Business Manager Visa to Permanent Residency (PR) in Japan【2025 Latest Requirements】｜Full Guide to 30M Yen Capital, Full-Time Employee, and Financial Stability
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The Japanese government has announced its plan to significantly increase immigration-related fees by FY2027, including raising renewal fees to approximately JPY 30,000–40,000 and permanent residency fees to around JPY 100,000. In addition, immigration screening has become noticeably stricter since late 2025, and cases that were previously approved are now being denied.
Immigration renewal fees to rise to JPY 30,000–40,000 / Permanent residency above JPY 100,000 — Impact on companies and foreign nationals [2025–2027]If you are considering applying for Permanent Residency, we strongly recommend submitting your application early with professional support.
Contact us by email +81-3-6905-6371- Basic Requirements for Applying Permanent Residency from a Business Manager Visa
- [Effective from 2025/10/16] 5 Mandatory Conditions after Legal Revision
- How to Prove Business Stability during the PR Examination
- Setting Executive Salary and the 3M Yen Annual Income Rule
- Impact of Unpaid Taxes or Social Insurance on PR Eligibility
- Office Requirements and Travel History Notes
- Transitional Measures: 3-Year Treatment after Enforcement
- Q&A: Permanent Residency from a Business Manager Visa
- Client Testimonials Who Obtained PR through ACROSEED
- ACROSEED’s PR Application Support Services for Business Managers
- Related Articles on Permanent Residency
After the October 16, 2025 immigration reform, stricter conditions were introduced for the Business Manager Visa, such as hiring at least one full-time employee, maintaining a capital of at least 30 million yen, and demonstrating Japanese language proficiency (N2/B2 or above). These standards are also considered important in the permanent residency examination for business owners.
This page by ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office explains the latest regulations and key points for successfully obtaining permanent residency (PR) from a Business Manager Visa in Japan.
1. Basic Requirements for Applying for Permanent Residency from a Business Manager Visa
Permanent Residency (PR) is a status granted to foreign nationals who can maintain a stable and continuous livelihood and business activity in Japan.
When applying for permanent residency from a Business Manager Visa, not only business stability but also the establishment of a solid living foundation in Japan is essential.
This section explains the two key prerequisites: the required period of stay (maximum visa duration) and the number of years of residence and employment in Japan.
Required Period of Stay (Maximum Visa Duration) for Permanent Residency Application
At the time of applying for Permanent Residency, the general rule is that you must hold the longest available period of stay on your current residence card.
For Business Manager Visa holders, this means having a 3-year or 5-year visa before applying for permanent residency.
| Visa Type | Maximum Period of Stay | Eligible for PR Application |
|---|---|---|
| Business Manager Visa | 3 years or 5 years | ◎ Eligible |
| Business Manager Visa (1 year) | 1 year | × Not eligible |
Most first-time Business Manager Visa holders start with a one-year period. Therefore, proving stable and growing business performance at renewal is crucial to obtain the 3-year visa, which is often the first major hurdle.
A 3-year visa is seen as clear evidence of business stability and is highly valued when reviewing a permanent residency application.
■ Main Evaluation Points for Obtaining a 3-Year Visa (at Renewal)
- Continuous profitable financial statements
- Stable executive salary (annual income of at least 3 million yen)
- Proper payment of taxes and social insurance
- Continuity of office location and business operations
10-Year Residence and 5-Year Employment Rule (and Exceptions)
According to the Ministry of Justice, the basic requirements for obtaining permanent residency are as follows:
- Continuous residence in Japan for 10 years or more
- Among them, at least 5 years under a working visa status
Because the Business Manager Visa is considered a “working visa,” applicants must meet this general rule when applying for permanent residency.
“10 years of residence in Japan × 5 years of employment (including Business Manager Visa)”
↓
“Obtain a 3-year or 5-year visa”
↓
Apply for Permanent Residency
■ Common Exceptions (and Misunderstandings)
| Category | Required PR Period | Relation to Business Manager Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse of Japanese National | Marriage over 1 year + Residence over 3 years | Not applicable (family-based) |
| Highly Skilled Professional (80 points) | 1 year | Eligible for exceptional reduction |
| Highly Skilled Professional (70 points) | 3 years | Eligible for exceptional reduction |
The Business Manager Visa itself does not have a shortened PR track.
