Introduction
A growing number of foreign nationals who have worked as company employees under an Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa are now aiming to go independent and start a business in Japan. To run your own company, you need a Change of Status of Residence from the work-based Engineer/Specialist visa to a Business Manager visa.
This article explains the process, requirements, and key points for changing from an Engineer/Specialist visa to a Business Manager visa.
This article is based on Appended Table I (2) of the Immigration Control Act, namely the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services and the Business Manager statuses, the Ministerial Ordinance on Criteria for Landing, and information published by the Immigration Services Agency. The approval criteria for the Business Manager visa were revised and took effect on October 16, 2025 (Reiwa 7). This article assumes the revised criteria, but please be sure to check the latest official information when you apply.
Why a Change of Status of Residence Is Necessary
The Engineer/Specialist status is a status of residence for engaging in specialized work while employed by a company. By contrast, the activity of becoming the manager or administrator of a company and running the business yourself falls under the Business Manager status of residence. Because you are moving from the position of an employee to that of a manager, a change of status of residence is required.
Main Requirements for the Business Manager Visa
The Business Manager visa mainly has the following requirements.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Securing a place of business | Securing an independent place of business for operating the enterprise within Japan |
| Scale of the business | Capital or total investment of 30 million yen or more, and employment of at least one full-time employee (criteria as revised, effective October 16, 2025) |
| Stability and continuity of the business | A prospect of stable and continuous operation based on the business plan |
Note: The revision of October 16, 2025 (Reiwa 7) added the following requirements: capital of 30 million yen or more, employment of at least one full-time employee, three years or more of experience in business management or administration, Japanese ability equivalent to CEFR B2 on the part of the applicant or a full-time employee, and verification of the business plan by an expert. For details, see Complete Guide to the Business Manager Visa.
The Process for Changing from an Engineer/Specialist Visa
- Draw up a business plan (income and expenditure plan, business partners, required funds, etc.)
- Establish a corporation (or organize the form of a sole proprietorship)
- Secure a place of business (a lease agreement, etc. Note the requirements for a home-cum-office)
- Prepare the capital or investment and meet the requirements for the scale of the business
- Submit an application for permission to change the status of residence to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau
- Examination and permission
Particularly Important Points in Your Preparation
The Substance of the Place of Business
A virtual office or a property designated for residential use only is often difficult to have recognized as a place of business. Securing a space with the actual substance for conducting business is important.
The Concreteness of the Business Plan
Concretely demonstrating “why you are conducting this business in Japan” and “how you will generate revenue,” together with your business partners, market, and funding plan, helps prove stability and continuity.
Timing
Establishing a company and securing a place of business take time. It is important to begin your preparations with ample time before the expiry of your Engineer/Specialist period of stay. Applying after the period of stay is already approaching raises the risk of denial due to insufficient preparation.
The Basics of the Business Manager Visa Are Covered in a Separate Article
The details of the requirements for the Business Manager visa are explained in our “Complete Guide to the Business Manager Visa.” Please read it as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. If I start small as a side business, do I still need to change to a Business Manager visa? A. If you conduct business management beyond the scope permitted under the Engineer/Specialist visa, in principle a change to the Business Manager visa is required. Since judgments differ depending on the scale and nature, we recommend consulting in advance.
Q. How much capital is required? A. Following the revision effective October 16, 2025 (Reiwa 7), capital or total investment of 30 million yen or more is required. Employment of at least one full-time employee is also required.
Q. Can I quit my Engineer/Specialist company first and then prepare? A. Because a status of residence is based on activities, a prolonged period of unemployment may affect your residence. Planned preparation and the design of your application timing are important.
How Our Office Supports You
Going independent and starting a business requires extensive preparation, from establishing a corporation to drawing up a business plan and changing your status of residence. The Kaneko Hidetaka Administrative Scrivener Office handles both corporate establishment and immigration procedures, providing consistent support for your business launch.
- A 98% approval rate track record
- Languages supported: Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and English
- Free initial consultation