What Is Japan’s Startup Visa? Eligibility & the Latest Rules
Among the options for launching a business in Japan, the Startup Visa stands out. Unlike the standard Business Manager (Business/Management) status, it allows you to secure a preparation period of up to one year (6 months + extension) before meeting requirements like company registration and full capital injection.
This page explains how the Startup Visa works, who can apply, required documents, and the latest regulatory updates.
◆ Essentials of the Startup Visa
- A special program jointly run by Japan’s Ministry of Justice and participating local governments
- Temporarily relaxes some Business Manager requirements during the preparation period (capital, hiring, office, etc.)
- Initial 6-month residence is typical; some municipalities allow extension (often up to one year)
- Once you finalize incorporation, secure an office, arrange funding and hiring, you can switch to the Business Manager status
It is especially practical for entrepreneurs who cannot immediately satisfy high capital and hiring requirements.
◆ Who Is Eligible?
- Foreign nationals planning to establish a company and start operations in Japan
- Founders across diverse fields (IT, design, F&B, trading, consulting, etc.)
- International students graduating from Japanese universities who wish to start a business
- Business owners seeking to bring in overseas investment and launch new ventures in Japan
Note: Exact sectors and criteria vary by municipality. Always check the local rules first.
◆ Where You Can Apply (as of 2025)
The Startup Visa is available only in municipalities that have agreements with the Ministry of Justice. Examples include:
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government
- Osaka Prefecture
- Fukuoka City
- Sendai City
- Hiroshima Prefecture
- Aichi Prefecture (Nagoya City)
Details such as target industries and support (advisory, office matchmaking, financing facilitation, etc.) differ by location.
◆ Required Documents & Process
Typical documents:
- Municipality-specific Startup Visa application form
- Business plan (revenue, costs, hiring plan, etc.)
- CV / résumé and work history
- Proof of funds (remittance slips, bank balance certificates, etc.)
- Passport and Residence Card (if already in Japan)
Basic steps:
- Submit your business plan to the municipality for screening
- After approval, apply to Immigration for the “Startup Visa” (Designated Activities)
- Obtain a 6-month status and begin preparations in Japan
- Complete incorporation, capital injection, office lease, and hiring during the period
- Change your status to Business Manager once ready
◆ What’s Changing in 2025
Japan has announced plans to tighten the Business Manager requirements, with implementation aimed for October 2025 after public consultation. The key proposed changes are: minimum capital of ¥30 million and at least one full-time employee. This is a substantial increase from the previous benchmark (¥5 million or two full-time hires). Implementation is expected in mid-October following promulgation.
As a result, the Startup Visa becomes even more valuable—it gives you 6 to 12 months to secure funds, plan hiring, and arrange an office before switching to Business Manager.
◆ Summary
The Startup Visa buys you time. Compared with the “four-month temporary Business Manager route,” it offers far more breathing room and reduces the risk of failure.
Because rules differ by municipality, confirm local requirements early and consult a professional to build a realistic timeline and document checklist.
📩 Contact
We operate on an appointment-only basis and support foreign founders with visa procedures in Japan.
