Following public calls for stricter requirements, the Immigration Services Agency plans to add Japanese language proficiency as a condition for an entrepreneurs visa, government sources said.
In August, the agency announced proposed revisions to an ordinance on requirements for the business manager visa, including a sixfold increase in the required amount of capital or investment.
The language requirement represents a further tightening of the regulations.
The aim is to ensure smoother communication with local residents and thereby mitigate potential “friction with society,” an issue highlighted by the justice minister’s recent report calling for a review of foreign resident policy.
The business manager visa, which is granted to foreign nationals seeking to start a business, is aimed at attracting entrepreneurs to Japan.
However, critics have said the residence status is being exploited because the requirements are lax compared with those of other countries.
According to sources, the agency plans to require either the applicant or one full-time employee to possess a “considerable level” of Japanese language proficiency.
Specifically, the requirement would be equivalent to the B2 level, the third highest on the six-level international standard for foreign language proficiency, the sources said.
The condition can be met by hiring a Japanese national as a full-time employee.
The revised ordinance is expected to be implemented as early as mid-October.
After the agency began soliciting public comments about the proposed revisions on Aug. 26, many respondents have called for Japanese language proficiency as an additional condition.
Members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party have also sought a further review.
The business manager visa, which is renewable, allows for a maximum stay of five years and allows holders to bring their families.
As of the end of last year, about 41,600 individuals held the status.
In addition to securing a business office, applicants currently must meet one of the two conditions: provide at least 5 million yen ($34,000) in capital or investment or hire two or more full-time employees.
Under the proposed revisions, they would be required to provide at least 30 million yen in capital or investment, hire at least one full-time employee and ensure that the applicant or one full-time employee possess sufficient Japanese proficiency.
AloJapan.com