Business Manager

1. Companies listed on a Japanese stock exchange
2. Mutual companies operating an insurance business
3. Local government agencies (foreign or Japanese)
4. Locally or nationally approved public interest corporations
5. Companies which fall under clause a or b as stated in the center column of the special supplemental table in Article 1, Paragraph 1 of the Ministerial Ordinance on Highly Skilled Professionals (also known as "innovation companies")
   * Please refer to the "List of Measures to Promote Innovation" in the link above.
6. Companies that satisfy certain conditions (in Japanese)

• Individuals or organizations whose withheld taxes (as listed in the total statutory report) from the previous year totaled 10 million yen or more
• Institutions that have received approval to use the online residency application system

General

1. Application form for change of status of residence - 1 copy
   * This form is available at Regional Immigration Services Bureaus.
   You can also access it via this page.
2. One photograph (4 cm long × 3 cm wide)
   A sharp, clear photo of the applicant facing forward with no hat, cap, or head covering taken against a plain backdrop with no shadows; must have been taken within three months prior to submitting the application.
   The photograph should be attached to the photograph section of the application with the name of the applicant written on the back of the photograph.
3. Presentation of passport or residence card

4. A document (or documents) certifying that the applicant falls under one of the categories listed above.

   Category 1	Copy of a quarterly report, or another document (copy) proving that the company is listed on a Japanese stock exchange Copy of a document certifying that the institution has been approved by the relevant authorities Proof that the "innovation company" falls under clause a or b as stated in the center column of the special supplemental table in Article 1, Paragraph 1 of the Ministerial Ordinance on Highly Skilled Professionals (e.g., a copy of the grant approval notice) Document proving that the company meets the aforementioned "certain conditions" (e.g., a copy of the relevant certifications)
   Category 2	Photocopy of the total statutory report, including employees’ withheld taxes for earned income from the previous year (stamped with the seal of the office that accepted it) Documentation proving that the institution has received approval to use the online residency application system (emailed notices of approval, etc.)
   Category 3	Photocopy of the total statutory report, including employees’ withheld taxes for earned income from the previous year (stamped with the seal of the office that accepted it)

1. One of the following documents that clearly defines the activities of the applicant:

   In cases where the applicant is assuming a post as an executive member of a Japanese company:

   • (1) Either the articles of incorporation which detail the remuneration for executive members, or the minutes from the general shareholders' meeting in which the remuneration was decided upon (for companies with a compensation committee, then those minutes) - 1 copy

   In cases where the applicant is transferring to the Japanese branch of a foreign company, or assuming a post as an executive member of a Japanese non-corporate organization:

   • (2) Documents from the relevant organization which state the applicant’s position (job description), contract period, and remuneration (letters of dispatch, transfer notices, etc.) - 1 copy

   In cases where the applicant is employed as a manager:

   • (3) Documents which state that the working conditions are compliant with Article 15, Paragraph 1 of the Labor Standards Act, and Article 5 of the Ordinance for the Enforcement of the Labor Standards Act (employment contracts, etc.) - 1 copy

2. In cases where the applicant is being employed as a manager, documents which certify that they have at least three years' experience in business management (including time spent in graduate school business management courses):

   1. Copy of a resume that clearly outlines the applicant’s skills, experience, and period of time in which they have been employed in their field - 1 copy
   2. Document which clearly outlines the applicant's experience in the field (if including graduate school studies, then a copy of a certificate from the academic institution which shows the time spent being instructed) - 1 copy

3. One of the following documents that clearly defines the employment activities:

   1. For corporations, a copy of the registration certificate (if the registration has not been completed, then a copy of the articles of incorporation or similar documents which show the intent to start a business) - 1 copy
   2. Informative materials outlining the employer’s history, staff, structure and business operations (including major clients and accomplishments) - 1 copy
   3. Other documents required to support/supplement the information provided above in point (2) - 1 copy

4. One of the following documents that clearly defines the scale of the business:

   1. If there are more than two employees, then documents related to the paying of wages, residence certificates, etc. - 1 copy
   2. Certificate of registration - 1 copy
      * Not required if submitted in 7 (1)
   3. Other documents which clearly define the scale of the business

5. Documents which prove the existence of buildings (etc.) being used for business:

   • Copy of the real estate register - 1 copy
   • Copy of the lease agreement - 1 copy
   • Other documents - 1 copy
6. Copy of the business plan - 1 copy
7. Recent financial documents (for the current fiscal year) - 1 copy

1. Materials which clearly explain why the total statutory report from the previous year cannot be submitted

   For institutions that do not need to withhold taxes at the source:

   • (1) Certificate from a foreign corporation which proves that taxes do not need to be withheld at the source (or a similar document) - 1 copy

   For institutions other than the above in point (1):

   Notification of the establishment of a payroll office, etc. - 1 copy

   • (2) Either of the following materials:
     1. Statements (copies of dated receipts) which show that income taxes (for retirement, etc.) have been paid over the past three months - 1 copy
     2. Documents which show that approval has been obtained for an exemption of payment - 1 copy