Japan Startup Visa Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs (2027)
This in-depth guide explains how Japan’s Startup Visa works in 2025, what changed this year, and how to turn a temporary Designated Activities stay into a full Business Manager status so you can run your company long-term. You’ll also find practical timelines, costs, and checklists—plus related reads like Visa Extension and Renewal, Residence Card and Address Registration Guide, Money & Finance, Housing & Living, and Permanent Residency & Citizenship throughout the article.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. Read full disclosure.
What is the Japan Startup Visa?
Japan’s Startup Visa is a locally run program (by cities/prefectures) that allows qualified foreign entrepreneurs to enter or stay in Japan under Designated Activities for six months or up to one year to perform startup preparation activities. During this period, your municipality monitors progress while you set up the business, then you switch to Business Manager once you meet the full criteria.
Key points:
- You first apply to a local government (e.g., Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Hokkaido, etc.) for a confirmation of your startup preparation activity plan. If approved, they issue a confirmation certificate.
- With that certificate, you apply to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau for Designated Activities status (six months or one year), which lets you do practical setup work in Japan before meeting full Business Manager requirements.
- Working outside the permitted scope is not allowed in principle during the preparation period; you’re expected to have living funds in hand.
- Some municipalities (e.g., Tokyo) allow renewals in six-month chunks up to a maximum of two years, subject to progress checks.
Related reading while you plan: Moving to Japan Checklist 2025, Visa & Immigration hub.
The 2025 landscape: tougher Business Manager rules, more structure for Startup Visa
In October 2025, Japan tightened Business Manager requirements:
- Minimum capital raised to ¥30 million (previously ¥5 million).
- Requirement to employ at least one full-time local staff member.
- Added screening elements (e.g., management competency; some guidance notes reference language ability).
Tokyo’s official Startup Visa page now explicitly references ¥30 million as the figure you’ll ultimately need to meet for the Business Manager status (it also notes the local review period for Startup Visa is six months or one year). Plan your fundraising and hiring timeline with that target.
Why this matters for founders:
- The Startup Visa is increasingly the on-ramp: use the Designated Activities window to open an office, refine the business plan, confirm product-market fit, and raise capital to ¥30M+ before filing your status change to Business Manager.
- Fees for immigration procedures (e.g., change of status, extension) also increased on April 1, 2025, with online filings often priced slightly lower than counter filings. Budget accordingly.
For a refresher on 2025 fee changes, see our table below and Visa Extension and Renewal.
Startup Visa vs Business Manager: what’s the difference?
| Topic | Startup Visa (Designated Activities) | Business Manager (work status) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Time-boxed startup preparation in Japan | Full permission to manage/run your company |
| Period of stay | 6 or 12 months initially; Tokyo allows renewals up to 2 years total (6-month increments, subject to checks) | 1–5 years typical; renewable |
| Who approves | Local government confirms your plan; Immigration issues status | Immigration (Regional Bureau) |
| Core activities | Market validation, office setup, banking, hiring prep, fundraising; not ordinary employment | Day-to-day management and business operations |
| Income/work limits | “Work” beyond scope not permitted in principle; show living funds | Normal commercial activity in your business |
| End goal | Change to Business Manager once you meet capital, office, staffing requirements | Long-term operation and possible PR track later |
Sources: Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) Startup Visa pages (program definition, monitoring and renewals), and JETRO’s overview of how the local certificate leads to Designated Activities before switching to Business Manager.
Where can you apply? Participating cities and how to choose
Japan runs Startup Visa programs through participating municipalities and special zones. JETRO maintains a public list and links to local pages (Tokyo, Hokkaido, Osaka, Kyoto, Aichi, Fukuoka, Yokohama, etc.). Requirements, sector focus, and support vary by location—compare carefully.
A few useful official entry points:
- Tokyo (TMG / Invest Tokyo) — clear application flow, 1-year or 6-month status, monthly check-ins, renewal up to 2 years possible; certificate validity 3 months before you file with Immigration.
- Hokkaido — updated guidance noting Oct 16, 2025 Business Manager revisions and 1-year/6-month Startup Visa periods.
- Kyoto, Osaka, Aichi, Fukuoka, and others — active programs; see each city/prefecture’s page via JETRO’s central listing.
Helpful next reads on our site as you pick a base: Housing & Living, Money & Finance, Moving to Japan Checklist 2025.
Eligibility and what municipalities look for
While details differ by locality, you’ll generally need to show:
- A credible startup plan and sector fit (e.g., Tokyo lists finance, IT, energy, health, culture, food/agri/fisheries, retail/wholesale, or other governor-approved activities).
- A specific office plan (where will the office be located?) and area of operation.
- A funding plan and living funds that cover your preparation period (six or twelve months).
