Q11.How Can I Obtain Permanent Residency After Getting a Business Manager Visa?

A11.

When applying for Permanent Residency (PR) in Japan as a Business Manager Visa holder, immigration authorities primarily assess the following factors:

1. Business performance of your company

2. Tax payment records

3. Compliance with social insurance and other public obligations

General Eligibility for Permanent Residency

Under current PR examination practices, applicants are generally required to hold a Business Manager Visa with a period of stay of at least three years.
Applicants who continue to receive only one-year visa renewals will typically not be eligible for PR until they obtain a longer residence period.

Frequent Travel and One-Year Visa Renewals

Even if your company’s financial performance is strong, you may continue to receive one-year renewals if you frequently travel abroad or spend long periods outside Japan.
This is because immigration authorities evaluate whether your “main base of life” is in Japan.

In such cases, if you meet the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) 1b points criteria, and your company has a stable financial foundation with multiple full-time employees,
it is advisable to change your status of residence from Business Manager to HSP 1b.

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Fast-Track to Permanent Residency under HSP 1b

The HSP 1b status always grants a five-year period of stay and provides a fast-track pathway to PR eligibility.
The required residence period for PR depends on your total HSP points:

• 70 points or more → Eligible to apply for PR after three years of residence
• 　80 points or more → Eligible to apply for PR after one year of residence

If you qualify under the Special Highly Skilled Talent category (see Chapter 6),
you may also apply for PR after just one year of residence in Japan.
Therefore, even if you currently hold only a one-year Business Manager Visa,
switching to an HSP status can greatly improve your prospects for permanent residency.

Travel History and Physical Presence in Japan

During the PR examination, immigration authorities will carefully review your travel history and physical presence in Japan during the reference period (usually the most recent one or three years).
Business owners who frequently travel abroad should ensure that they maintain sufficient physical presence in Japan and can demonstrate that their primary base of life is here.

In addition, applicants must have no record of tax delinquency, unpaid social insurance premiums, or other public obligations, as these factors can result in denial of PR.

Key Takeaways for Business Manager Visa Holders

By maintaining solid business results, paying taxes on time, and ensuring consistent residence in Japan,
Business Manager Visa holders can position themselves for a successful permanent residency application.
If you are uncertain whether you meet the current PR requirements, consult an experienced immigration lawyer or administrative scrivener (Gyoseishoshi) for professional advice.