Shibuya City 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 residence status, Shibuya City’s Startup Visa program provides a structured preparation pathway in Tokyo.

Shibuya City, one of Tokyo’s 23 special wards, operates a two-year Startup Visa framework designed to welcome foreign entrepreneurs and support company establishment, market research, and partnership development before transitioning to the Business Manager visa.

This article explains the system in detail—overview, eligibility, target business fields, required documents, application steps, monthly interviews, renewal to Business Manager status, and key compliance points—so you can understand what is required before proceeding.

What Is the “Startup Visa” in Shibuya City?

Shibuya City grants a Startup Visa to foreign entrepreneurs under a system designed by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

The program allows entrepreneurs from overseas to stay in Japan for an initial period of one year, with renewals of six months, for a total period of up to two years, in order to prepare for establishing a company in Japan. During this time, founders may conduct market research, develop their business, and build partnerships necessary to successfully launch operations and later obtain the Business Manager visa.

Shibuya City actively welcomes global startups and positions this program as part of its broader strategy to increase diversity and strengthen its startup ecosystem.

Who Can Use This Program?

Based on Shibuya City’s official description, the Startup Visa is intended for:

• Foreign entrepreneurs who plan to establish a business in Shibuya City, and

• Applicants whose business activities fall within Shibuya City’s designated target fields and who can demonstrate a credible startup plan.

Even when a Startup Visa is issued by Shibuya City, immigration authorities make the final decision on residence status.

Target Business Fields in Shibuya City

Shibuya City issues Startup Visas only for specific fields of industry. The eligible fields are:

• Health, Medical, and Welfare

• Environment and Energy

• Information Technologies

• Culture and Art

• Fashion

Applicants should clearly define their proposed business (product or service, operations, timeline, and growth plan) and explain how it fits within one or more of these target fields.

Why Shibuya Is Attracting Global Entrepreneurs Right Now

Shibuya is widely recognized as one of Japan’s most startup-concentrated areas and a global hub for innovation, culture, and technology.

As a center for IT, creative industries, fashion, and digital services, Shibuya attracts founders who value proximity to venture capital, accelerators, global brands, and international talent. The area is home to a dense network of startups, co-working spaces, universities, and corporate innovation centers.

For foreign entrepreneurs, this matters because operating in Shibuya offers:

• Immediate access to Japan’s largest startup ecosystem

• Opportunities for collaboration with tech companies, creative industries, and global enterprises

• Strong visibility and credibility when launching innovative or consumer-facing businesses

• Comprehensive local support through Shibuya City’s Startup Welcome Service

These factors make Shibuya an especially attractive location for founders aiming to scale internationally while establishing a presence in Japan.

Step-by-Step Process in Shibuya City

Step 1: Prepare required application documents

Applicants prepare the required forms and supporting materials, including a business startup plan and related documents (see below).

Step 2: Submit the application to Shibuya City

Applications and attachments must be submitted by email.

Step 3: Review and issuance of Startup Visa

Shibuya City reviews the submitted materials and, if approved, grants the Startup Visa under the program framework.

Step 4: Monthly interviews during the startup period

Once the Startup Visa is issued, applicants are required to attend monthly interviews with Shibuya City to confirm that they are actively conducting startup-related activities.

If Shibuya City determines that the entrepreneur is not engaged in business activities or fails to attend interviews, the Startup Visa may be invalidated.

Required Documents

Shibuya City lists the following documents as required attachments:

• Application for Confirmation of Business Activities

• Business Startup Activities Confirmation Application

• Schedule of Business Activity

• Resume of the Applicant

• Pledge

• Document guaranteeing the applicant’s place of residence for six months after arriving in Japan (e.g., lease contract or application)

• Document showing the applicant’s bank balance

• Documents verifying required qualifications or experience
  (e.g., university certificates, proof of work experience at previous companies)

• Copy of the applicant’s passport

• Pitch deck

Renewal to Business Manager Visa

After the Startup Visa period ends, the residence status must be changed to the Business Manager visa.

According to Shibuya City’s official information, to obtain the Business Manager visa, foreign entrepreneurs are required to:

• Rent a dedicated physical office space
  (co-working spaces are not allowed)

• Hire at least one full-time employee and have capital exceeding JPY 30 million

• Hold a master’s degree or higher, or have at least three years of management experience

For detailed immigration requirements, applicants should refer to the Immigration Services Agency’s official guidance.

Shibuya City has established the Startup Welcome Service, which supports foreign entrepreneurs in renewing their residence status after the Startup Visa period.

Ongoing Support: Startup Welcome Service

Shibuya City’s Startup Welcome Service provides assistance not only with visas, but also with:

• Company incorporation procedures

• Finding office space and housing

• Opening bank accounts

• Enrolling in social insurance

• Tax procedures and other required administrative steps

This support is designed to ensure a smooth landing and business launch in Shibuya.

Key Compliance Points

• Monthly interviews are mandatory; failure to attend may result in visa invalidation.

• Local approval does not guarantee immigration approval.

• The Startup Visa is a preparation mechanism and does not eliminate the need to meet Business Manager requirements.

• Dedicated office space is required for transition to Business Manager status.

How Our Office Can Help

Shibuya City’s Startup Visa involves not only document submission, but also continuous monitoring and compliance during the preparation period.

Trust Administrative Scrivener Office supports foreign entrepreneurs with:

• Business plan structuring aligned with Shibuya’s target fields

• Preparation and review of required documents

• Strategy for monthly interviews and progress explanations

• Immigration application support for transition to Business Manager status

• Practical guidance on office setup and compliance posture

If you are considering Shibuya City, we can help you decide whether to:

• apply directly for the Business Manager visa, or

• use the Shibuya Startup Visa as a structured preparation pathway.

References (Official Sources)

• Shibuya City: Startup Visa Procedures for Foreign Entrepreneurs

• Shibuya City: Startup Welcome Service

• Immigration Services Agency of Japan: Business Manager Visa Guidance

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