GUIDE · JAPANESE
Japanese for business owners
経営者のための日本語JLPT N2 and the B2 rule for Business Manager
Since October 2025, you or a full-time employee need B2-level Japanese for the Business Manager status. Here is what that means and how to plan for it.
Visa rule
B2
You or a full-time employee
Common proof
N2
JLPT, or BJT 400+
JLPT levels
5
N1 (hardest) to N5
Tests in Japan
Jul & Dec
Check each year’s dates
The Japanese rule for Business Manager
The revised Business Manager standards ask that the applicant or a full-time employee has Japanese at about CEFR B2. The Immigration Services Agency lists ways to show it, including:
- JLPT N2 or higher
- BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test score of 400 or more
- 20 years or more of residence in Japan
- Graduating from a Japanese university or other higher-education institution
- Japanese compulsory education plus graduating from a Japanese high school
If you hire a Japanese full-time employee, that person can meet the rule instead of you — but running a business is far easier when you can read official letters yourself.
What JLPT N2 means
The JLPT has five levels, from N5 (easiest) to N1. At N2 you can understand Japanese used in everyday situations and, to a certain degree, in a variety of circumstances — newspapers on general topics, and conversations at natural speed.
| Level | Roughly means |
|---|---|
| N1 | Japanese in a broad range of situations, including complex writing |
| N2 | Everyday Japanese and, to a degree, many other situations — the common proof for B2 |
| N3 | Everyday Japanese to a certain degree |
In Japan the JLPT is held in July and December (in 2026: July 5 and December 6). Some cities abroad hold it only once a year. Registration closes months before the test.
A study plan for busy founders
- 01
Find your level レベル確認
Try official sample questions for N3 and N2 to see where you stand.
- 02
Pick a test date 受験日
Work back from your visa timeline — results come out weeks after the test.
- 03
Study a little every day 毎日
Short daily sessions with audio lessons, apps or a tutor fit around running a business.
- 04
Practice business Japanese ビジネス日本語
Invoices, contracts and letters from the tax office — the Japanese you will really use.
FAQ
What level of Japanese do I need for a Business Manager visa?
Since October 2025, the applicant or a full-time employee needs about CEFR B2. Common proof is JLPT N2 or higher, or a BJT score of 400 or more.
Can my employee meet the Japanese requirement instead of me?
Yes. The standards say the applicant or a full-time employee must have B2-level Japanese.
When is the JLPT held?
In Japan, twice a year in July and December. In 2026 the dates are July 5 and December 6. Some cities abroad hold it only once a year.
Sources
- Revised standards for the Business Manager status — Japanese language — Immigration Services Agency
- N1–N5: Summary of linguistic competence — JLPT
This page is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. The official Japanese guidelines always take priority.
NEED HELP IN ENGLISH?
Talk to an English-speaking expert
Advisors who help foreign founders plan their Business Manager application, including the language rule — in English.
See experts →PR · Paid listings
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
- Online Japanese lessons
- JLPT prep courses
- Business Japanese tutors