Japan Startup Visa Explained: How the Programme Works and How to Apply

The startup visa (the Foreign Entrepreneur Promotion Programme, 外国人起業活動促進事業) is a scheme that allows foreign nationals to prepare to start a business in Japan. A local government certified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry reviews the founder’s startup preparation activity plan, and preparation for up to two years is permitted under the Designated Activities (特定活動) status of residence. During that time, the founder puts in place the requirements for the Business Manager visa.

What is the startup visa (Foreign Entrepreneur Promotion Programme)?

For a Business Manager visa (経営・管理ビザ), you must already have secured an office and meet the business size criteria at the time of application. Preparing all of this while living overseas is not easy.

The startup visa allows that preparation to be done in Japan. It is premised on a certified local government managing and supporting the founder’s preparation activities. It is a nationwide scheme based on a public notice issued by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and “startup visa” is its informal name.

What changed in the 2025 review

• Extended to up to two years: the relevant public notice was amended on 1 January 2025, making the maximum startup preparation period two years.
• Merger with the special zone scheme: the scheme was merged with the foreign entrepreneur start-up programme of the National Strategic Special Zones and reorganised as a scheme available nationwide. Previously, combining the two schemes allowed up to one year and six months of preparation.
• Amended Business Manager criteria: the approval criteria for Business Manager status were amended on 16 October 2025, and the related public notice was amended on the same day.

By the end of the preparation period, you must meet the amended Business Manager criteria. These include capital of JPY 30 million or more, employing full-time staff, Japanese language ability and career background. For details, see the revised approval criteria for the Business Manager visa.

Startup visa requirements

The framework of the requirements is common nationwide, but detailed conditions and required documents are set by each local government. The main points checked are as follows.

• Where you start the business: the business must be started within the area of the certified local government
• Startup preparation activity plan: the business, preparation schedule and funding plan must be concrete
• Feasibility of the plan: there must be a realistic prospect of meeting the Business Manager requirements, such as securing an office and business scale, during the preparation period
• Funds for living and preparation: you must be able to cover living costs and preparation expenses during the preparation period
• Housing: you must have secured a place to live in Japan

Some local governments specify target business sectors or hold interviews. First, check with the local government in the area where you plan to start the business whether it runs the scheme and how it accepts applications.

What to include in the startup preparation activity plan

The startup preparation activity plan is at the heart of the local government’s review. The format differs by local government, but it generally covers the following.

The plan is read with an eye to whether you will be able to meet the Business Manager criteria after the preparation period. It is important to write it by working backwards from the amended criteria, covering the amount and source of funds, when staff will be hired and even when a specialist will review the business plan.

Who the startup visa suits

• Founders who have a business concept but have yet to secure an office or business partners in Japan
• Founders who want to firm up a business plan while researching the Japanese market
• Founders who want advice and support from the local government in the area where they plan to start the business

On the other hand, if you already have funding and an office in view and can meet the Business Manager requirements, applying for a Business Manager visa from the outset involves fewer procedures.

How to apply for the startup visa

1. Consult the local government: discuss your business plan and its fit with the scheme at the certified local government’s office.
2. Apply for confirmation: submit an application for confirmation to the local government, together with the startup preparation activity plan, a CV, a written pledge, documents showing your housing and so on.
3. Confirmation certificate issued: once the local government confirms the plan, it issues a confirmation certificate.
4. Immigration procedures: attach the confirmation certificate and complete the procedures with the Immigration Services Agency (出入国在留管理庁, ISA). From overseas, the basic route is an application for a Certificate of Eligibility (在留資格認定証明書); if you are already in Japan, it is an application to change your status of residence.
5. Entry and preparation activities: enter Japan with Designated Activities status and carry out preparation in line with the plan.
6. Renewal and progress checks: each time you renew your period of stay, the local government checks your progress. Check the timing and frequency of renewals in the local government’s guidance.
7. Change to Business Manager: once the requirements are in place, change your status of residence to Business Manager.

A confirmation certificate does not guarantee permission to stay. The immigration review is conducted separately and also looks at matters such as your background and the source of your funds.

What you can do during the preparation period, and points to watch

The preparation period exists so that you can meet the Business Manager requirements. Carry out the following preparations in line with your plan.

The specific steps for incorporation are explained in how foreign nationals set up a company in Japan. Prepare early for opening an account after incorporation, using corporate bank accounts for foreign owners as a guide.

Points to watch

• Scope of activities: in principle, you may only carry out the startup preparation activities that were confirmed. You cannot earn income from work that is not in the plan.
• Managing progress: if preparation does not proceed as planned, the local government may not confirm your progress at renewal.
• Maximum period: you cannot continue to stay for startup preparation beyond the two-year maximum.
• Accompanying family: if family members will accompany you, check how their status of residence will be handled before you apply.

How it differs from other schemes

The Future Creation Individual scheme (未来創造人材, J-Find), aimed at graduates of universities ranked highly in world university rankings, is another Designated Activities scheme that can be used to prepare a startup. The eligible applicants and requirements differ, so check which one applies to you.

Points to check when changing to a Business Manager visa

At the end of the preparation period, you apply to change your status of residence to Business Manager. At this stage, the application is reviewed against the same criteria as an ordinary Business Manager application.

• An office has been secured and the business is ready to start
• You can explain the amount of capital and how those funds were built up
• Full-time staff are employed
• The applicant or a full-time employee has a considerable level of Japanese language ability
• The business plan has been reviewed by a management specialist
• The applicant meets the career criteria, such as management experience or a relevant degree

The review of a change application also takes time. Apply with time to spare rather than rushing as your period of stay nears expiry. Also keep records of your activities during the preparation period and your correspondence with the local government, as evidence of the reality of the business.

Startup visa: summary

The startup visa allows you to prepare a business in Japan for up to two years under the management and support of a local government. However, by the end of the preparation period you must meet the amended Business Manager criteria. It is important to plan your funds, office and staffing by working backwards from that point.

Together with partner administrative scriveners (行政書士), judicial scriveners (司法書士) and certified tax accountants (税理士), TIMOA provides end-to-end support, from preparing the confirmation application to the local government to incorporation, finding an office and changing to a Business Manager visa. For details, see our Visas, Talent & Living services.