Startup Visa

Japan's Startup Visa provides a preparatory immigration pathway for foreign entrepreneurs who want to establish a business in Japan but do not yet meet the requirements for the Business Manager visa. Holders receive Designated Activities residence status and up to 2 years to complete preparation steps — incorporating a company, securing office space, hiring employees, and raising capital — before transitioning to the Business Manager visa. In January 2025, the program was significantly reformed: the previously separate National Strategic Special Zone scheme and the METI nationwide scheme were consolidated into a single national framework, and the maximum stay was extended from 18 months to 2 years. As of May 2024, over 716 individuals had been granted residence through the program, with roughly half successfully transitioning to Business Manager status.

• A viable business plan submitted to a METI-certified Foreign Entrepreneurship Promotion Organization in your chosen location
• Management experience of 3 or more years, OR a master's, doctoral, or professional degree in business management or a related field (tightened October 2025)
• Sufficient funds for living expenses and accommodation for 1 year, plus business capitalization funds and return travel expenses
• Must demonstrate a prospect of meeting the Business Manager visa requirements within the preparation period, including JPY 30,000,000 in total business assets, at least one full-time employee, and Japanese language proficiency
• Business plan must be submitted in Japanese; non-Japanese documents require certified translations

• Business plan confirmation application form
• Startup preparation activity plan
• Resume/CV
• Letter of commitment/pledge
• Passport copy (and residence card if already in Japan)
• Proof of accommodation for 1 year (lease agreement or equivalent)
• Proof of living expense funds for 1 year (bank statements, typically 3-6 months)
• Proof of business capitalization/investment funds
• Proof of return travel expenses
• Evidence of qualifications (management experience certificates or degree documentation)
• Recent photograph (3cm x 4cm, taken within 6 months)

The initial period is up to 1 year, renewable for a maximum total stay of 2 years (extended from 18 months in January 2025). Renewals are filed with the Foreign Entrepreneurship Promotion Organization approximately 2 months before expiry, requiring an updated preparation plan, proof of continued funds (minimum 6 months), and evidence of progress toward Business Manager visa requirements. The organization reviews progress and reports to METI and the immigration bureau.

Family accompaniment is generally not permitted under the Startup Visa. This has been identified as a significant limitation by JETRO and other stakeholders. Co-founder arrangements are also not provided for — each person must apply individually. Once the holder transitions to the Business Manager visa, family members may apply for Dependent status.

Residents in Japan (domiciled or residing for 1+ year) are taxed on worldwide income at progressive national rates of 5-45%, plus 10% local inhabitant tax and a 2.1% reconstruction surtax. However, Startup Visa holders in the preparation phase typically have limited taxable income. Holders must enroll in National Health Insurance and the National Pension System at their municipal office.

The application follows a two-stage process. First, select an approved Foreign Entrepreneurship Promotion Organization in your chosen location and submit a business plan for review. If approved, the organization issues a Certificate of Confirmation (valid for 3 months). Second, file a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application at the regional immigration bureau. Upon COE issuance, apply for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate abroad. Total processing time from initial application to entry is typically 3-6 months. Applicants already in Japan under another valid status may apply for a change of status without leaving the country.

Holders may engage in securing business premises, company registration, employee recruitment, business partner development, and related preparatory work. Full business operations are not permitted during the preparation period. Part-time work is allowed to supplement funds for startup preparation. Mandatory monthly interviews with the implementing organization are required to report on progress.

Over 26 municipalities and organizations across Japan have been certified by METI as implementing organizations, with the number continuing to grow since the January 2025 nationwide expansion. Confirmed locations include prefectures such as Aichi, Hokkaido, Kanagawa, Kyoto, and Okinawa; cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Yokohama, Kobe, and Sendai; and private organizations. Some municipalities restrict eligible business sectors while others have broad coverage.

The Startup Visa is designed as a stepping-stone to the Business Manager visa. Upon completing business preparation and meeting all requirements — JPY 30,000,000 in capital, at least one full-time employee, management experience, and Japanese language proficiency (JLPT N2 or BJT 400+) — the holder applies for a change of status. Time spent under the Startup Visa counts toward the 3-year management experience requirement for the Business Manager visa. From Business Manager status, permanent residency may be applied for after 10 years of continuous residence, with accelerated paths available for highly skilled professionals.