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

If you want to start a business in Japan but are not yet able to meet the full Business Manager requirements, Hyogo Prefecture’s Startup Visa program (officially: Foreign Entrepreneurship Activity Promotion Program) offers a preparatory pathway.

Hyogo Prefecture operates this program after receiving official recognition from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Under the system, Hyogo reviews the feasibility and appropriateness of a foreign entrepreneur’s startup plan and, based on that confirmation, Immigration conducts the residence status examination.
If approved, foreign entrepreneurs may stay in Japan for up to two years (with renewal required after the first year) while preparing to transition to Business Manager status.

This article explains what is officially published about Hyogo’s Startup Visa and clearly distinguishes it from points that must be confirmed directly with the application desk.

What is the Hyogo Startup Visa?

Hyogo Prefecture’s Startup Visa is part of Japan’s Foreign Entrepreneurship Activity Promotion Program, not the National Strategic Special Zone system.

Under this framework:

• Hyogo Prefecture confirms whether the proposed startup activity plan is appropriate and feasible

• Immigration examines the residence status application based on Hyogo’s confirmation

• The residence status granted is Designated Activities (Startup Preparation)

• The total preparation period is up to two years (initial period + renewal)

Hyogo clearly states that this system is designed to support preparation toward obtaining the Business Manager visa, not long-term residence without active business preparation.

Who can apply?

According to Hyogo Prefecture’s official information, the program is available to:

• Foreign nationals who intend to start a new business within Hyogo Prefecture

No further nationality, age, or residency restrictions are specified in the published materials.

Target business fields in Hyogo Prefecture

Hyogo Prefecture defines eligible businesses as those expected to contribute to:

• strengthening international competitiveness of industries in Hyogo, and

• forming an international economic activity hub.

Eligible businesses include those that fall into one or more of the following categories:

1) Businesses aligned with Hyogo’s Economic and Employment Strategy (FY2023–2027)

Specifically, businesses that contribute to:

① Creation of new leading industries in Hyogo, such as:

• Hydrogen and other new energy

• Environment-related industries

• Aviation, drones, and flying cars

• Robotics

• Health and medical industries

② Strengthening and sustainable development of SMEs, including:

• AI

• IoT

• Robotics

2) Businesses that add high value or induce innovation in existing industries

3) Other businesses deemed necessary by the Governor of Hyogo Prefecture

Applicants must clearly explain how their business contributes to these policy objectives, not simply list an industry label.

Why Hyogo?

Hyogo Prefecture positions its Startup Visa as a tool to strengthen the Hyogo–Kobe startup ecosystem and attract foreign entrepreneurs who can contribute to industrial competitiveness and international economic activity.

From a founder’s perspective, Hyogo offers:

• A major international port and logistics base centered on Kobe

• Strong manufacturing, robotics, and medical-industry clusters

• Active collaboration between industry, research institutions, and startups

• Policy-level emphasis on innovation-driven and globally competitive businesses

For foreign entrepreneurs whose businesses align with advanced manufacturing, energy, robotics, health, or SME digital transformation, Hyogo’s policy direction can be a strong strategic fit.

Program structure and stay period

Based on Hyogo Prefecture’s published description:

• The Startup Visa allows residence in Japan for up to two years

• A renewal is required after the first year

• The purpose of stay is strictly startup preparation toward Business Manager status

Hyogo explicitly notes that applicants must still satisfy Immigration’s requirements when applying for or switching to Business Manager status.

Application flow (important note)

⚠️ Important:
Hyogo Prefecture does not publicly disclose detailed application steps, forms, or document checklists on its website.

Based on the national framework and other prefectures’ operation (such as Kyoto), the flow is expected to follow this general structure:

1. Preparation of a startup preparation activity plan

2. Submission to Hyogo Prefecture for confirmation

3. Issuance of a confirmation result (if approved)

4. Application to Immigration for Designated Activities

5. Renewal after one year, if applicable

However, this procedure is not explicitly published by Hyogo Prefecture.
Applicants must confirm the actual process and required documents directly with the official contact desk.

Required documents

Hyogo Prefecture does not publish:

• application forms

• document templates

• required document lists

• language requirements

Because of this, applicants must not assume the same forms as Kyoto or other prefectures without confirmation.

Application and inquiry desk

Hyogo Prefecture designates the following contact point:

Hyogo Prefecture Startup Visa Application Desk
(operated by JETRO Kobe)

📧 Email: KOB-STARTUP@jetro.go.jp

All procedural details, document requirements, and submission methods should be confirmed directly with this desk before preparing an application.

Key compliance points

• Hyogo’s confirmation supports—but does not guarantee—Immigration approval

• The visa is strictly for active startup preparation

• Renewal is required after one year

• Applicants must ultimately meet Business Manager requirements

How our office can help 

Because Hyogo Prefecture does not publicly disclose detailed procedures, professional support is especially valuable.

Trust Administrative Scrivener Office can assist with:

• Structuring a startup preparation plan aligned with Hyogo’s policy objectives

• Communicating with the official inquiry desk and interpreting responses

• Designing a realistic pathway from Startup Visa to Business Manager status

• Immigration application support and compliance planning

References

• Hyogo Prefecture: Hyogo Startup Visa (Foreign Entrepreneurship Activity Promotion Program)

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