Business Plan for Obtaining a Business Manager Visa in Japan

Recently, Japan’s Immigration Bureau has tightened visa evaluations, especially for Business Manager Visas. Thus, the quality, detail, and feasibility of your business plan have become increasingly important in the application process.

Poorly constructed business plans are frequently rejected by the Immigration Bureau for failing to demonstrate “business stability and continuity.”

Additionally, although not explicitly required by immigration law, the applicant’s professional background and its relevance to the proposed business are now closely scrutinized.

As an immigration consultant specializing in Business Manager Visas and a former investment banker, I summarize essential points that your business plan should cover:

Purpose of the Business Plan

• Clearly demonstrate “business stability and continuity” to the Immigration Bureau, essential for securing your Business Manager Visa. It also ensures you have a well-prepared strategy to succeed as an entrepreneur.
• Analyze external market conditions and your competitive advantage, highlighting your business’s strengths. The plan should address potential risks and outline financial strategies.
• A written business plan helps refine your vision, allows effective communication with partners and employees, and is crucial for securing funding from banks and investors.

Essential Contents of the Business Plan

When reviewing your business plan, Immigration Officers will specifically assess if you genuinely intend to conduct business, comply with legal visa requirements, and demonstrate business sustainability.

Banks and investors similarly focus on business continuity but judge even more strictly due to financial risks involved. Unlike immigration authorities, financial institutions and investors risk actual losses if the business fails.

If you do not plan immediate fundraising, a simpler business plan might suffice for visa purposes. However, preparing a thorough business plan is recommended since it helps identify risks, even if you currently have sufficient capital. This can also facilitate future financing opportunities.

This structure mirrors the standards used in investment banking reports and evaluations by rating agencies like S&P and R&I, blending qualitative business analysis with quantitative financial assessments.

Recommended Length of the Business Plan

• Ideally, your business plan should be around 10–20 pages (A4). Utilize clear graphics, charts, and concise text to improve readability and comprehension. This approach was standard in internal reports at Mitsubishi UFJ Bank.
• Include a summary page at the beginning. Immigration officers and financial analysts review numerous documents daily, so avoid overly lengthy or text-heavy submissions. 10–20 pages is typically sufficient.
• While enthusiastic entrepreneurs might prepare longer plans (100+ pages), save extensive documentation for personal use or internal reference. Presentations to immigration authorities or financial institutions should remain concise (10–20 pages) to facilitate clear and effective communication.

Summary

Addressing the Immigration Bureau’s requirements while anticipating the expectations of banks and investors ensures smoother visa approval and funding opportunities. Continental Immigration provides expert advice and assistance in creating professional business plans.

Professional Consultant

Masakazu Murai
Immigration Consultant & Financial Advisor
Murai has 18 years of investment banking experience at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley, advising over 500 entrepreneurs and senior executives.

Qualifications:

• Gyoseishoshi Immigration Lawyer
• CMA (Certified Member Analyst, Japan)
• CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
• MBA in Entrepreneurship (Hosei Business School)

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