Overview of the Startup Visa System
The Startup Visa (Foreign Entrepreneur Promotion Program) is a special type of residence status that allows foreign nationals to prepare for launching a business in Japan. Usually, foreigners must establish an office in advance and secure either capital of at least JPY 5 million or two full-time employees before starting a business. With the Startup Visa, these requirements are deferred, and a residence permit is granted for a maximum of two years. At the beginning, the visa is granted for six months or one year, and once preparations are complete, an application for change of status to the Business/Management Visa can be made.
Application Process
- Submit a business plan and related documents to an authorized local government or designated implementing organization to obtain a "Certificate of Confirmation of Business Startup Activity Plan."
- Submit this certificate to the Immigration Bureau to apply for the "Designated Activities" visa.
Required documents include the business startup activity plan, résumé, a copy of your passport, proof of funds, and other supporting documents. Upon expiration of your residence period, you must either apply to switch to a Business/Management Visa or renew your residence status.
Nationality Considerations
There are no preferential treatments or limitations based on nationality. The same conditions apply to all foreign nationals. Past applicants have included entrepreneurs from China, the United States, Europe, and other regions.
Note: Since most official information is provided primarily in Japanese, language ability may affect business operations in practice.
Industry-Specific Requirements and Local Support
There are no industry restrictions under the core framework of the program. However, if your business aligns with local government priority sectors (e.g., semiconductors, robotics, clean energy in Fukuoka or Sendai), you may be eligible for additional support.
Businesses contrary to laws or public ethics (e.g., adult entertainment) are not permitted.
Summary of the Startup Visa Program
Applications can be made through authorized municipalities nationwide. There are no fundamental restrictions regarding nationality or business sector. In major urban areas, comprehensive support such as facilities, funding, and mentoring is available.
Startup Visa Programs in Tokyo and Kanagawa
Tokyo: The program is operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Shibuya Ward. Shibuya offers a support program for foreign entrepreneurs, including office introductions and business consultations.
Kanagawa: Managed by Kanagawa Prefecture and Yokohama City. Yokohama provides startup support facilities and expert advisory services.
Key Points When Applying for the Visa
- Review the target industries prioritized by each municipality in advance
- Ensure your business plan is detailed and demonstrates feasibility
- Prepare documentation for proof of funds and planned office location
Post-Application Support from Local Governments
Many municipalities provide office space, mentoring by specialists, funding assistance, and networking opportunities.
Advice for Success
- Select a municipality based on your industry sector and support options
- Build a local network at an early stage
- Plan with sufficient time before your residence permit expires
Related Links
Invest Tokyo - Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Official Website
Business Development Center TOKYO
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) - Startup Visa (English Page)
Yokohama City - Startup Visa (English Page)
The Future Outlook for Startup Visa Utilization As of September 2025
According to a news report dated August 4, 2025, significant changes may occur regarding the Business/Management Visa. Specifically, the capital requirement is expected to undergo a major revision.
The current threshold of "JPY 5 million or more" is expected to be drastically increased to "JPY 30 million or more," with regulatory changes under consideration for implementation within FY2025.
For further details, please refer to this page.
With capital requirements raised to JPY 30 million, obtaining a Business/Management Visa will become significantly more challenging. For many small-scale ventures, preparing JPY 30 million as paid-in capital from the outset is unrealistic. As a result, an emerging trend may involve first leveraging the Startup Visa to launch operations and, once the business gains traction, meeting the new capital requirement before switching to the Business/Management Visa.
The nationwide expansion of the Startup Visa program, which began on January 1, 2025, appears to be strategically linked to these stricter capital requirements. It is likely being developed to provide foreign entrepreneurs with flexibility between different residence status options. If the new requirements are enacted, the Startup Visa will become an increasingly vital pathway for entrepreneurs aiming to establish businesses in Japan, and further expansion by municipalities will be needed.
On August 26, 2025, an update was published in the Asahi Shimbun Digital Edition, providing the latest information on this matter. According to the article, the Immigration Services Agency has compiled a draft amendment to the ministerial ordinance aimed at tightening the requirements for the "Business/Management" residency status. It was reported that public comments began on August 26, with the ordinance scheduled to take effect in mid-October. Initially, the agency intended to prevent potential restrictions on the acceptance of highly skilled foreign professionals by allowing those who have obtained a Startup Visa under the "Designated Activities" residency status—approved by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry—to transition to "Business/Management" under the conventional criteria. However, it was ultimately decided that no exceptions would be made and that stricter rules would be uniformly enforced.
The September 11, 2025 edition of the Asahi Shimbun reported follow-up news indicating further tightening of requirements is expected. Specifically, it cited government sources stating that final adjustments are underway to require either the applicant or a full-time staff member to possess “a considerable degree of Japanese language proficiency.” This “considerable degree of Japanese language proficiency” is expected to be set at the international standard of “B2 (upper-intermediate level).”
For further details, please refer to this page.
We will continue to closely monitor this matter and provide updates as new developments arise. Thank you for your continued attention.