Chapter 9: Before or After Coming to Japan?｜Differences in Procedures and Preparation Strategies between the Startup Visa and the 4-Month Visa

Startup visa en

～Choosing the Right Startup Route Based on Timing and Risk～

🛬 A Common Question: When Should I Start the Process?

For foreign entrepreneurs aiming to start a business in Japan, one of the most frequently asked questions is:

“Should I complete my setup before coming to Japan, or can I do it after arriving?”

This question is especially important when choosing between the following three visa options:

  • Startup Visa
  • 4-Month Business Manager Visa (Temporary)
  • Standard Business Manager Visa (1 year or more)

📊 Visa Comparison Table (as of August 2025)

Criteria Startup Visa 4-Month Business Manager Visa Standard Business Manager Visa (1 year+)
Initial Capital Not required at the time of visa application Generally required: ¥30,000,000 Required: ¥30,000,000
+ at least 1 full-time employee
Office Lease Can be arranged after arrival Possible after arrival
(some shared/virtual offices may allow pre-arrival contract)		 Required before application
Visa Sponsor Recommendation from local government required Not required Not required
Flexibility High – allows in-country preparation Medium – tight schedule for visa extension Low – all setup must be done beforehand
Risk Level Low – easy to withdraw if business is not feasible Medium – significant investment required within a short timeframe High – large upfront investment required before application
Target Applicant First-time entrepreneurs without local support Applicants with partial preparation or local partners Well-funded applicants with full preparation

🔍 Key Takeaways: Which Visa Fits You Best?

There is no one-size-fits-all visa. Your ideal choice depends on several key factors:

  • If you are still validating your business idea and need time to prepare → Choose the Startup Visa.
  • If you already have some setup but need more time to finalize → The 4-Month Visa may work, but the short timeframe makes it risky.
  • If you are well-funded and ready with a complete plan → Apply directly for the 1-Year Business Manager Visa (requires ¥30M + 1 employee).

📝 Summary: Understanding the System vs. Real-World Practice

All three visas remain available under Japanese immigration law. However, the revised requirements from 2025 make the Business Manager Visa a much higher hurdle than before.

Note: This article reflects the visa conditions as of August 2025. Please be aware that upcoming regulation changes may further tighten requirements.

At Tsukuda Administrative Scrivener Office, we provide hands-on support based on real-world procedures and regulatory updates. Our goal is to help each foreign entrepreneur find the most suitable path to starting a business in Japan.

📩 Contact Us for Support

Our office works by appointment only. Please feel free to reach out to us through the following methods: