Introduction

For foreign nationals managing companies in Japan, obtaining or renewing the “Business Manager” residence status can be challenging, especially if there is insufficient evidence of actual business activities. This article explains typical causes of insufficient evidence and effective countermeasures for approval, based on official data from the Ministry of Justice and related authorities.

What Is the Business Manager Visa?

The official name is Status of Residence “Business Manager” (Business Manager Visa), which is specifically granted to foreigners who run or manage companies or branches in Japan. It applies to company founders, directors, branch managers, and management positions in existing companies.

Required Evidence of Business Activities

Examiners check the following points strictly during application screening:

• Actual business premises actively being used
• Business scale (capital of at least 5 million yen or two or more full-time employees)
• Sustainability of operations (continuity and growth potential)
• Salary equal to or exceeding that paid to Japanese counterparts

Typical supporting documents include:

• Lease contracts, corporate registry, photos of the business site
• Contracts, invoices, and receipts for actual transactions
• Business licenses (when required by industry)
• Employee-related documents: employment contracts, labor/tax documents
• Activity records: emails, transaction logs, advertising, website, etc.

Common Causes of Insufficient Evidence

Typical scenarios where evidence may be lacking include:

• Using only a virtual or shared office, with no physical business site
• No actual employees despite submitted labor contracts
• Only a brief or sparse transaction history
• Not having required business licenses
• Lack of up-to-date business premises photos

Examples of Effective Countermeasures

Practical steps to emphasize business substance and make up for insufficient evidence include:

1. Take Clear, Multi-Angle Photos of Premises

• Include both exterior and interior views, with signs, plaques, furniture, and staff at work
• Show business scenes (customer service, meetings, product handling) when possible

2. Submit Detailed Records of Sales and Activities

• Provide not only contracts and invoices, but dated correspondence (email, phone logs), advertising materials, website evidence, etc.
• Include proof of marketing, leaflets, or online promotions

3. Strengthen Evidence Relating to Employees

• Provide pay slips, social insurance documents, and time cards in addition to labor contracts
• Use organization charts and performance evaluations to show management activity

4. Prepare Clear Business and Financial Plans

• Draft business plans with both numerical data and future action steps
• Visualize financial plans and revenue assumptions in tables or graphs

5. Always Attach a Written Explanation If Evidence Is Lacking

• If lack of evidence is unavoidable (e.g., just after opening), explain the situation and planned actions in a written statement

Case Example

Case: Mr. A, a national of Korea, opened a restaurant in Tokyo and applied for a Business Manager Visa soon after opening, when there were few actual transactions. Mr. A submitted clear photos of the premises, plans for upcoming events, contracts with suppliers, a staff shift schedule, and records of social media promotions. He included a written explanation outlining his situation and provided all additional documents requested.

Updated Official Guidelines and Cautions

• Screening is conducted comprehensively; lacking a single item is not necessarily fatal, but unexplained omissions are risky.
• When in doubt, always refer to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan’s guidelines and provide explanations and future plans as needed.

Conclusion

For the “Business Manager” status of residence, presenting diverse and substantive materials―including photos, business records, and supplementary explanations―is crucial even when supporting evidence is sparse. Always follow official guidance and seek professional advice if necessary.