Therefore, many applicants consider combining it with Highly Skilled Professional (Type i or ii) status to accelerate the process.
If the new Business Manager Visa requirements are not met,
even Highly Skilled Professional holders cannot obtain Permanent Residency.
When aiming for permanent residency, it is crucial to link your visa renewal plan with your business and long-term residence strategy from an early stage.
2. [Effective 2025/10/16] Five Mandatory Conditions after Legal Revision
From October 16, 2025, the Business Manager Visa system will require stricter management capability and business continuity.
If you do not meet these standards, you will NOT be able to apply for permanent residency (PR) from a Business Manager Visa, nor from a Highly Skilled Professional (category “ha”) status. For anyone planning to obtain permanent residency through a Business Manager Visa, understanding these new rules is essential.
This section explains in simple terms the five conditions that must absolutely be satisfied under the new system.
① Employment of at Least One Full-Time Employee (International Students Excluded)
Your company must employ at least one full-time worker who is either a Japanese national or a foreign national with Permanent Resident / Long-Term Resident / Spouse of Japanese, etc.
*International students and foreign workers on regular working visas are NOT counted as eligible employees.
| Eligible Employees | Non-Eligible Employees |
|---|---|
|
・Japanese nationals ・Permanent Residents / Long-Term Residents ・Spouse or Child of Japanese / Permanent Resident |
・Foreigners on working visas such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services ・Family-Dependent visa holders ・International students |
Payroll records, social insurance enrollment, and employment insurance procedures will all be examined, so the actual substance of the employment relationship is extremely important.
→ There is a high risk that the Immigration Bureau will judge that “there is no real activity as a business manager.”
② Capital of at Least 30 Million Yen (Investment Amount for Sole Proprietors)
For corporations, a paid-in capital of at least 30 million yen is required. For sole proprietors, the following total invested amount will be examined:
- Office acquisition and rent costs
- One year of salary for full-time employees
- Equipment and facility investment
In practice, you will need management capacity strong enough to secure bank loans and external investment at an early stage.
③ Japanese Ability of the Business Manager or Full-Time Staff (JLPT N2 / CEFR B2)
Either the business manager or at least one full-time employee must have a certain level of Japanese language ability.
| Certification Method | Required Level |
|---|---|
| JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) | N2 or above |
| BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test | 400 points or more |
| Graduation from a Japanese higher education institution | *Language certificate not required |
This requirement is considered essential for proper communication with government offices, tax authorities, and in legal compliance matters.
If your Business Manager Visa relies only on SNS marketing and you lack sufficient Japanese ability, it will be considered a negative factor → the authorities will question whether you can effectively handle procedures, recruitment, and external communication in Japan.
④ Academic Background or Work Experience in Business Management (Master’s Degree or 3+ Years)
To prove your capability as a business manager, you must satisfy at least one of the following:
- Master’s / Doctoral / Professional degree in business administration or a related field
- Three or more years of practical experience in management or administration
*The preparation period under a special startup “Tokkatsu” status can also be counted in some cases.
Especially if you are launching a new business in a field where you have no prior experience, the Immigration Bureau will carefully check the consistency between your work history and the type of business you are planning to run.
⑤ Feasibility of a Business Plan with Expert Evaluation
For both change of status and renewal applications under the new Business Manager Visa system, you must submit a business plan together with a
feasibility evaluation by an expert such as a tax accountant, certified public accountant, or SME management consultant.
| Review Aspect | Checklist Items |
|---|---|
| Specificity | Projected sales, customer segments, sales structure |
| Rationality | Profit structure, cash-flow soundness |
| Feasibility | Market potential, competitive advantage, required licenses/permits |
A third-party expert must certify that this is a real, workable business and not just a theoretical plan on paper.
Because an evaluation by professionals other than immigration lawyers is required, the preparation period before applying for a Business Manager Visa and later permanent residency will inevitably become longer.
