Key Points for Preparing a Business Plan to Obtain a "Japanese Business Manager Visa-EN

What is the Business Manager Visa?

The first major hurdle for foreigners wishing to establish and operate a company in Japan is obtaining a "Business Manager Visa." This is a status of residence issued by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, intended for foreigners who will engage in "the management of a business" or "the administration of a business" in Japan.
While entrepreneurs and executives of Japanese branches of foreign corporations are the primary applicants, the business plan is an extremely critical document for obtaining this visa. Following the 2025 legal reforms, the objectivity and feasibility of this plan are now scrutinized more rigorously than ever before.

Why is the Business Plan so Crucial?

In the screening process for the Business Manager Visa, the feasibility, sustainability, and social credibility of the business are strictly examined. Immigration officials do not visit the actual business. Therefore, the "business plan" is the most effective document within the application to convey the reality of the business. It is not merely a document outlining the business; its role as a legal document to prove that "this foreigner has the ability to conduct business in Japan in a stable and continuous manner" has been strengthened.

[New 2025 Standards] The 5 Key Points for a Business Plan to Meet Visa Requirements

Due to the legal reforms, several new criteria have been added to the conventional requirements. The business plan must comprehensively explain and prove these points.

1. Business Scale (e.g., Capital of 30 Million JPY or More)

As a general rule, a capital or total investment of 30 million JPY or more is required. Alternatively, a business scale equivalent to this is demanded. It is not enough to simply have the funds; you must clearly explain how these funds were formed (e.g., personal funds, loans).

• Mandatory: Capital or total investment of 30 million JPY or more.
• Important: Documents proving the origin of the funds (e.g., remittance records, bank statements).
• Exception: Special measures may apply if you receive startup support from a local government.

2. The Manager's Own Experience and Abilities

The applicant's individual capabilities are now subject to strict screening. You must meet one of the following criteria:

• At least 3 years of experience in business management or administration: You must provide concrete proof of relevant work experience through your CV and other documents.
• A master's degree or higher relevant to management or the business field: You must explain the relevance of your graduate school major to the business content.

3. Third-Party Certification of the Business Plan [Mandatory]

To ensure the objectivity of the plan, confirmation by an external expert has been made mandatory. You must obtain a confirmation letter stating that the "business plan is appropriate" from one of the following nationally licensed professionals:

• Small and Medium Enterprise Consultant (Chusho Kigyo Shindanshi)
• Certified Public Accountant (Konin Kaikeishi)
• Tax Accountant (Zeirishi)

4. Japanese Language Proficiency

Either the applicant themselves or a full-time employee engaged in the business must possess the Japanese language ability to conduct business smoothly.

• Guideline: JLPT N2 or higher, BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test score of 400 or higher, etc.
• If an employee meets the requirement, you must submit their employment contract and proof of their Japanese ability.

5. Legality and Independence of the Business

While always important, the enforcement of these aspects has become more stringent.

• Securing an Independent Office: A home office is generally not permitted. A physical office contract is essential.
• Employment of at least one full-time employee: It is now mandatory to hire at least one full-time employee who is a Japanese national, Permanent Resident, etc.
• Legal Compliance: Obtaining necessary permits, enrolling in social and labor insurance, and fulfilling tax obligations are strictly checked.

[The Most Critical Point of the Revision] Why is an Expert's Review of the Business Plan Important?

The most groundbreaking and crucial change in the 2025 legal revision is that a review of the business plan by a third-party expert has become "mandatory." This is not just an additional procedure; it is a clear message from the immigration authorities that they will evaluate the "quality of the business plan" more strictly than ever.

Why is the Support of a Small and Medium Enterprise Consultant so Effective?

The experts who can perform the review are limited to "Small and Medium Enterprise Consultants," "Certified Public Accountants," and "Tax Accountants." Of course, each is a professional in their respective field. However, from the perspective of enhancing the effectiveness of the business plan and convincing the immigration officer, utilizing a Small and Medium Enterprise Consultant is particularly effective.

• Experts in Overall Management: While a Tax Accountant is a professional in "tax matters" and a CPA is a professional in "auditing," a Small and Medium Enterprise Consultant is the only national qualification for "business consulting" recognized by the government. They have knowledge spanning all aspects of management, including business strategy, marketing, organization/HR, and finance.
• Evaluating Business "Growth Potential": A Small and Medium Enterprise Consultant is a professional who not only checks the accuracy of numbers but also diagnoses and advises on the business's future prospects and its ability to succeed in the market—its "growth potential" and "feasibility." This directly contributes to proving the "business continuity" required for the visa screening.
• Towards an Objective and Persuasive Plan: A plan created solely by the applicant tends to be based on optimistic projections. By involving a Small and Medium Enterprise Consultant, it is possible to refine the plan into a persuasive one based on objective data and analysis.

With the legal reform, a business plan is no longer just "a composition about a dream"; it is now required to be "a highly reliable business blueprint endorsed by an expert." Collaborating with a professional like a Small and Medium Enterprise Consultant from the planning stage is the key to maximizing your chances of obtaining the visa.

[New Standards] Common Reasons for Rejection

Due to the legal changes, points that were not previously an issue can now lead to denial.

• Capital is less than 30 million JPY: In principle, this fails to meet the requirement (exceptions aside).
• Inability to prove management experience or academic background: A vague CV or failure to submit a graduation certificate.
• A business plan without an expert's confirmation: This is an immediate cause for rejection as it lacks a mandatory requirement.
• Office is a home address or a virtual office: Judged as lacking a physical, independent office, leading to a very high risk of denial.
• Unrealistic financial projections: Even with an expert's confirmation, numbers that are clearly無理 (unreasonable) will lack credibility.

New Strategies for Success

Thorough preparation is essential to clear the new standards.

• Organize your own career history: First, objectively assess whether your background meets the requirements, such as 3+ years of management experience.
• Secure experts early (Immigration Lawyer, Tax Accountant, etc.): Collaborate with the expert who will certify your business plan from the creation stage to improve its accuracy.
• Proactive talent acquisition: Concretely advance your hiring plans for full-time employees and personnel with Japanese language skills.
• Thorough legal compliance: Work with a Labor and Social Security Attorney from the start to perfectly handle labor and social insurance procedures.

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