【Archived】Nationwide Expansion of Startup Visa in Japan（Updated Policy Available）

The “Startup Visa under the National Strategic Special Zones” (National Strategic Special Zone Foreign Entrepreneurial Activity Promotion Project) has been a cornerstone initiative to attract foreign entrepreneurs to Japan. This program allows foreign entrepreneurs to enter Japan under the condition that they are expected to fulfill the requirements for the “Business Manager” visa, such as securing a business office and meeting business scale requirements, within six months of arrival.

In designated National Strategic Special Zones, an additional benefit allows municipalities to approve the use of coworking spaces or similar facilities as business offices for up to one year during the initial visa renewal process. This means foreign entrepreneurs may have up to 18 months to meet the business office requirement.

Now, significant changes are being implemented. As of January 1, 2025, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) have revised relevant regulations to unify the Startup Visa program under the National Strategic Special Zones with the nationwide “Foreign Entrepreneurial Activity Promotion Project” managed by METI. The revisions extend the grace period for fulfilling the two key requirements—securing a business office and meeting business scale standards—from 18 months to a maximum of 2 years. This unified program will be implemented across Japan, making it easier for foreign entrepreneurs to launch their businesses without the previous geographical limitations of the National Strategic Special Zones.

Background of the Reform

The National Strategic Special Zone Foreign Entrepreneurial Activity Promotion Project (hereinafter referred to as the “Special Zone Project”) was initially established under the National Strategic Special Zone Law (Law No. 107 of 2013). It allowed designated municipalities (Special Zone Municipalities) to verify the feasibility and appropriateness of entrepreneurial activity plans. This verification process enabled foreign entrepreneurs to meet landing examination standards and promote entrepreneurial activities within the designated zones.

However, as part of the “Regulatory Reform Implementation Plan” approved by the Cabinet on June 21, 2024, it was decided to unify the Special Zone Project with the nationwide METI-led program. This unification eliminates the need for duplicative procedures and expands the benefits of the program to all regions of Japan. Moreover, the grace period for fulfilling the “business office” and “business scale” requirements has been extended to a maximum of 2 years from the previous 18 months.

Key Changes in the Revised Startup Visa Program

1. Nationwide Implementation: The Startup Visa program will now be available across Japan under a unified system, removing the geographical restrictions previously tied to the National Strategic Special Zones.
2. Extended Grace Period: Foreign entrepreneurs will now have up to 2 years to fulfill the requirements for securing a business office and meeting the business scale standards.
3. Transition from Special Zone Project to Nationwide Program:
   • For municipalities currently utilizing the Special Zone Project, the issuance of Entrepreneurial Activity Certification Certificates will continue until the end of 2025.
   • Foreign entrepreneurs who receive certification by the end of 2025 can apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for “Business Manager” status until the end of fiscal year 2025.
   • The effective period of Entrepreneurial Activity Certification Certificates remains three months, even under the new nationwide framework.
4. Impact on Coworking Space Special Provisions: The current provision allowing coworking spaces to be used as business offices during the initial visa renewal process will no longer be necessary under the revised program. The new framework’s extended 2-year grace period eliminates this requirement.
5. Support for Foreign Students: Foreign students can now seamlessly transition from a “Student” visa to a “Business Manager” visa under the new program without needing to leave Japan. This simplifies the process for aspiring foreign student entrepreneurs.

If you plan to apply, or already hold this visa,
start preparing early to align with the new standards.

🔔 Latest Update –
Business Manager Visa Reform (Effective October 16, 2025)

Starting October 16, 2025, Japan’s Business Manager Visa will undergo major changes.
The new requirements include ¥30 million capital, at least one full-time employee,
and B2-level Japanese proficiency (JLPT N2) — making the visa stricter and more professional.

For a detailed breakdown of the reform and what it means for you,
👉 Business Manager Visa Reform 2025 – New Rules & Key Takeaways

Transition Notes for Municipalities and Entrepreneurs

• Municipalities currently not utilizing the Special Zone Project but wishing to support foreign entrepreneurial activities must obtain approval under the METI-led program by the end of 2025.
• Entrepreneurs already residing in Japan under the Special Zone Project will be able to transition to the new nationwide program. Their periods of stay under the Special Zone framework will be aggregated with the new program’s maximum 2-year duration.
• Family members accompanying entrepreneurs under the Special Zone Project will also be eligible for similar transitions, ensuring continuity for dependents.

