Hamamatsu City Startup Visa (Japan) — Complete 2025-2026 Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs

If you want to start a business in Japan but are not yet ready to meet all the requirements for the Business Manager  residency status, Hamamatsu City’s Startup Visa program (officially part of the Foreign Business Startup Activity Promotion Program) provides a structured preparation pathway under certification from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). 

This article explains the system in detail — program overview, eligible applicants, target businesses, step-by-step application flow, required documents, procedures after certification, key compliance points, and how our office can support you — so that you understand what is required before applying.

What Is the Hamamatsu City Startup Visa?

Hamamatsu City implements the Foreign Business Startup Activity Promotion Program (commonly called the Startup Visa) after receiving METI certification to promote foreign entrepreneur acceptance and the creation of startup activity hubs. 

The Startup Visa program supports foreign founders who wish to launch their business in Hamamatsu by enabling them to prepare for these requirements. Applicants submit a business preparation plan to Hamamatsu City, and if the city determines that the plan shows a high likelihood of meeting the Business Manager requirements within a one-year preparation period, the city issues a confirmation certificate. With this certificate and other documents, applicants can file for the Designated Activities (Startup Preparation) status at the immigration office, which is generally granted for up to two years with renewal every six months. 

Who Can Use This Program?

According to Hamamatsu City’s official information, this program is intended for:

• foreign nationals who wish to start a business in Hamamatsu City, including those already in Japan under other residency statuses such as students or engineers, and

• foreign nationals residing overseas who plan to enter Japan to start a business. 

In essence, the program helps founders prepare to meet the Business Manager residency criteria within the permitted preparation period by confirming the feasibility of their plans and issuing a certificate that can be used in the immigration process.

Target Business Scope in Hamamatsu City

Hamamatsu City defines eligible businesses under its Startup Visa program as projects that fall within the seven growth fields set out in the “Second Hamamatsu Industrial Innovation Vision” and that aim for growth by using innovative technologies and/or services.

Eligible growth fields (7):

1. Next-generation transportation equipment

2. Health and medical

3. New agriculture

4. Environment and energy

5. Optics and electronics

6. Digital

7. Robotics

Key point for applicants:
You should first clarify what you plan to do (product/service, target customers, revenue model, operations, timeline), and then explain which of the seven growth fields your business fits and how your innovation will support growth in Hamamatsu City. In practice, your plan should make it easy for reviewers to see both:

• Field alignment (one or more of the seven categories), and

• Innovation + scalability (why this is not just a conventional small business, but a growth-oriented project using innovative technology/service).

Step-by-Step Process in Hamamatsu City

Step 1: Prepare your startup preparation activity plan

You prepare a Startup Preparation Activity Plan and related documents, including your business concept, activity timeline, and evidence of how you intend to meet Business Manager requirements.

Step 2: Submit documents to Hamamatsu City

Submit your application package — including the preparation plan, resume, pledge, and evidence of planned residence and finances — to Hamamatsu City’s Startup Promotion Division. 

Step 3: Hamamatsu City review

Hamamatsu City examines your submitted materials to determine whether the plan shows a realistic likelihood of meeting the Business Manager requirements within the one-year preparation period.

Step 4: Receive confirmation certificate

If your plan is confirmed, Hamamatsu City issues a confirmation certificate that you will use in the immigration application.

Step 5: Apply to immigration for Designated Activities status

With the certificate and required documents, you file for the Designated Activities (Startup Preparation) residency status with the immigration office. Once approved, you can stay up to two years (renewable every six months) while you work toward satisfying the full Business Manager criteria.

Required Documents

Hamamatsu City’s official site lists the documents required for the Startup Visa confirmation application. These include: 

New (Initial) Application Documents

• Startup Preparation Activity Plan (business plan)

• Application for Confirmation of Business Plan

• Applicant’s resume

• Pledge document

• Document showing where you will reside for the first year after landing or status change

• Document demonstrating funds for living expenses and business preparation

• Copies of relevant certificates (e.g., diploma, employment proof)

• Copy of applicant’s passport

• Any other required supporting documents

Renewal Application Documents

To renew the Startup Visa (extend Designated Activities status), you generally need to submit: 

• Updated Startup Preparation Activity Plan

• Confirmation application for renewal

• Documents showing residence and financial capacity for the next 6-month period

• Any other necessary documents as required by the city

Submission Method and Place

Applications must be submitted in person to the designated office at Hamamatsu City Hall’s Startup Promotion Division. Postal or online submissions are generally not accepted. 

Procedures After Plan Certification

After receiving the confirmation certificate from Hamamatsu City:

• You must submit the certificate and your application to immigration to obtain Designated Activities (Startup Preparation) status.

• During the preparation period, Hamamatsu City may provide support and check progress.

• Monthly meetings may be requested by the city to review your activity progress; you may be asked to submit relevant documents such as lease contracts, bank statements, or other evidence of business activity. 

Key Compliance Points

• Hamamatsu City’s confirmation does not guarantee immigration approval. Final decisions rest with the Immigration Services Agency.

• You must demonstrate credible feasibility within the preparation period, not simply “hold the status.”

• The Startup Visa is intended to help you prepare for the full Business Manager requirements; it does not waive those requirements indefinitely.

• Providing false or misleading information may result in cancellation of the plan confirmation and immigration consequences.

How Our Office Can Help

Even when using a government program, success typically depends on whether your business plan and documentation are:

• verifiable and internally consistent

• aligned with immigration expectations

• supported with clear evidence

Trust Administrative Scrivener Office supports foreign entrepreneurs with:

• Business plan development and strategic structuring

• Preparation and review of submission documents

• Immigration application support including COE and Designated Activities processing

• Monthly reporting strategy and renewal guidance

We can help you decide whether to:

• apply directly for Business Manager, or

• use Hamamatsu City’s Startup Visa as a structured preparation pathway.

References (Official Sources Used)

• Hamamatsu City: Startup Visa (Foreign Business Startup Activity Promotion Program) . 

• Hamamatsu City: Foreign Resident Start-up Flyer (English).

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