- A realistic path to meet Business Manager requirements (capital, staff, office) within the permitted time. Monthly progress checks are standard in Tokyo.
Step-by-step: how the Startup Visa process works
1) Prepare your Startup Preparation Activity Plan
Draft a simple, numbers-driven plan: business model, milestones, office location, team plan, budget, and how you will reach ¥30M capital + at least one full-time hire before you switch to Business Manager. Tokyo’s Q&A lists exactly what reviewers check.
2) Apply to your municipality
Submit your plan and supporting documents to the local office (e.g., Business Development Center TOKYO for TMG). If they approve, you receive a Confirmation Certificate of startup preparation activities. Tokyo’s certificate is valid for 3 months—use it promptly.
3) File with Immigration for Designated Activities
With the certificate, apply to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau either for change of status (if you’re already in Japan) or a COE/visa if applying from abroad. The bureau grants 6 or 12 months for startup preparation.
4) Build, track, and report progress
Some local programs (e.g., Tokyo) conduct monthly check-ins and may ask to see bank statements and proof of progress. Keep clean records.
5) Renew (if available) or switch
If offered by your city (e.g., Tokyo), you may apply to renew in 6-month increments up to a maximum of 2 years, but approval depends on progress and a new local confirmation. Otherwise, aim to switch to Business Manager within your first year.
When you’re ready to file the change or an extension, see our Visa Extension and Renewal guide and Residence Card and Address Registration Guide for the next steps after landing.
Timeline you can copy
| Week | What to do | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 | Choose city/prefecture and read its Startup Visa page end-to-end | Use JETRO’s listing to compare options. |
| 2–6 | Draft the Startup Preparation Activity Plan + budget + office plan | Make the path to ¥30M capital and 1 hire explicit. |
| 6–10 | Submit plan to municipality; interview/clarifications | Tokyo’s certificate is valid 3 months once issued. |
| 10–14 | Apply to Immigration for Designated Activities (6 or 12 months) | Change of status/COE depends on where you are. |
| Month 1–6 | Open office, bank account, hire pipeline, product validation, capital plan | Tokyo conducts monthly checks; keep documents ready. |
| By Month 6–12 | File change to Business Manager once ready (capital, office, hire) | New 2025 rules: ¥30M + 1 full-time. |
| Up to 24 months (Tokyo) | If offered and approved, renew every 6 months with progress proof | Not all municipalities offer 2-year runway. |
Documents checklist (municipality stage)
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Startup Preparation Activity Plan (local format) | Core of your case: business, office, budget, milestones, and path to Business Manager. |
| Resume | Shows founder capability and sector fit. |
| Passport copy | Identity and travel history. |
| Housing evidence for the full period | Many cities expect proof of address and living funds. |
| Funds evidence (bank statement, etc.) | To cover living + startup prep; work beyond scope isn’t allowed. |
Once approved locally, you’ll use this Confirmation Certificate (valid for 3 months in Tokyo) when applying to Immigration.
Immigration stage: costs and fees in 2025
From April 1, 2025, Japan revised immigration fees. For applications received on/after that date, typical fees include:
- Change of status / Extension of period of stay: ¥6,000 (counter) / ¥5,500 (online)
- Multiple re-entry permit: ¥7,000 (counter) / ¥6,500 (online)
- Permanent residence permission: ¥10,000 (paid on approval; FYI for your long-term plan)
The Immigration Services Agency notes the application-date rule; check your bureau’s online portal for payment method.
Practical tip: Where allowed, file online—it’s often slightly cheaper and avoids queues. See Visa Extension and Renewal.
Meeting the Business Manager bar after Startup Visa
As of Oct 16, 2025, you should plan for:
- Capital (assets to be used in the business) of ¥30,000,000+; and
- At least one full-time employee on payroll;
- Plus added competency checks during screening.
A few planning notes:
- Capital is cumulative: Tokyo clarifies “assets to be used for the business” can include paid-in capital and additional investment. Keep clear evidence of source of funds.
- Office: your startup plan must specify the office location. Check with your municipality and the regional bureau whether a coworking space qualifies (requirements vary; be conservative and aim for a dedicated business premise).
- Hiring: budget for one full-time eligible employee (Japanese national or certain resident categories). Start early—hiring timelines can be longer than you expect.
Related deep dives: Money & Finance, Housing & Living, and when you’re ready, Permanent Residency & Citizenship.
