Obtain the Business Manager status of residence
Following the revision of the Ministerial Ordinance on Criteria for Landing and related rules, the Business Manager status of residence now requires a substantial level of Japanese (roughly B2 or above on the Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education). Japanese nationals and special permanent residents are not subject to this.
Japanese ability equivalent to CEFR B2 (deemed met by any of the following)JLPT N2 or aboveBJT 400 or above
You also meet the requirement if you have graduated from a Japanese university, completed compulsory education in Japan and graduated from a Japanese high school, or resided in Japan as a mid/long-term resident for 20+ years. Japanese nationals and special permanent residents are exempt.
Comparison
| Attribute | Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) | Business Japanese Proficiency Test (BJT) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | The world's largest test certifying Japanese ability for non-native speakers | Score-based assessment of Japanese communication ability in business settings |
| Required level for this status | N2 以上 | BJTスコア 400点以上 |
| Frequency | Twice a year (July & December) | Year-round (computer-based) |
| Organizer | Japan Foundation & JEES | 日本漢字能力検定協会 |
| Levels / CEFR | N1 · N2 · N3 · N4 · N5 (CEFR A1–C1) | J1+ · J1 · J2 · J3 · J4 · J5 |
| Countries | 15 | — |
| Typical fee | ¥7,500 / ₫600,000 | ¥8,000 |
| Role for this purpose | The most common proof treated as B2-equivalent. | Year-round. Business-oriented. |
| Official site | Official site ↗ | Official site ↗ |
Which should you take?
At present, JLPT N2 or above, or BJT 400 or above, is treated as B2-equivalent. Because the rule was only just revised, be sure to check the latest operational guidelines before applying.
FAQ
Is Japanese ability required for the Business Manager visa?
Following the revision of 16 October 2025, a substantial level of Japanese (roughly CEFR B2 or above) is required. You can meet it with JLPT N2 or above, or BJT 400 or above, or by graduating from a university in Japan, among other routes. Japanese nationals and special permanent residents are not subject to this.
Which exam should I take?
JLPT N2 or BJT 400. BJT is a business-focused test you can take year-round; JLPT is twice a year but widely recognised.
Is there a route other than an exam?
Any one of the following meets the requirement without an exam: graduating from a university in Japan / completing compulsory education in Japan and graduating from a Japanese high school / having lived in Japan as a mid- to long-term resident for 20 years or more.
Next steps
Basis: 出入国在留管理庁「在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について」（2025年10月16日施行）