Conclusion

The nationwide expansion of Japan’s Startup Visa program represents a significant step toward fostering a more inclusive and dynamic environment for foreign entrepreneurs. By unifying and simplifying the system, extending the grace periods for business establishment, and making the program accessible across the country, Japan is positioning itself as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. This reform reflects the government’s commitment to supporting foreign entrepreneurs in their journey to establish and grow businesses in Japan.

For more information, visit the official METI Startup Visa page: 

Startup Visa Support at Trust Administrative Scrivener Office

At Trust Administrative Scrivener Office, we provide structured support for foreign entrepreneurs aiming to obtain a Startup Visa in Japan.

Our role is to guide clients through the Startup Visa application process, business preparation, and subsequent residence status procedures, while ensuring clarity, compliance, and realistic planning.

Scope of Support

Startup Visa Application Support

• Guidance on business plan preparation and Japanese translation

• Preparation and submission of application documents

• Support in communication with local governments and related organizations

Company Establishment Support

• Assistance with company establishment procedures

• Collaboration with other professionals, such as judicial scriveners and labor and social security attorneys

Residence Status and Renewal Support

• Guidance for residence status renewal after initial entry

• Advice on required documents and procedural timelines

Our Strengths

Flexible Use of Local Programs
Depending on the municipality, local support schemes—such as certified coworking spaces—may be available during the startup phase. We provide guidance on how such programs can be appropriately utilized, where applicable.

Professional and Comprehensive Support
We handle immigration procedures, company-related coordination, and progress checks in an integrated manner, allowing clients to proceed with confidence even if they are unfamiliar with Japanese administrative systems.

Clear Scope and Structured Communication
Our services are provided within a clearly defined scope, ensuring efficient communication and predictable procedures throughout the support period.

Consultation and Application Process

Please note that all consultations are provided on a paid basis.

To ensure efficient and appropriate guidance, we follow the process below:

1. Submission of a Google Form
   Applicants are asked to provide basic information about their background, business plan, and intended location.

2. Initial Review and Fee Estimate
   Based on the submitted information, our office will review the case and provide an approximate fee estimate.

3. Paid Consultation (Optional)
   If you wish to proceed further, a paid consultation is available
   (online, in-person, or text-based), depending on your preference and situation.

Detailed service fees and support plans are proposed individually, taking into account the content and complexity of each case.

For Those Considering an Application (Business Manager Visa / Startup Visa)

We are currently receiving a large number of inquiries, and it has become difficult to respond individually via email.
If you are considering contacting or requesting support from our office regarding the Business Manager Visa or Startup Visa,
please fill out the Google Form below first.

We will review the submitted forms in the order received and get back to you as soon as possible.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Google Form 

Introduction to Administrative Scriveners

Thank you for reading this article.
My name is Utsunomiya, a representative administrative scrivener at Trust Administrative Scrivener Office.
I support foreign individuals and entrepreneurs in navigating Japan’s immigration and administrative procedures, particularly in areas related to startup visas and business establishment.

For those considering starting a business in Japan from abroad, understanding residence status requirements and administrative processes can be challenging. My role is to provide clear, structured guidance so that clients can proceed with realistic expectations and confidence.

In addition to immigration-related procedures, I assist with business plan preparation and coordination with relevant professionals. I also have over ten years of experience as a Japanese language teacher, which allows me to support clients who need language-related assistance as part of their preparation.

I strive to stay up to date with changes in systems and regulations in order to provide accurate and practical information. My goal is to serve as a reliable point of contact for those planning to build their business activities in Japan.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article.

📩 Contact (General Inquiries & Communication)

For updates on an ongoing case, document submission, or other general inquiries, you may contact us through the tools below.

⚠️ Please note that we do not answer visa, residency status, licensing, apostille, or other consultation-related questions through this Contact section.
If you would like to receive advice or guidance, please apply through our paid consultation page.

👉 Click here to book a consultation (Consultation Page)

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Office Name: Trust Administrative Scrivener Office
Email: info@trust-gyosei.com