In 749 when the Emperor Shomu abdicated the throne to Imperial Princess Abe and she ascended to the Imperial Throne (the Empress Koken), Nakamaro was promoted to Dainagon (the chief councilor of the state).
天平勝宝元年（749年）、聖武天皇が譲位して阿倍内親王が即位（孝謙天皇）すると、仲麻呂は大納言に昇進。