Startup Visa

Startup Visa

The Startup Visa is designed for foreign nationals working toward eligibility for the Business Manager Visa.

The visa is only available in certain municipalities that support the Startup Visa program.*

Key Requirements

  1. A business plan must be submitted to a local municipality or government office that supports the Startup Visa program.
  2. The eligibility criteria depending on the industry or type of business must be fulfilled. 
  3. Must show how the Business Manager Visa requirements will be met within the Startup Visa period. 

Duration & Process

  • Visa duration: Generally 6 months to 1 year. During this period, the full Business Manager visa requirements may be waived temporarily. 
  • Estimated time: It can take several months until the necessary visa procedures are completed. Expect at least 5 – 6months until issuance.
  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Initially not required, but will be for the transition to Business Manager Visa.

* The Startup Visa program is currently available in Japanese municipalities, including: Tokyo, Fukuoka, Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka, Sendai, Hiroshima, Kumamoto, Niigata, Yokohama, Hokkaido, Aichi, Gifu, Mie, Toyama, Hyogo, and Oita.

Recent Updates

  • The grace period to meet the business scale and office requirements can been extended to a maximum of 2 years in some cases.