Mie 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 the full requirements for the Business Manager visa, Mie Prefecture’s Startup Visa program provides a structured and officially recognized preparation pathway.

Mie Prefecture operates this program under Japan’s Foreign Business Startup Activity Promotion Program (外国人起業活動促進事業), approved by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

The program allows eligible foreign entrepreneurs to stay in Japan under the Designated Activities (Startup Preparation) residence status while preparing to meet the Business Manager visa requirements within a limited period.

This article explains Mie Prefecture’s system in detail—overview, eligibility, target fields, required documents, application steps, timelines, monitoring rules, and key compliance points—so you can understand exactly what is required before applying.

What is the “Startup Visa” in Mie Prefecture?

Mie Prefecture’s Startup Visa follows the national framework but is administered locally.

It is a two-step screening system, similar in structure to other prefectures:

1) Mie Prefecture Review (Startup Preparation Plan Confirmation)

You must submit a Startup Preparation Activity Plan and related documents to Mie Prefecture.

The prefecture evaluates whether:

• Your business plan is feasible
• Your activities are appropriate for the program
• You are likely to meet Business Manager visa requirements within the permitted preparation period

If approved, Mie Prefecture issues a:

Startup Preparation Activity Confirmation Certificate (起業準備活動計画確認証明書)

2) Immigration Review (Residence Status Approval)

Using the confirmation certificate, you apply to Immigration for:

Designated Activities (Startup Preparation)

Important:

As with all prefectures, Mie’s approval does NOT guarantee immigration approval.
Immigration makes the final decision.

Who can use this program?

Mie Prefecture’s Startup Visa is available to:

• Foreign nationals who intend to establish a business in Mie Prefecture
• Individuals who are expected to meet Business Manager visa requirements after preparation

Applicants may be:

• Outside Japan, or
• Already residing in Japan under another residence status

as long as they meet both:

• National requirements 
• Mie Prefecture’s criteria

Target business fields in Mie Prefecture

Mie Prefecture does not simply accept any business.
Applicants must demonstrate that their business contributes to regional development.

Typical target areas include:

• Manufacturing and industrial innovation
• Tourism and hospitality
• Agriculture, fisheries, and regional products
• Environmental and energy-related industries
• IT, digital transformation, and advanced technologies
• Healthcare and welfare services
• Regional revitalization and community-based businesses

Additionally, Mie Prefecture may approve:

• Other business fields recognized as contributing to regional economic growth

Planning a Startup Visa or Business Manager Visa?

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Practical guidance

It is not enough to list a category.

You must clearly explain:

• How your business fits within Mie’s priority areas
• How it contributes to the local economy
• Why it is realistic in Mie (not Tokyo or Osaka)
• How you will meet Business Manager visa requirements

Mie Prefecture focuses heavily on:

• Feasibility
• Regional relevance
• Sustainability

Why choose Mie Prefecture?

Compared to major cities, Mie offers several strategic advantages:

• Lower startup and operating costs
• Strong tourism demand (Ise Shrine, coastal areas, etc.)
• Established manufacturing and industrial base
• Access to both Kansai and Chubu economic zones
• Active support for regional revitalization

For entrepreneurs aiming for a cost-efficient and stable startup environment, Mie is a practical option.

Step-by-step process

Step 1: Prepare your Startup Preparation Plan

You must prepare a detailed plan that meets:

• National requirements
• Mie Prefecture’s evaluation criteria

Step 2: Submit documents to Mie Prefecture

Applications must generally be submitted:

• By the applicant

Administrative scriveners or lawyers may assist if properly registered.

Step 3: Prefectural review

Mie Prefecture:

• Reviews your documents
• May consult external experts

If approved → Confirmation Certificate issued
If rejected → You receive a notice explaining the reasons

Step 4: Apply to Immigration

You apply for:

Designated Activities (Startup Preparation)

Step 5: Report status acquisition

After receiving your visa, you must:

• Notify Mie Prefecture
• Continue reporting your progress

Required documents

Mie Prefecture provides official templates.

A) Core application documents

• Startup Preparation Plan Confirmation Application
• Startup Preparation Activity Plan
• Resume (CV)
• Written pledge (no connection to organized crime)

B) Supporting documents

• Passport copy
• Proof of residence (housing secured)
• Proof of sufficient living funds
• Documents required under national rules
• Additional documents requested by Mie Prefecture

C) Renewal documents (if applicable)

• Updated business plan
• Proof of continued residence
• Proof of living expenses

After obtaining the Startup Visa

Mie Prefecture imposes ongoing monitoring obligations.

These may include:

• Regular progress reports
• Interviews with officials
• Submission of supporting documents

This is not optional.

Renewal, monitoring, and cancellation risks

Mie Prefecture may cancel your confirmation if:

• False information is discovered
• You are not actively preparing your business
• Your plan is no longer viable
• You fail to cooperate with monitoring

Cancellation may be reported to:

• METI
• Immigration

Key compliance points

• Prefectural approval ≠ visa approval
• You must actively prepare your business
• Housing and funds must be secured in advance
• Monitoring is strict and continuous

This program is not for passive stay in Japan.
It is strictly for structured business preparation.

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.

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How our office can support your Osaka Startup Visa application

Even under a government program, success depends on:

• The quality of your business plan
• Consistency with immigration expectations
• Evidence and documentation strategy

Trust Administrative Scrivener Office supports:

• Business plan structuring
• Evidence preparation
• Immigration application strategy
• Transition planning to Business Manager visa

If you are considering Mie Prefecture, we help you determine whether:

• You should apply directly for Business Manager, or
• Use the Startup Visa route strategically

References

• Mie Prefecture: Foreign Entrepreneurship Promotion Program (Startup Visa)

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If you need individual advice regarding Japanese visas, residence status, company setup, permits, or official document procedures, please book a paid consultation.

We do not provide individual case assessments through free blog comments, general contact forms, or social media messages.

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