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

Foreign Business Startup Activity Promotion Program

If you want to start a business in Japan but are not yet ready to meet the full Business Manager visa requirements, Osaka City’s Startup Visa program (officially known as the Foreign Business Startup Activity Promotion Program) provides a structured and realistic pathway.

Osaka City operates this program under approval from Japan’s 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 Business Manager requirements within a defined timeframe.

This article explains Osaka City’s system in detail—overview, eligibility, target business fields, application steps, required documents, timelines, renewals, and key compliance points—so you can understand what is required before applying.

What is the “Startup Visa” in Osaka City?

Osaka City’s Startup Visa is a two-step system designed to support foreign entrepreneurs during the preparation stage before formal business establishment.

Step 1: Osaka City review (plan confirmation)

Applicants first submit a Startup Preparation Activity Plan and supporting documents to Osaka City.
Osaka City reviews whether the proposed business plan is appropriate, feasible, and likely to meet Business Manager requirements within the allowed preparation period.

If approved, Osaka City issues a Confirmation Certificate (起業準備活動確認証明書).

Step 2: Immigration review (status approval)

Using Osaka City’s Confirmation Certificate and other required documents, the applicant applies to the immigration office for Designated Activities (Startup Preparation) status.

Important:
Osaka City’s confirmation supports the immigration application, but final approval is made solely by immigration authorities.

Who can use this program?

Osaka City’s Startup Visa is intended for foreign nationals who:

• plan to start a business within Osaka City, and

• need a preparation period before fully meeting Business Manager visa requirements.

The program can also be used by certain foreign nationals already residing in Japan, depending on their current residence status.

Why Osaka City is attractive for foreign entrepreneurs

Osaka is one of Japan’s major economic centers and offers several practical advantages for startup founders:

• A large domestic consumer and business market, supporting both B2B and B2C models

• A long-standing commercial culture and strong SME base

• Well-developed startup support infrastructure, including consultation desks and business-matching opportunities

• Access to talent, professional services, and logistics networks within the Kansai region

For founders seeking a balance between market size, operational accessibility, and structured public support, Osaka City is a compelling location to begin business activities in Japan.

Business Manager requirements and why the Startup Visa matters

To obtain a Business Manager visa directly, applicants generally need to meet requirements such as:

• securing a dedicated business office, and

• satisfying scale and operational requirements prescribed by immigration regulations.

Many early-stage founders are not able to meet these conditions immediately.
Osaka City’s Startup Visa provides a time-limited preparation period, during which applicants can lawfully stay in Japan while building the foundation required for Business Manager status.

Step-by-step application process in Osaka City

Step 1: Consultation and preparation

Applicants consult with Osaka City’s designated startup support framework and prepare their Startup Preparation Activity Plan and related documents.

Step 2: Submission to Osaka City

The completed application package is submitted to Osaka City for plan confirmation.

Step 3: Review and expert assessment

Osaka City conducts a substantive review of the plan, including expert evaluation, to determine feasibility and appropriateness.

Step 4: Issuance of Confirmation Certificate

If the plan is approved, Osaka City issues a Confirmation Certificate, which is valid for a limited period for immigration submission.

Step 5: Immigration application

The applicant submits an application to immigration for Designated Activities (Startup Preparation) status using the city-issued certificate.

Timeline and maximum stay period

Osaka City’s Startup Visa framework allows:

• an initial 1-year Designated Activities period, and

• renewals in 6-month increments, up to a maximum total stay of 2 years.

Renewals require updated plans and demonstrated progress.

Required documents (Osaka City plan confirmation stage)

Osaka City publishes official templates and instructions. While details may be updated, applicants should generally expect to prepare:

• Application forms designated by Osaka City

• Startup Preparation Activity Plan

• Activity schedule / roadmap

• Applicant’s CV or resume

• Pledge or declaration

• Proof of residence after arrival or status change

• Proof of funds to cover living expenses during the preparation period

• Copy of passport

• Any additional documents requested by Osaka City

Applicants must always use the latest official templates provided by Osaka City.

Obligations after obtaining Designated Activities status

After immigration approval, applicants are required to:

• conduct genuine startup preparation activities, and

• participate in monthly progress interviews or checks conducted by Osaka City.

During progress reviews, applicants may be asked to submit evidence such as:

• office lease documents

• contracts with partners or service providers

• bank statements

• incorporation-related documents

Failure to engage in real preparation activities or attend required interviews may negatively affect visa renewal or continuation.

Renewal and change to Business Manager visa

During the preparation period, applicants are expected to move steadily toward meeting Business Manager requirements.

Once the requirements are satisfied, the applicant applies to change status from Designated Activities to Business Manager through immigration.

Key compliance points

• Osaka City’s confirmation does not guarantee immigration approval.

• The Startup Visa is strictly for active preparation, not passive residence.

• Progress must be verifiable and consistent throughout the stay.

• Renewals depend on demonstrated advancement toward Business Manager requirements.

How our office can support your Osaka Startup Visa application

The Osaka City Startup Visa is not just a document submission process—it is an evaluation of feasibility, credibility, and execution.

Trust Administrative Scrivener Office supports foreign entrepreneurs by providing:

• Business plan structuring and feasibility assessment

• Document preparation and consistency checks for Osaka City submission

• Immigration application support (Designated Activities → Business Manager)

• Ongoing strategic guidance to ensure compliance and smooth status transition

We help you decide whether Osaka’s Startup Visa is appropriate for your case, or whether a direct Business Manager application may be more suitable.

References

• Osaka City: Foreign Business Startup Activity Promotion Program (Startup Visa)

• Osaka Innovation Hub (OIH): Startup Visa Information

• Osaka City official program overview PDF

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