STARTUP VISA IN JAPAN
Understanding Japan’s Startup Visa: Background, Development, and Current System
This article explains how Japan’s Startup Visa system developed, why it was introduced, and how it now supports foreign entrepreneurs preparing to start a business in Japan.
This article was originally written before the latest Startup Visa and Business Manager Visa reforms. Instead of deleting the old article, we have updated it as a background and history article so readers can understand how the system has changed over time.
Japan’s Startup Visa system was revised in January 2025 and the maximum preparatory period was extended to two years. In addition, the Business Manager Visa standards were significantly revised on October 16, 2025. Anyone planning to move from Startup Visa to Business Manager status should prepare under the latest requirements.
- 1 What is Japan’s Startup Visa?
- 2 Why Japan introduced the Startup Visa
- 3 Development of the Startup Visa system
- 4 What changed in 2025?
- 5 Relationship with the Business Manager Visa
- 6 Benefits of the Startup Visa
- 7 Regional characteristics
- 8 Challenges for foreign entrepreneurs
- 9 How Trust Administrative Scrivener Office can support you
- 10 Conclusion
- 11 Related Articles
- 12 Official References
- 13 Need professional advice?
What is Japan’s Startup Visa?
Japan’s Startup Visa is a system that allows eligible foreign entrepreneurs to stay in Japan while preparing to start a business.
The status of residence is generally granted as “Designated Activities,” and the purpose is to help foreign entrepreneurs conduct business preparation activities before obtaining the Business Manager Visa.
In simple terms, the Startup Visa is a bridge between the idea stage and the Business Manager Visa stage.
It gives foreign entrepreneurs time to prepare an office, develop a business plan, conduct market research, seek funding, build local networks, and prepare for business launch in Japan.
Prepare a business in Japan before fully meeting the Business Manager Visa requirements.
Receive support from certified local governments or certified organizations.
Aim to transition to the Business Manager Visa after preparation.
Why Japan introduced the Startup Visa
Japan has been working to attract foreign entrepreneurs in order to strengthen international competitiveness, create new businesses, and revitalize regional economies.
The Startup Visa system was introduced as part of this policy direction.
Traditionally, many foreign entrepreneurs faced difficulty obtaining the Business Manager Visa at the beginning stage because they had not yet secured an office, completed company establishment, hired staff, or prepared all business infrastructure in Japan.
The Startup Visa was created to address this problem.
It gives qualified entrepreneurs a preparatory period in Japan before they move to the full Business Manager Visa stage.
Planning a Startup Visa or Business Manager Visa?
Try our free Japan Business Visa Route Navigator first.
This interactive tool helps you understand which visa route may be suitable for your situation
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If you need personalized advice, you can book a paid consultation afterward.
Development of the Startup Visa system
| Period | Development |
|---|---|
| Early stage | Startup Visa programs were mainly implemented by selected local governments and special zones. |
| 2018 onward | The Foreign Entrepreneur Activity Promotion Project became an important framework for supporting foreign entrepreneurs preparing to start businesses in Japan. |
| 2025 reform | The system was revised and integrated with the national strategic special zone framework. The maximum period was extended to two years. |
| Current stage | Startup Visa is now a more nationally usable system, but details still depend on the certified organization and the applicant’s business plan. |
What changed in 2025?
The 2025 reform was a major turning point for the Startup Visa system.
The Startup Visa framework was expanded, and the maximum period for business preparation became two years.
However, this does not mean that every applicant can automatically stay in Japan for two years.
The entrepreneur must submit a startup preparation activity plan, receive confirmation from a certified organization, and continue to receive management and support during the preparation period.
The Startup Visa is not a simple “easy business visa.” It is a preparation status. The applicant must show a realistic plan to establish and operate a business in Japan and eventually move toward the Business Manager Visa.
Relationship with the Business Manager Visa
The Startup Visa and the Business Manager Visa are closely connected, but they are not the same.
| Status | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Startup Visa | For preparing to start a business in Japan under the support and management of a certified organization. |
| Business Manager Visa | For actually managing or administering a business in Japan after meeting the required standards. |
After the October 16, 2025 reform, the Business Manager Visa became stricter.
Therefore, Startup Visa applicants must prepare from the beginning with the future Business Manager Visa requirements in mind.
- Business scale equivalent to the new standards.
- Office plan that can satisfy Immigration requirements.
- Japanese-language capacity or staffing plan.
- Business management experience or relevant education.
- Specific and feasible business plan.
- Licenses and permits, if the business requires them.
Benefits of the Startup Visa
The Startup Visa gives foreign entrepreneurs time and support before they fully launch a business in Japan.
The main benefits are as follows.
Entrepreneurs can conduct market research, prepare contracts, search for offices, and build a launch plan.
Certified organizations may provide support related to business planning, local networks, and administrative procedures.
The Startup Visa period can be used to prepare for the stricter Business Manager Visa requirements.
Regional characteristics
One important feature of the Startup Visa system is that support is often connected to regional policy.
Each area may emphasize different industries, business fields, or support systems.
| Region | General characteristics |
|---|---|
| Tokyo | Large market, strong startup ecosystem, access to investors, technology companies, and global business networks. |
| Osaka / Kansai | Strong business base in manufacturing, life sciences, tourism, trade, and regional collaboration. |
| Fukuoka | Known for startup support, access to Asian markets, and a relatively compact urban business environment. |
| Hokkaido | Potential for tourism, agriculture, food, environment, and regional resource-based businesses. |
| Kitakyushu | A practical location for entrepreneurs interested in manufacturing, environmental technology, trade, local services, and lower operating costs compared with major metropolitan areas. |
Regional programs and support details may change. Always confirm the latest information with the relevant certified organization or local government before applying.
Challenges for foreign entrepreneurs
Although the Startup Visa system has expanded, foreign entrepreneurs may still face practical challenges.
- Understanding Japanese administrative procedures.
- Preparing a business plan that satisfies both the local government and Immigration.
- Securing an appropriate office.
- Opening bank accounts and preparing payment infrastructure.
- Understanding tax, labor, social insurance, and licensing issues.
- Preparing for the future Business Manager Visa requirements.
- Communicating with local governments, Immigration, and business partners in Japanese.
These challenges are one reason why professional support can be helpful, especially for entrepreneurs who are applying from outside Japan or who are unfamiliar with Japanese administrative practice.
How Trust Administrative Scrivener Office can support you
Trust Administrative Scrivener Office supports foreign entrepreneurs who wish to start a business in Japan.
We provide practical support for Startup Visa and Business Manager Visa matters, including business plan preparation, document organization, communication with local authorities, and preparation for future visa procedures.
Review of eligibility, business plan structure, and application document preparation.
Japanese translation, restructuring, and explanation suitable for local government and Immigration review.
Preparation for the Business Manager Visa after the Startup Visa period.
Conclusion
Japan’s Startup Visa has changed from a limited local program into a broader system for attracting foreign entrepreneurs.
The 2025 reform made the system more useful by extending the possible preparation period to two years.
At the same time, the route to the Business Manager Visa has become stricter.
Therefore, entrepreneurs should not treat the Startup Visa as the final goal.
The important point is to use the Startup Visa period strategically to prepare a real, sustainable, and legally compliant business in Japan.
Need personalized advice?
You can book a paid consultation with Trust Administrative Scrivener Office.
We offer online, in-person, and text consultations for visa procedures, residence status matters,
company setup, permits, and Japanese official documents.
All consultations require advance booking and advance payment.
Related Articles
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New Requirements and Key Changes
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Official References
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