, and the corrective steps taken.

In naturalization examinations, authorities make a comprehensive assessment that includes not only your current situation but also your future outlook. Business downsizing or selling your company is not automatically a negative factor, but if your livelihood or occupation after naturalization is unclear, there is a risk that your economic stability will be questioned.
If you are planning business restructuring or a sale, you should be prepared to explain your future sources of income, employment plans, and overall life plan. We recommend that you consult the Legal Affairs Bureau or a specialist in advance and consider the optimal timing for your application.

9. Naturalization Support Services for Business Manager Visa Holders

1. Service Overview

When applying for naturalization from a Business Manager Visa, review points such as business substance, appropriateness of executive remuneration, tax compliance, social insurance enrollment, and financial continuity become far broader and stricter than those for ordinary employment visas.

Business owners commonly face challenges such as:

ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer’s Office provides comprehensive support for business owners and executives, including individual eligibility assessments based on the seven naturalization requirements, corporate document organization, preparation of application forms, drafting support for the statement of reasons, and interview advisory assistance.
This service is ideal for those who feel unsure about how to explain financials, substantiate executive remuneration or business activities, or who are considering switching from permanent residence to naturalization.

Who This Service Is For

• Business Manager Visa holders actively running a business and considering acquiring Japanese nationality
• Those concerned about corporate financials, tax status, or social insurance compliance
• Those who find it difficult to explain remuneration, business scale, or livelihood stability
• Those unsure how to present corporate or financial records effectively
• Those wanting full professional support from preparation through interview strategy

2. Three Service Plans

ACROSEED offers three naturalization support plans depending on your circumstances and level of need.

① Document Preparation Support (Preparation Only)

The simplest plan — we organize and prepare required documents and assist with drafting the reason statement. Support does not include representation at the Legal Affairs Bureau.

1. Preparation checklists and document guidance
2. Drafting and preparation of all application documents
3. Support for creating the statement of naturalization reasons
4. Interview guidance

*Interviews are handled directly by the applicant, but we provide question-and-answer coaching.

② Document Preparation + Legal Affairs Bureau Accompaniment

In addition to document preparation, an immigration lawyer accompanies you to the pre-consultation and application submission at the Legal Affairs Bureau — ideal for those uneasy with Japanese procedures.

1. Everything included in Plan ①
2. Pre-consultation accompaniment at the Legal Affairs Bureau
3. Application submission accompaniment at the Legal Affairs Bureau

*Interviews remain applicant-handled, but we provide detailed interview preparation.

③ Simplified Naturalization Support (Document Preparation + Legal Affairs Bureau Accompaniment)

This plan specializes in simplified naturalization (e.g., children of Japanese nationals or permanent residents). It includes document preparation and full support from an immigration lawyer during Legal Affairs Bureau procedures.

1. All content included in Plans ① and ②
2. Assistance with simplified naturalization requirements and document structure
3. Document optimization and reinforcement tailored to the applicant’s situation

*Interviews remain applicant-handled, with full advisory support provided.

Items Not Included

The following are not covered under these services:

• Attendance at the naturalization interview (interviews are normally applicant-only)
• Free re-application support in case of refusal
• Obtaining foreign country documents on your behalf (guidance will be provided)

3. Why choose ACROSEED

Why clients choose ACROSEED


• Founded in 1986; industry-leading 40,000+ visa filings
• 99.9% approval rate; trusted by many clients
• No travel expenses; flat fees nationwide
• Extensive track record in complex/re-application after refusal cases
• No add-on fees; transparent pricing
• Free re-application until approval if refused
• Support available in Japanese, English, and Chinese

Founded in 1986, with 40,000+ visa applications

ACROSEED was founded in 1986. Since 1990—the first year administrative scriveners were allowed to handle immigration under the law—we have specialized in immigration work. Our total filings exceed 40,000 (as of March 2025).

We currently handle 3,000–4,000 visa filings annually, visiting immigration twice a week to stay current on examinations and legal changes.

By choosing ACROSEED, you get services based on the latest examination trends and the industry’s deepest practical experience.

99.9% approval rate—peace of mind backed by clients’ trust

Since opening in 1986, ACROSEED has always prioritized trustworthy services. At the free consultation stage, if approval seems unlikely, we explain this and decline the engagement.

As a result, we have maintained an approval rate of 99%+ (including re-applications) since opening.

However, for cases with a viable chance where clients wish to proceed, we will make a maximum effort together.

Our attentive, tailored service has earned broad support from clients.

No travel fees—flat rates nationwide

Our office is in Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, but we handle immigration cases nationwide at flat rates with no travel expenses.

For distant clients, we offer online consultations via Skype or Zoom so you can speak face-to-face with your consultant just like an in-person visit.

