Japan's Startup Visa provides a preparatory immigration pathway for foreign entrepreneurs who want to establish a business in Japan but do not yet meet the requirements for the Business Manager visa. Holders receive Designated Activities residence status and up to 2 years to complete preparation steps — incorporating a company, securing office space, hiring employees, and raising capital — before transitioning to the Business Manager visa. In January 2025, the program was significantly reformed: the previously separate National Strategic Special Zone scheme and the METI nationwide scheme were consolidated into a single national framework, the maximum stay was extended from 18 months to 2 years, and a dedicated family accompaniment track was added for spouses and children. As of May 2024, over 716 individuals had been granted residence through the program, with roughly half successfully transitioning to Business Manager status.
The initial period is up to 1 year, renewable for a maximum total stay of 2 years (extended from 18 months in January 2025). Renewals are filed with the Foreign Entrepreneurship Promotion Organization approximately 2 months before expiry, requiring an updated preparation plan, proof of continued funds (minimum 6 months), and evidence of progress toward Business Manager visa requirements. The organization reviews progress and reports to METI and the immigration bureau.
Since the January 2025 reforms, spouses and children of Startup Visa holders may accompany the principal applicant under a dedicated family track of the Foreign Entrepreneurship Promotion Project. The ISA's official program page provides four application procedures specifically for family members: Certificate of Eligibility issuance, change of status, period extension, and status acquisition. Required documents include proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.), a copy of the principal applicant's residence card or passport, and documentation clarifying means of support. This represents a substantive change from the pre-2025 framework, when JETRO and other stakeholders had identified the inability to bring family members as a significant disincentive. Co-founder arrangements are still not provided for — each entrepreneur must apply individually. Once the principal holder transitions to the Business Manager visa, family members may move to the standard Dependent status of residence.
Residents in Japan (domiciled or residing for 1+ year) are taxed on worldwide income at progressive national rates of 5-45%, plus 10% local inhabitant tax and a 2.1% reconstruction surtax. However, Startup Visa holders in the preparation phase typically have limited taxable income. Holders must enroll in National Health Insurance and the National Pension System at their municipal office.
The application follows a two-stage process. First, select an approved Foreign Entrepreneurship Promotion Organization in your chosen location and submit a business plan for review. If approved, the organization issues a Certificate of Confirmation (valid for 3 months). Second, file a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application at the regional immigration bureau. Upon COE issuance, apply for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate abroad. Total processing time from initial application to entry is typically 3-6 months. Applicants already in Japan under another valid status may apply for a change of status without leaving the country. Visa application fees for change of status / extension increased from JPY 4,000 to JPY 6,000 (in person) / JPY 5,500 (online) effective 1 April 2025.
Holders may engage in securing business premises, company registration, employee recruitment, business partner development, and related preparatory work. Full business operations are not permitted during the preparation period. Part-time work is allowed to supplement funds for startup preparation. Mandatory monthly interviews with the implementing organization are required to report on progress.
Over 26 municipalities and organizations across Japan have been certified by METI as implementing organizations, with the number continuing to grow since the January 2025 nationwide expansion. Confirmed locations include prefectures such as Aichi, Gifu, Hokkaido, Hyogo, Ibaraki, Kanagawa, Kyoto, Mie, Niigata, Oita, Okinawa, and Toyama; cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Yokohama, Kobe, Sendai, Hamamatsu, Kumamoto, Chiba, Narita, Shibuya, and Tsukuba; and approved private organizations. Some municipalities restrict eligible business sectors while others have broad coverage.
The Startup Visa is designed as a stepping-stone to the Business Manager visa. Upon completing business preparation and meeting all requirements — JPY 30,000,000 in capital, at least one full-time employee, management experience (3+ years), and Japanese language proficiency at CEFR B2 (JLPT N2 or BJT 400+) — the holder applies for a change of status. Time spent under the Startup Visa counts toward the 3-year management experience requirement for the Business Manager visa. From Business Manager status, permanent residency may be applied for after 10 years of continuous residence, with accelerated paths available for highly skilled professionals.