Designated Activities Startup Visa (Program to Promote Startup Businesses by Foreign Nationals)

At a Glance

Item	Details
Visa Name	Startup Visa (Designated Activities status)
Official Program Name	Program to Promote Startup Businesses
Stay Duration	Up to 2 years
Renewable	No (non-renewable preparation visa)
Government Visa Fee	No standard government fee
Work Rights	Business preparation only; no outside work
Capital Requirement	None initially
Office Requirement	Not immediately required
Employee Requirement	None initially
Processing Time	Minimum 5 to 6 months
Study Rights	Not stated in the source
Medicare / Healthcare	Not stated in the source
Travel Facility	Not stated in the source
Family Sponsorship	Not stated in the source
Citizenship Pathway	Not stated in the source

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Purpose

The Startup Visa ("Program to Promote Startup Businesses by Foreign Nationals") serves as a preparation phase for foreign founders. It permits entrepreneurs to enter Japan, establish operations, secure funding, and lay business foundations without immediately fulfilling the stricter capital, office, or staffing requirements of the standard Business Manager Visa.

Eligibility & Requirements

Business Plan Assessment

Applicants must submit a Business Startup Preparation Activity Plan to a certified Foreign Entrepreneurship Support Organization. The plan must demonstrate:

• A viable and unique business concept.
• A concrete implementation timeline with milestones.
• Thorough market analysis and financial projections.
• Scalability potential and a viable path to meet Business Manager Visa criteria.
• Sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses in Japan without outside employment.
• Relevant industry experience or education (may be required by select locations, such as $\ge$1 year of management experience or an advanced degree in business management/relevant field).

Regional Immigration Assessment

• Valid passport and identification.
• Proof of funds for living expenses during the stay.
• Confirmed or planned address in Japan.
• Certificate of Confirmation of the Business Startup Preparation Activity Plan.

Program Scope & Processing Time

• Locations: Nationwide across all prefectures and cities in Japan.
• Total Estimated Processing Time: 5 to 6 months minimum.
  • Local Government Plan Review: 1–2 months.
  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Review: 1–3 months.
  • Embassy/Consulate Visa Issuance: Several weeks.

Associated Costs

• Government Certificate Fee: None.
• Variable Expenses: Document translation, travel, potential business incorporation costs, living expenses, and administrative scrivener or immigration lawyer fees (ranging from several hundred thousand yen to over ¥1,000,000).

Rights & Conditions

• Stay Period: Granted for up to 2 years under the "Designated Activities" status of residence.
• Employment Restrictions: Outside employment is prohibited; holders must focus solely on startup preparation activities.
• Progress Monitoring: Regular check-ins (typically monthly interviews, conducted online or in person) with the local support organization are required to monitor milestone progress.
• Address Registration: Residence must be registered at the local municipal office within 14 days of arrival in Japan.

Application Steps

1. Select a Location: Choose a municipality or prefecture and identify its certified Foreign Entrepreneurship Support Organization.
2. Submit Business Preparation Plan: Submit the detailed plan and supporting qualifications to the local organization for expert evaluation.
3. Obtain Confirmation Certificate: If approved, receive the Certificate of Confirmation (valid for 3 months from issuance).
4. Apply for Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Submit the Confirmation Certificate, COE application form, photo ($3\text{ cm} \times 4\text{ cm}$), passport copy, proof of living expenses, and proof of address to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau.
5. Receive Visa and Enter Japan: Take the issued COE to a Japanese embassy or consulate to obtain the visa. Receive the Residence Card upon arrival and register the address at the local municipal office within 14 days.

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Transitioning to the Business Manager Visa

The Startup Visa cannot be extended beyond the 2-year preparation period. Approximately 3 months before expiration, founders must apply for a change of status to the Business Manager Visa (valid 1–5 years, renewable).

Business Manager Visa Requirements (Effective October 16, 2025)

• Capital Investment: At least ¥30,000,000.
• Physical Office: Dedicated, leased commercial office space in Japan.
• Staffing: At least 1 full-time employee (non-family member) who is a Japanese citizen, permanent resident, or holds eligible resident status.
• Manager Qualifications: At least 3 years of business management experience, or a master's, doctoral, or professional degree in business management or a related field.
• Business Plan: Evaluated and reviewed by a certified professional (CPA, tax accountant, or qualified consultant).
• Japanese Language Proficiency: Demonstrated by either the business owner or at least one full-time employee via one of the following:
  • JLPT N2 or higher.
  • BJT score of 400 points or higher.
  • 20+ years of mid- to long-term residence in Japan.
  • Graduation from a Japanese university.
  • Completion of Japanese compulsory education and high school.

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Important Warnings

• Failure to Register Address: Not registering an address with the local municipality within 14 days of arrival may result in penalties or visa revocation.
• Non-Renewable Status: The Startup Visa is strictly temporary. If the ¥30,000,000 capital, staffing, office, and language requirements for the Business Manager Visa are not met before the preparation visa expires, the applicant must depart Japan or change to an alternative visa status.