If you want to start a business in Japan but are not yet ready to meet the full requirements for the Business Manager residence status, Ibaraki Prefecture’s Startup Visa program (officially the Foreign Business Startup Activity Promotion Program) provides a structured preparation pathway.
Ibaraki Prefecture operates this program to strengthen international competitiveness and promote foreign-led innovation across the prefecture. Based on the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) notification on the Foreign Business Startup Activity Promotion Program, Ibaraki Prefecture was officially certified as an implementing local government on January 8, 2020.
This article explains the system in detail—program overview, eligibility, target business fields, application flow, required documents, support during the preparation period, and key compliance points—so you can understand what is required before proceeding.
What Is the “Startup Visa” in Ibaraki Prefecture?
Under Japan’s standard Business Manager visa framework, foreign entrepreneurs are generally required to meet all of the following at the time of application:
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Secure a business office in Japan
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Have capital of JPY 30 million or more and employ at least one full-time employee
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Have three or more years of business management experience (including graduate study), or hold a doctoral, master’s, or professional degree in a relevant field
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Ensure that either the applicant or a full-time employee has a sufficient level of Japanese language ability
Ibaraki Prefecture’s Startup Visa program allows eligible foreign entrepreneurs to reside in Japan for up to two years under the residence status Designated Activities (Startup Preparation) even if they do not yet meet all of the above conditions, provided that:
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A business preparation plan is submitted and approved by Ibaraki Prefecture, and
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The entrepreneur is expected to meet the full Business Manager requirements within the two-year preparation period.
If the required conditions are satisfied within that period, the entrepreneur may then transition to the Business Manager residence status.
Who Can Use This Program?
The program is intended for:
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Foreign nationals who plan to start a new business in Ibaraki Prefecture, and
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Foreign entrepreneurs who will carry out startup preparation activities in the prefecture under the supervision and support framework of Ibaraki Prefecture.
The program applies to the entire area of Ibaraki Prefecture.
Target Business Fields in Ibaraki Prefecture
Eligible businesses are limited to specific fields designated by Ibaraki Prefecture. The target scope includes:
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Life sciences (research-and-development-focused businesses in medical, biotech, pharmaceutical fields, etc.)
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IT and robotics and other businesses aiming for high growth through innovative technologies or skills
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Medical-related businesses (genomic data, medical information, biological information, etc.)
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Food-related businesses (food traceability, breeding data, food and medicinal resource data, etc.)
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Environmental businesses (environmental exposure data, behavioral data, lifestyle data, etc.)
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Businesses supporting any of the above fields (1)–(5)
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Other businesses specially approved by the Governor of Ibaraki Prefecture
Important note:
In addition to falling within categories (1)–(6), applicants must have participated in startup support or related programs implemented by Ibaraki Prefecture, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), or the municipality where the business is planned.
For this reason, applicants are strongly advised to consult with Ibaraki Prefecture at an early stage.
Step-by-Step Process in Ibaraki Prefecture
Step 1: Submit a Startup Preparation Activity Plan
The foreign entrepreneur submits a Startup Preparation Activity Plan and related documents to Ibaraki Prefecture.
Step 2: Review by Ibaraki Prefecture
Ibaraki Prefecture reviews the submission, consulting external experts as necessary.
Step 3: Issuance of Confirmation Certificate
If the plan is approved, Ibaraki Prefecture issues a Confirmation Certificate.
Step 4: Immigration Application
The entrepreneur submits an application to the regional Immigration Services Bureau, attaching the Confirmation Certificate.
Step 5: Grant of Designated Activities Status
If approved by immigration, the entrepreneur is granted the residence status
Designated Activities (Startup Preparation).
Step 6: Startup Preparation Period (Up to 2 Years)
During the preparation period:
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The entrepreneur receives comprehensive support from Ibaraki Prefecture, and
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Ibaraki Prefecture conducts progress checks and submits monthly reports to related institutions.
Note: For entrepreneurs operating in Tsukuba City, Tsukuba City itself provides the support and progress monitoring.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare all required documents. Forms are provided directly by Ibaraki Prefecture, so applicants must consult with the prefecture in advance.
New Application
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Application Form (Form No. 1) – Startup Preparation Activity Confirmation
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Startup Preparation Activity Plan (Form No. 1-2)
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Activity Schedule / Roadmap (Form No. 1-3)
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Applicant’s Resume (Form No. 1-4)
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Pledge Document (Form No. 1-5)
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Documents showing the applicant’s residence for one year after landing or status change
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Documents showing living expenses for one year after landing or status change
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Documents proving eligibility under METI notification requirements
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Copy of the applicant’s passport
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Any other documents required by the Governor
Renewal Application
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Renewal Application Form (Form No. 2)
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Updated Startup Preparation Activity Plan (Form No. 2-2)
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Updated Activity Schedule (Form No. 2-3)
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Documents showing residence for the six months after renewal
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Documents showing living expenses for the six months after renewal
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Any other documents required by the Governor
Language:
Documents must generally be prepared in Japanese. If this is difficult, applicants must consult with Ibaraki Prefecture in advance.
Key Compliance Points
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Local government approval does not guarantee immigration approval.
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The Startup Visa is a preparation mechanism, not a substitute for Business Manager requirements.
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Progress is monitored regularly, and inactivity may lead to loss of status.
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Early consultation with Ibaraki Prefecture is essential, especially regarding participation in required support programs.
How Our Office Can Help
Ibaraki Prefecture’s Startup Visa program requires careful alignment between business planning, prefectural review standards, and immigration expectations.
Trust Administrative Scrivener Office supports foreign entrepreneurs with:
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Structuring startup preparation plans aligned with Ibaraki Prefecture’s target fields
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Evidence design and documentation strategy for prefectural review
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Immigration application support for Designated Activities and transition to Business Manager
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Ongoing compliance guidance during the preparation period
If you are considering Ibaraki Prefecture, we can help you decide whether to:
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apply directly for Business Manager, or
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use the Ibaraki Startup Visa as a structured preparation pathway.
References (Official Sources)
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Ibaraki Prefecture: Foreign Business Startup Activity Promotion Program (Startup Visa) PDF
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Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI): Foreign Business Startup Activity Promotion Program
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