Points of Caution When Changing from a "Business Manager" Visa to Other Statuses of Residence
AKIRA YAMAMOTO.AKIRAOverview
Due to the tightening of requirements for the "Business Manager" visa, we are seeing an increasing number of cases where individuals decide to step down from company management to seek employment. Consequently, they change their status of residence to work visas such as "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services."
A common issue in these transitions is failing to properly settle the affairs of the "previously managed company" and leaving it abandoned. This oversight can lead to fatal disadvantages when it comes to future visa renewals.
If a company is left as-is, the obligation to pay corporate inhabitant taxes and social insurance premiums remains. Ignoring these obligations results in more than just demand notices; late payment penalties will also continue to accumulate.
Impact on Future Applications
When individuals working under statuses like "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" apply for visa renewals or Permanent Residency, a major focal point of the screening process is the "fulfillment of public obligations" (payment of taxes and social insurance).
If you leave your previous company with unpaid taxes or insurance premiums, the Immigration Services Agency is highly likely to judge that you have failed to fulfill your obligations and that your "good conduct" requirement has not been met.
As a result, no matter how successful you are in your current job, there is a very high risk that:
・Your application for Permanent Residency will be rejected.
・Your application for extension of period of stay will be denied.
Recommended Actions
To avoid such risks, it is crucial to promptly undergo either dissolution/liquidation or dormancy ( kyumin)procedures.
・Dissolution and Liquidation: Once the liquidation process is complete, all subsequent tax obligations cease to exist.
・Dormancy Procedures: While you may be eligible for reductions or exemptions regarding corporate inhabitant taxes, certain obligations—such as maintaining registrations (Toki)—will remain.
We recommend deciding which procedure to follow based on whether you intend to revive the company in the future.
投稿者プロフィール
最新の投稿
Working Visa08/24/2026Sole Proprietors Can Also Employ Foreign Nationals with “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” Status of Residence- Permanent Resident08/17/2026Guidelines for Permanent Residence Permission to Be Revised
- Specified Skilled Worker08/10/2026Important Considerations When Changing Employers under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Status of Residence
- Business Manager08/03/2026By When Must a Company’s Capital Be Increased to 30 Million Yen or More for the "Business Manager" Status of Residence?