Strong results in difficult and re-application cases

We have many approvals for cases repeatedly refused by clients on their own or by other law firms.

ACROSEED’s track record is unparalleled, and we are often referred the most difficult cases from around the country—operating like a “general hospital” for the industry.

Don’t give up—consult us even for seemingly difficult cases.

No add-on fees—transparent pricing

Our service fees are only those listed on our website.

We do not add fees due to client circumstances such as frequent travel or prior refusals.

We provide a transparent pricing system for your peace of mind.

Free re-application until approval if refused

If a case filed by ACROSEED is unfortunately refused, we will re-apply free of charge as long as there remains a possibility of approval.

While some competitors offer “full refunds if refused,” we believe refunds do not solve the client’s problem.

Accepting a case casually and leaving a refusal record in your filing history can make approval much harder later.

Clients who choose ACROSEED from among many firms deserve our stance of “getting the fastest approval possible—and if refused, supporting relentlessly until approval.”

4. Naturalization Support Fees (Excluding Tax)

We also offer pre-consultation accompaniment for 20,000 yen per visit (tax excluded). If you proceed with ACROSEED service engagement, this fee will be deducted.

• Payment by Visa or MasterCard is available.

1. Document Preparation Only

2. Document Preparation + Legal Affairs Bureau Accompaniment

Regular Naturalization

Simplified Naturalization

10.Related Pages Often Read Together with Naturalization Applications

[2025 Edition] Japan Naturalization Guide | Requirements, Documents & Application Process

A clear and comprehensive guide covering the latest 2025 requirements, required documents, key review points, application flow, and interview preparation. Also explains nationality renunciation considerations, FAQs, and three service plans.

Naturalization Guide for Spouses of Japanese Nationals

Naturalization through marriage generally requires 3+ years of marriage history and 1+ year of residence in Japan (as a rule). Learn key review points such as the “genuineness of marriage,” “financial stability,” and “Japanese language ability,” plus how cases with children are assessed and common refusal patterns.

Naturalization from a Work Visa (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services)

Detailed explanation for foreign employees: requirements, required years, income standards, and how changing jobs affects screening. Covers differences based on employment style and tax status, the latest trends in review timelines, and practical strategies to avoid refusal.

Naturalization Guide for Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa Holders

For applicants considering naturalization from HSP (Type 1 / Type 2). Explains situations where screening may be relatively favorable, and factors that require extra caution (e.g., research-track roles, job stability, and continuity of activities).

Naturalization Guide for Business Manager Visa Holders

Experts explain common stumbling points for business owners: business stability, tax compliance, executive compensation design, and social insurance handling. Includes review tendencies reflected from 2025 onward.

Naturalization Guide for Permanent Residents

The final step for permanent residents to become Japanese nationals. Organizes required documents, review timelines, and how decisions differ by family structure, plus preparation to avoid refusal and a clear comparison of “Permanent Residence vs Naturalization.”

Naturalization Guide for Long-Term Resident Visa Holders

For Long-Term Residents (spouse-based long-term, child of a Japanese national, stepchild, Nikkei-related statuses, etc.). Explains key requirements, documents, what examiners focus on, and Japanese language expectations by typical case type.

Naturalization Guide for Special Permanent Residents

Covers background of the制度, screening characteristics, how to write the reason statement for naturalization, and important notes about nationality choices within the family—tailored for Special Permanent Residents.

More In-Depth Questions About Japan Naturalization

Naturalization vs Permanent Residence in Japan: A Complete Comparison (2025)
Can You Apply for Naturalization with Less Than 3 Years of Work? Latest Standards & Approval Points
Naturalization and Time Outside Japan: Guidelines for “5+ Continuous Years” and Key Cautions
Naturalization Required Documents List: 2025 Latest Checklist by Case Type
Naturalization Requirements (7 Conditions): Expert Guide to Obtaining Japanese Nationality
My child has dual nationality (Japan & the U.S.). Are any procedures required?
Should You Hire an Administrative Scrivener for Naturalization? Benefits, Fees, and How to Choose
Income Requirements for Naturalization: How Much Is Needed and How “Ability to Support a Living” Is Judged
Traffic Violations & Minor Offenses in Naturalization: Do Parking Tickets or Criminal Records Matter?
Required Japanese Level for Naturalization: Speaking, Reading/Writing, and Interview Benchmarks
Are Taxes, Insurance, and Pension Critical for Naturalization? Does Non-Payment Lead to Refusal?
Renunciation of Prior Nationality: Country-by-Country Guidance (China, Korea, U.S., and More)
Residence Years & Time Abroad for Naturalization: 5-Year / 3-Year Rules and Key Judgment Points
Reasons for Naturalization Refusal: Common “Rejected at Intake” Cases and Timing to Reapply