Sample budgets founders use (illustrative only)
| Category | Month 1–6 | Month 7–12 |
|---|---|---|
| Housing + utilities | ¥900,000 | ¥900,000 |
| Office rent | ¥600,000 | ¥600,000 |
| Admin & compliance (translation, seals, notary, filings) | ¥200,000 | ¥150,000 |
| Legal/immigration support | ¥200,000 | ¥100,000 |
| Payroll (1st hire prep; partial) | ¥0 | ¥2,400,000 |
| Marketing & ops | ¥400,000 | ¥800,000 |
| Subtotal | ¥2,300,000 | ¥4,950,000 |
Adjust these to your city and sector. Tokyo/Osaka can run higher; regional hubs sometimes cost less. The capital raise to ¥30M is separate—treat it as a financing milestone before your status change.
Frequently asked questions
1) Can I work any job while on the Startup Visa?
Not in principle. The one-year or six-month stay is for startup preparation activities, and local guidance is clear that unrelated work is not permitted; you should secure living funds in advance.
2) How long can I stay before switching to Business Manager?
Initial permission is typically 6 or 12 months. Tokyo permits renewals in 6-month chunks for up to 2 years total, based on monthly progress checks and a renewal confirmation certificate. Other municipalities may differ.
3) What happens if I don’t reach the Business Manager requirements in time?
You cannot rely on indefinite renewals. Plan to either hit the target (capital + office + at least one full-time hire) or wrap up and leave before your status expires. Tokyo explicitly reviews whether you are likely to meet the Business Manager conditions within the renewal window.
4) Do I need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?
You can apply with or without a COE depending on your situation. Tokyo’s Q&A explains the certificate issued by the municipality is valid for 3 months and is used to file a COE or a change of status at Immigration.
5) Where do I find official contacts and current cities?
See JETRO’s section on Startup Visa—it links to participating municipalities and explains the certificate + Designated Activities flow. Always check your city’s page for the latest details.
6) How did fees change in 2025?
From April 1, 2025, change of status/extension increased to ¥6,000 at counters (¥5,500 online), and multiple re-entry permit to ¥7,000/¥6,500. Plan your cashflow and pick online where possible.
7) What if I plan to run a small, lean startup first?
That’s fine, but the Business Manager switch now requires ¥30M capital and one full-time employee. Consider sequencing: validate under Startup Visa, raise capital, then file the change—rather than undercapitalizing the status change.
Common mistakes (and easy fixes)
- Vague office plan: Tokyo’s reviewers look for where the office will be and whether it supports your milestones. Detail the lease timeline.
- Insufficient living funds: You’re expected to have enough savings to avoid unrelated work during the preparation period. Show clear balances.
- Missing the certificate’s validity window: In Tokyo the local certificate is valid 3 months—don’t let it lapse before you file at Immigration.
- Assuming old Business Manager thresholds: As of Oct 16, 2025, budget for ¥30M and one full-time hire—do not rely on the previous ¥5M/2-employee rule.
- Under-documenting progress: Some cities run monthly check-ins. Keep tidy records (bankbook, contracts, invoices).
Quick reference: fees you’ll likely touch (2025)
| Procedure | Fee (counter) | Fee (online) | When it applies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change of status (e.g., to Designated Activities or to Business Manager) | ¥6,000 | ¥5,500 | Permission issuance |
| Extension of period of stay | ¥6,000 | ¥5,500 | If you renew Designated Activities |
| Re-entry permit (multiple) | ¥7,000 | ¥6,500 | If you need to travel frequently |
| Permanent residence permission | ¥10,000 | — | Long-term later on |
Based on the Immigration Services Agency’s 2025 schedule and expert summaries.
Municipality snapshots (examples)
| Location | Headline detail |
|---|---|
| Tokyo | 6 or 12 months initial; monthly checks; renewals up to 2 years; strong sector list; certificate validity 3 months |
| Hokkaido | Program notes updated for Oct 16, 2025 Business Manager changes; 1 year / 6 months initial |
| Multiple cities via JETRO | Central page with authorized municipalities and links to local portals |
Use these as starting points; always read the local page before drafting your plan.
The path after you switch: running and growing your company
Once on Business Manager, you can:
- Operate the company, invoice customers, hire staff, and renew your status based on business substance and compliance.
- Over time, map a path toward Permanent Residency (PR) via long-term stable residence and clean tax/social-insurance records. See Permanent Residency & Citizenship and Japan Taxes for Foreigners.
Remember that Business Manager standards are stricter in 2025: capitalize properly, show real activity, and maintain payroll/insurance documentation from day one.
Final checklist before you apply
- Pick one city/prefecture and read its Startup Visa page thoroughly.
- Draft the Startup Preparation Activity Plan with objective milestones, an explicit ¥30M capital roadmap, and one hire plan.
- Prepare living funds proof and a housing plan for six–twelve months.
- Lock an office plan (timelines, address options) that fits local expectations.
- Submit to municipality, obtain confirmation certificate, and file with Immigration within the validity window.
- Track progress monthly; renew only if offered and you’re on pace. Switch to Business Manager once capital, hire, and office are ready.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
