A business plan is the most important document for obtaining a business manager visa. When applying for a business manager visa, the immigration authorities will determine whether or not to grant the visa, placing great emphasis on the concrete details of the business, its sustainability, and profitability. Since the immigration authorities will rely extensively on documents in the examination of the visa application, it is essential to demonstrate concretely in the business plan whether you can manage your business reliably and continuously in Japan.
This article provides guidance and tips about how to a write a business plan that will pass the screening process.
Importance of the Business Plan
The business plan is an important document that explains to the Immigration Bureau the details and future potential of the applicant's business as conducted in Japan. Instead of a standardized document, the business plan needs to demonstrate convincingly the feasibility of the business.
The decision of the Immigration Bureau will be made based on the following points in the business plan:
- Feasibility and concreteness of the business
- Stability and continuity of the business
- Proof of profitability
- Qualifications of the manager
4 Important Points for the Immigration Screening
Feasibility and Concreteness of the Business
You need to describe your business in detail, including details about the products and services, sales methods, customer targets, market analysis, etc. Avoid vague expressions; numbers and data are more persuasive!
Stability and Continuity of the Business
You must demonstrate that your business is stable and sustainable. Be sure to describe in detail the sustainability of your business, including income and expenditure plans, financing methods, and risk countermeasures.
Proof of Profitability
You must clearly demonstrate the basis for your sales projections and prove the feasibility of your income/expense plan. Consider creating a compelling plan with statistics, including market research data and competitive analysis.
Qualifications of the manager
The applicant's background, expertise, and past performance must be detailed to demonstrate the applicant's ability to successfully operate the business. Be sure to actively highlight your relevant qualifications and experience as well.
Eight Essential Items that Must be Included in a Business Plan
1. Company’s Profile/Representative’s Profile
Be sure to provide basic information about the company (company name, location, capital, business objectives) and detailed background information about the representative. Also be sure to demonstrate your qualifications as a business manager by specifically describing your experience, educational background, qualifications, and past achievements, particularly those related to the business.
2. Details of the Business, Products and Services
Make sure to provide detailed descriptions of the products and services you offer, including their features and what differentiates them from competitors. It is important to explain why you are conducting this business in Japan and demonstrate with concrete data that need for your business in the Japanese market.
3. Market Analysis and Competitive Research
It is important to conduct an in-depth analysis of the target market’s size, growth potential, and customer needs, and compare them with competitors. Utilize market research data and statistics to objectively demonstrate the existence of business opportunities.
4. Sales Strategy and Marketing Planning
It is best to clearly define your target customers, sales channels, pricing strategies, and promotional methods. You need to show a feasible plan for how you will acquire customers and secure sales.
5. Organizational Structure and Personnel Planning
Describe the current organizational structure and future personnel expansion plans. It is necessary to clarify the applicant's own role and responsibilities and prove that they are actually engaged in management operations as a manager.
6. Revenue and Expense Plan/Profit and Loss Forecast (This is the most important part!)
Prepare a detailed revenue and expenditure plan for at least three years, showing monthly and annual forecasts for sales, expenditures, and profits. It is important to provide detailed explanations of the basis for sales forecasts, including the number of units sold, the reasons for pricing, and the basis for calculating expenses.
7. Financing and Investment Plan
Provide detailed information about the amount of the initial investment, working capital, and funding methods. Clearly indicate the source of your own funds and include plans for additional financing, if necessary, to demonstrate the financial viability of your business.
8. Risk Analysis and Countermeasures
Analyze risks that may arise in business operations (market risks, competitive risks, financial risks, etc.) and describe specific countermeasures for each. By demonstrating your awareness of the risks and the need for preparing appropriate countermeasures will highlight your qualifications as a manager.
Tips for Success
1. Provide concrete figures and evidence
Avoid vague expressions and provide specific figures for sales forecasts, customer numbers, market size, etc. It is important to clearly state the basis for calculating these figures.
2. Keep it concise and easy to understand
Write concisely in a logical structure that is easy for immigration officers to understand. Make effective use of charts and graphs to create visually clear materials.
3. Focus on feasibility
It is important to develop realistic and feasible plans rather than overly optimistic ones. Based on conservative forecasts, demonstrate plans that can be achieved with certainty.
4 Emphasize continuity
Emphasize that the business is not temporary but is sustainable in the long term. Clearly explain the future potential of the market, the scalability of the business, and the sustainable revenue model.
Summary
The business plan for a business manager visa is not just a formal document, but an important document for screening that demonstrates the feasibility and sustainability of the business. Including specific and convincing content is the key to success.
It is particularly important to logically demonstrate the specificity, continuity, and profitability of the business, as well as the applicant's management capabilities. Through objective analysis and the formulation of a feasible plan, you can help the review officer understand the validity of the business.
Writing a proper business plan can greatly improve your chances of obtaining a business manager visa.
Some people may want to start a company and obtain a business manager visa just because they want to live in Japan., but business plans created for such superficial reasons will be easily seen through. However, a business plan that is made for a superficial reason other than the main purpose of the business manager visa will be easily seen through by immigration authorities. Kobe Legal Partners supports those who are serious about doing business in Japan and achieving success.