Summary of the Five Conditions under the New System
| Examination Point | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Employment of full-time staff | To ensure real job creation in Japan |
| Capital of 30 million yen | To secure a solid financial base for business continuity |
| Japanese language ability | To guarantee appropriate administrative and legal compliance |
| Academic / career background | To verify the business manager’s competence |
| Feasibility of the business plan | To reduce the risk of early failure and withdrawal |
・You cannot apply for permanent residency from a Business Manager Visa.
・You cannot apply for permanent residency via Highly Skilled Professional (category “ha”) either.
6. Business Manager Visa New Requirements Self-Check Tool
If you are considering permanent residency from a Business Manager Visa, the first step is to confirm whether you meet the new requirements.
With this quick test, you can easily check how far you currently satisfy the new Business Manager Visa requirements.
All questions can be answered with “Yes / No”, and on the result page you will see which points need improvement for a future permanent residency application.
Please click the button below to try the Business Manager Visa New Requirements Self-Check Test.
We will advise you based on the post-revision standards and explain what you need to do to obtain permanent residency from a Business Manager Visa.
Support available in English and Chinese.
Contact us by email +81-3-6905-6371
3. How to Prove “Business Stability” – the Key Factor in Permanent Residency Examination
For those who wish to obtain permanent residency from a Business Manager Visa, the most important factor is business stability.
It is not enough that the company simply exists on paper. The business must generate profit continuously and provide a stable financial base for your life in Japan.
Continuous Profits and Accumulated Retained Earnings Are Essential
In the permanent residency examination from a Business Manager Visa, the Immigration Bureau will review your financial statements for the past several years and strictly check the following points:
- Multiple consecutive years of profitable (black) financial results
- Positive retained earnings
- No excess liabilities (no negative net worth)
- No fake sales or sudden, unnatural changes in figures
Any temporary manipulation of figures just to show a profit at year-end will almost certainly be detected during the examination.
The fact that your business is growing and your company has sufficient reserves is a crucial indicator of its long-term viability when applying for permanent residency in Japan.
Why Obtaining a 3-Year Visa Becomes the “Starting Point” for Approval
As a basic requirement for a permanent residency application, you must first obtain the maximum period of stay (3 years or 5 years) on your Business Manager Visa.
A 3-year visa is considered proof that the Immigration Bureau recognizes your company as “a business with stable management,” and it is therefore highly valued in the PR examination.
| Visa Period | Assessment |
|---|---|
| 1 year | Management seen as unstable / requires careful review |
| 3 years | Starting line for PR examination |
| 5 years | Highly positive evaluation / very advantageous for PR approval |
In other words, obtaining a 3-year Business Manager Visa can be seen as a quantitative indicator of the credibility and stability of your business when applying for permanent residency.
4. Setting Executive Salary and Annual Income Risks (3 Million Yen Benchmark)
In the permanent residency examination, not only the company’s profits but also the stability of the business owner’s personal living expenses are evaluated.
For applicants with a Business Manager Visa aiming for permanent residency in Japan, how you set your executive salary is therefore extremely important.
Lowering Your Salary Too Much to Increase Company Profit May Lead to Rejection
If you excessively reduce your executive salary just to show higher company profits, the following problems can arise:
- The Immigration Bureau may judge that your living base is unstable
- Risk of falling below the benchmark of 3 million yen annual income
- Lower social insurance premiums and weaker payment record
Executive salary was set too low →
The applicant was judged to have “insufficient ability to maintain a stable life” in Japan → Permanent residency from a Business Manager Visa was denied.
Designing Your Salary with Future Bank Financing in Mind
Once you obtain permanent residency, it becomes much easier to use bank loans to expand your business.
Therefore, when you hope to move from a Business Manager Visa to permanent residency, it is important to balance the following points when designing your executive salary:
| Effects of Setting an Appropriate Executive Salary |
|---|
| ・Your stable standard of living is positively evaluated ・You build a strong track record of social insurance payments ・Your credibility with banks increases (advantageous for financing) |
Rather than focusing only on tax saving, it is more important to secure an executive salary level that can withstand the permanent residency examination.
5. Permanent Residency Is Almost Impossible If Taxes or Social Insurance Are Unpaid
In the permanent residency examination for Business Manager Visa holders, your history of paying taxes and social insurance is scrutinized very strictly. If there are unpaid amounts, your application will almost certainly be denied.
