This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails. Read the Japanese original（日本語版を読む）
You can file an 在留資格変更許可申請 (Application for Change of Status of Residence) from 在留資格「技術・人文知識・国際業務」 (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services) to 「経営・管理」. You do, however, need to meet the requirements for obtaining 「経営・管理」. Also, as a rule, you cannot carry on business management activities until the change is permitted.
An enquiry from a person working on a work visa who wants to become independent and set up a web design company.
Yes, you can apply for the change.
To give the conclusion first, you can apply to change from the work visa you now hold to 「経営・管理」.
Changing from a work visa to 「経営・管理」 is a procedure by which you change your status of residence in order to start and run your own business while you remain in Japan.
The main requirements are the stability and continuity of the business, the lawfulness of the business, and the ability to manage and operate it.
When you apply for the change, you need to meet the requirements for obtaining 「経営・管理」. The main requirements are the following.
As to funds, under the amendment that came into force on 16 October 2025 (令和7年10月16日), the capital or total contribution must be at least 30 million yen (3,000万円). The above are the main requirements, and there are others that must also be met, so please check the current criteria for permission when you apply.
Having work experience, having a clear goal of becoming independent, and having funds ready are all matters that should be shown concretely in the business plan. You will file these together with the other required documents.
Transitional measures are provided for an application for extension made by 16 October 2028 (令和10年10月16日).
The amendment that came into force on 16 October 2025 (令和7年10月16日) provides for transitional measures. Where a person who is already residing under the 「経営・管理」 status of residence files an 在留期間更新許可申請 (Application for Extension of Period of Stay) before the day on which 3 years have passed from the date the amendment came into force (16 October 2028, 令和10年10月16日), the decision is made in the light of the state of the business and the prospect of coming into line with the amended criteria, even where the amended criteria are not met. In this screening, you may be asked to submit a document that has been assessed by an expert in business management.
However, an application for extension made after those 3 years have passed must meet the amended criteria. These transitional measures also concern applications for extension by people who are already residing under 「経営・管理」. If you are now changing from 「技術・人文知識・国際業務」 to 「経営・管理」, you will apply on the basis that you meet the amended criteria.
Besides the application forms, the business plan, the company documents and proof of funds are central.
The main documents needed for an application for the change are generally the following.
You can run them in parallel, but you cannot carry on business management activities until permission is granted.
The procedures for setting up the company and the application to change your status of residence can be taken forward in parallel. However, as a rule, you cannot carry on business management activities until the change of status of residence is permitted.
For the procedures to go smoothly, it is important to prepare thoroughly in advance and to have the required documents ready.
The procedures for setting up the company and the application to change your status of residence can be taken forward in parallel. However, as a rule, you cannot carry on business management activities until the change is permitted.
In addition to the 在留資格変更許可申請書, your passport and your Residence Card, the central documents are the business plan, the articles of incorporation and the certificate of registered matters of the company, the lease agreement for the business premises, documents proving the funds, and your CV.
You need to set out in detail the specific contents of the business, the income and expenditure plan, plans for hiring employees and so on. It is the single most important document for showing that the business can be realised.
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This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.