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When applying for business-related residence statuses like the Business Manager Visa or Startup Visa in Japan, a solid financial plan is one of the most critical documents. No matter how innovative your business idea is, if the numbers lack credibility, your application is unlikely to be approved. In this article, we’ll look at real-world examples of strong and weak financial plans, and provide guidance on how to present numbers that immigration officers will trust.

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1. Characteristics of a Strong Financial Plan

① Clear Assumptions and Supporting Data

Example: “Estimated sales in the first year: ¥8 million, based on 300 monthly visitors and an average spend of ¥2,200 per customer (calculated using data from similar businesses in the area).”
→ The estimates are grounded in market research and verifiable data.

② Realistic Cost Projections

Example: “We plan to hire two employees (monthly payroll of ¥450,000), and rent and utilities are expected to be ¥200,000 per month (rental contract attached).”
→ Costs are backed by quotes, contracts, or actual market prices.

③ Stable Cash Flow

Example: “Initial equipment investment: ¥2 million, covered by ¥3 million in personal funds. We expect to break even in month six, with only three months of red ink.”
→ The plan shows financial sustainability and a well-thought-out funding structure.

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2. Common Problems in Weak Financial Plans

① No Explanation Behind the Numbers

Example: “First-year sales: ¥15 million, expenses: ¥5 million, profit: ¥10 million.”
→ There’s no breakdown or logic to how these figures were calculated. No market size, no competitor analysis.

② Vague Cost Descriptions

Example: “Miscellaneous expenses: ¥3 million per year (no further details).”
→ Immigration officers will question what the expenses cover and whether the applicant truly understands the business’s financial needs.

③ Extended Periods of Deficit with No Funding Plan

Example: “Operating loss for the first 12 months, no mention of funding sources.”
→ Raises red flags about the viability and continuity of the business.

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3. Tips for Presenting Trustworthy Financial Figures

• Attach supporting documents: Include quotations, statistical data, and industry benchmarks.
• Present monthly projections: Annual figures alone are too abstract. Monthly breakdowns show more realism.
• Include multiple scenarios: Prepare conservative, neutral, and optimistic versions to show risk awareness.
• Align with your experience: Ensure your work history and skills match the business model and projected income.

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Conclusion

Immigration examiners prioritize continuity and stability, not just big ideas. Financial figures in your plan should be based on facts, not wishes. A well-structured and credible financial plan significantly increases your chance of visa approval.

In the next article, we’ll go over actual financial plan templates and demonstrate how to present your figures effectively in your business visa application.