Checking Corporate Tax, Withholding Income Tax, and Consumption Tax Payments
- Payment of corporate tax and withholding income tax
- Payment of consumption tax and local consumption tax
- Payment of inhabitant tax (for both the company and the individual)
Tax office reminders or installment payments are seen as a major negative in a permanent residency examination.
Enrollment and Payment of Health Insurance, Employees’ Pension, and Employment Insurance
In principle, even business owners are obliged to enroll in social insurance. If there are unpaid amounts, you will first need to pay them retroactively, and the Immigration Bureau will then observe your situation for several years, which will postpone your chance to apply for permanent residency.
| Items Checked |
|---|
| ・Health insurance / Employees’ pension insurance ・Employment insurance / Workers’ accident compensation insurance ・Payroll records and proof of insurance premium payments |
Your day-to-day attitude toward tax and social insurance compliance is in itself an important evaluation point in the permanent residency examination for Business Manager Visa holders.
6. Office Requirements and Travel History – Important Points for PR from a Business Manager Visa
For a Business Manager Visa, it is a fundamental requirement that the main base of your business activities is in Japan. The Immigration Bureau will carefully examine both the office you secure and the actual business activity conducted in Japan.
Home Office Not Allowed / Securing an Office Appropriate to Business Scale
Under the revised rules, using your home as a combined residence and office is, in principle, not permitted. The Immigration Bureau will check whether the size and facilities of your office are appropriate for the real scale of your business.
- Office location and lease contract details
- Existence of a landline, company signboard, and interior fittings
- Whether clients can actually visit the office
Long-Term Stays Abroad May Be Viewed as “No Real Business Activity in Japan”
If you leave Japan for a long period without a valid reason while holding a Business Manager Visa, the Immigration Bureau may doubt whether you are truly engaged in management activities in Japan.
→ Your visa renewal may be refused → and your permanent residency examination will also be negatively affected.
(Especially if you are absent for several months at a time, the risk is high.)
You must be able to prove that your primary business and main place of work are in Japan when applying for permanent residency from a Business Manager Visa.
We will advise you on strategies to obtain permanent residency based on the post-revision standards.
Support available in English and Chinese.
Click here for email consultation 03-6905-6371
7. Transitional Measures: How Visa Renewals Are Treated During the First 3 Years
Even after the legal revision on October 16, 2025, the new rules will not be applied with full force immediately. A three-year transitional period has been established.
Within the First 3 Years: Renewal May Be Granted If Future Compliance Is Expected
During the three years from the enforcement date, there is some flexibility: if there is a reasonable prospect that you will meet the new standards in the near future, visa renewal may still be approved.
- Show realistic improvement plans in your business plan
- Attaching an expert evaluation will strengthen your case
- No unpaid taxes or social insurance contributions
After 3 Years: Full Compliance with All Criteria Becomes Mandatory
For renewals and permanent residency applications on or after October 16, 2028, it will be strictly required that you meet all the revised criteria.
Therefore, if you aim to obtain permanent residency from a Business Manager Visa, you must fully satisfy the new system’s requirements and submit your application no later than October 16, 2028.
8. Q&A on Obtaining Permanent Residency from a Business Manager Visa
If the loss is temporary and you can clearly explain the reason and show that the following year returned to profit, there is still a possibility of approval.
However, if your company has been in continuous deficit since its establishment, the permanent residency examination will become much stricter. In such cases, a track record of paying corporate tax and a solid business plan (with expert evaluation) will be important supporting documents.
Yes. In principle, you are required to enroll.
Enrollment in health insurance and employees’ pension is one of the most important factors showing the continuity of your business, your tax compliance mindset, and the stability of your life in Japan. If there are unpaid premiums, permanent residency will basically be refused, so both enrollment and proper payment are essential.
An annual income of 3 million yen is a practical benchmark, not an absolute legal requirement. However, for a working visa category such as “Business Manager,” if your income is below 3 million yen, it becomes significantly more difficult to obtain permanent residency.
