As the concerns over the new variants of COVID-19 increase, the border control requirements are again becoming stricter and entry rules are changing frequently. I really hope that the government takes appropriate and efficient measures to stop the spread, while allowing the return of Japanese nationals and foreign residents.
Today, I’d like to write about the “Period of Stay” of those who are on a status of residence “Business Manager”.
The “Period of Stay” for a status of residence “Business Manager” is either “5 years”, “3 years”, “1 year”, “4 months” or “3 months”. Here are the Immigration Services Agency’s operation guidelines on how the “Period of Stay” is decided.
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Five years
When the applicant meets 1,2 and 3, and also either 4 or 5.
The applicant fulfills notification obligation (notification of residential address, notification of change of residential address, notification of contracting organization for example).
If the applicant has a child who is in a compulsory education period, and the child currently goes to school.
The applicant’s planned period of work in Japan is over three years.
The organization applicant manages is in category 1 or 2.
In case the organization the applicant manages is not in category 1 or 2, the applicant held a three-year period of stay previously, and has been engaged in activities related to Business Manager for more than five years.
You can check an organization’s category here.
Three years
When any of the following applies.
The applicant meets both 1 and 2, and also either 4 or 5 in the five-year section. The applicant’s planned period of work in Japan is over one year and within three years.
The applicant held a five-year period of stay previously. However, he/she does not meet 1 or 2, but meets 4 or 5 in the five-year section at the time of extension. The applicant’s planned period of work in Japan is over one year.
In case it is not applicable to five year-, one year-, four month- or three months-case.
One year
When any of the following applies.
The organization the applicant manages is in category 4.
The applicant held a three-year period of stay previously. However, he/she does not meet 1 or 2 in the five-year section at the time of extension.
The Immigration Services Agency considers it is necessary to examine the applicant’s residential status once a year, considering his/her position at work, previous activities and the organization’s situations.
Four months
Among those who plan to start a business in Japan by means of incorporation, those who do not submit a copy of the registration certificate.
Note: In this case, it is expected that the applicant will complete the incorporation process within 4 months after his/her entry to Japan and apply for a visa extension.
Three months
The applicant’s planned period of work in Japan is three months or less, and when it is not applicable to a four months case.
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When a foreign person starts a new business in Japan and a Business Manager visa is granted, the period of stay is usually one year. To get a Business Manager visa extended and aim for the longest possible period of stay, it is required to comply with tax payments and labor laws as a business operator, in addition to the success of your business.
The decision on the “Period of Stay” is ultimately left to the discretion of the Minister of Justice, and such a decision is made in consideration of various factors. However, please feel free to contact us if you need help in applying for permission for a “Business Manager” status of residence, or any other immigration related inquiry.