Introduction

The “Business Manager Visa” is a residence status for foreigners wishing to manage or operate a business entity in Japan. With the increasing number of applicants, immigration authorities have become more stringent in their screening. Many wonder: “Is it possible to get approval if the bank balance certificate is insufficient?” “What alternative supporting documents can be submitted?” This article, based on official information, explains the key evaluation points, supplemental documents, and important caveats for such applications.

Basic Requirements for Business Manager Visa

Applicants must prove the reality of their business, the origin of their funds, and the credibility of their business plan. At least 5 million yen in starting capital is required, and the origin of all funds must be clarified. The bank balance certificate is a fundamental proof; however, if it is insufficient or fund flow is unclear, supplementary documentation is mandatory.

When the Bank Balance Certificate Is Insufficient

If the balance certificate does not meet the required business amount, applicants must explicitly explain the history of capital accumulation and the origin of their funds. Immigration authorities demand a rational explanation of fund formation to rule out suspicious or illegal sources.

Key Points for Approval

• Origin and accumulation process of capital
• Evidence of fund movement such as bank statements
• Proof and explanation of contractual relationship when funds come from another party
• Accuracy of business plan
• Proof of real existence of office

Main Types of Supplemental Documents

Applicants may submit the following when the balance certificate is insufficient:

• Bank statements showing transaction history (at least 6 months, with detailed deposits/withdrawals)
• payslips, tax certificates (to prove savings from salary or income)
• tax returns (income, resident tax submission history)
• investment contracts, sale records (in case of funds from asset sales)
• loan agreements (in case of borrowed funds)
• gift agreements (in case of funds from family or relatives)
• documents showing provider’s ability (for borrowings/gifts)
• cash flow plans (to explain supplementation of lacking funds)

A combination of these documents can rationally prove the accumulation process and fund origin, supplementing an insufficient balance certificate and enhancing application credibility.

Example: How to Handle Insufficient Balance Certificate

Suppose Ms. A saved funds and sold real estate in her home country but could only deposit less than 5 million yen into her Japanese bank. By submitting home country bank statements, real estate sales contracts, remittance records, payslips, and tax certificates, she carefully explained the origin and flow of the funds. The presented scenario is one example; actual submitted documents and application situations vary.

Precautions to Avoid Rejection

• Emphasize not only quantity but “quality/credibility” of supporting documentation
• Prepare a detailed, realistic business plan
• For third-party funds, clarify contractual relationship and substantiation
• Ensure documents are within validity period (usually within 3 months of issuance)
• If the origin of capital cannot be tracked, risk of rejection is high

Conclusion

Even if your bank balance certificate is insufficient, you can still get approval for the Business Manager Visa by submitting rational and concrete evidence about your accumulation process and fund origin. Key supporting documents include transaction history, contracts, tax certificates, payslips, and the credibility and clarity of these papers matter most. Always check up-to-date guidelines from the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) and Ministry of Justice when preparing your application.