Yes. Especially if you are absent from Japan for several months at a time, the Immigration Bureau may consider that “there is no real business activity in Japan” under your Business Manager Visa.
If you have unavoidable reasons (such as serious illness, childbirth, nursing care of family members, or handling overseas business), you must submit a written explanation and supporting evidence.
If you do not meet the new Business Manager Visa standards, permanent residency will not be approved, even if you have a high score as a Highly Skilled Professional (category “ha”) whose status is based on business management activities.
The Immigration Bureau will check all of the following points:
・Capital of 30 million yen or more
・Japanese language ability equivalent to N2 level
・Continuous profitable (black) financial results
・Full compliance with tax and social insurance obligations
Therefore, a high Highly Skilled Professional score alone does not guarantee approval for permanent residency.
9.Google Customer Reviews
10. Business Manager Visa to Permanent Residency Application Support Service
1. Service Overview
This service is a specialized support program designed to help corporate owners and executive officers residing in Japan under the Business Manager (Keiei・Kanri) status of residence (Business Manager Visa) to obtain Permanent Residency (PR), so that both their business and personal life in Japan can become more stable.
ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office has assisted many Business Manager Visa holders in applying for permanent residency. In particular, we focus on the key examination points unique to business owners — such as proving continuous profitable financial results, the appropriateness of executive salary, business continuity, and the status of tax and social insurance payments — and provide high-approval-rate application document preparation and support during examination.
To move smoothly from a Business Manager Visa to permanent residency, it is crucial to prepare application documents that carefully demonstrate the stability and soundness of your management and business. At ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office, immigration lawyers who thoroughly understand the examination criteria specifically for business managers will closely review your company’s situation and propose the application strategy with the highest possible chance of approval.
2. Scope of Services
- Proposing and preparing the set of documents that will give you the highest approval rate
- Submitting the application to the Immigration Services Agency and handling the seal / passport stamping procedures upon approval
- Simultaneous application for re-entry permit (upon request)
- Checking the examination status during the processing period and responding to requests for additional documents
- Free re-application in case of non-approval
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. Fees for Permanent Residency Application Support from a Business Manager Visa (Excluding Tax)
・There are absolutely no additional charges based on your individual conditions.
・ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office serves clients throughout Japan. Even if you live outside the Tokyo area, you can use our service at the same fee listed below.
・Payment by Visa and MasterCard is also accepted.
| Permanent Residency Application from a Business Manager Visa | 150,000 yen |
|---|
11. Popular Pages Related to Permanent Residency Applications
Japan Permanent Residency Application Guide
A comprehensive overview of permanent residency applications in Japan: key requirements (income, years of stay, taxes / pension compliance), typical patterns by status of residence, and how to respond to refusals.
Permanent Residency Guide from a Work Visa
An up-to-date guide for those who aim to obtain permanent residency in Japan from a work visa. Includes a self-check tool for work-visa holders on PR requirements.
Obtaining a PR Visa via Highly Skilled Professional Points
A service for those who wish to obtain a Highly Skilled Professional visa or permanent residency in Japan using the Highly Skilled Professional points system.
Permanent Residency Guide for Spouses of Japanese Nationals
For applicants moving from a spouse visa to permanent residency, this guide explains requirements, documents, and common refusal cases, with a PR self-check tool for spouse visa holders.
Permanent Residency Requirements Self-Check Tool
A 30-second self-diagnosis tool to check whether you meet Japan’s permanent residency requirements: Highly Skilled 70/80 points, work visa, spouse visa, and Long-Term Resident.
Reapplication Guide After Permanent Residency Refusal
What to do if your PR application is refused and how to prepare for reapplication.
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ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office
Representative Administrative Scrivener
Makoto Sano
1998 Graduated from Aoyamagakuin University
2001 Registered as an administrative scrivener
He has Over 20 years of experience as an international administrative scrivener, specializing in foreign employment consulting and residence procedures for foreign residents in Japan.
Click here to see information about his business achievements
Click here to see books he has authored
Since opening our practice in 1986, we have been involved in consulting on visa applications for foreigners for nearly 40 years as an immigration lawyer.
Telephone consultation, email consultation, online consultation, and consultation at our office are available.
