Japan Startup Visa 2025–2026: Nationwide Framework, New Municipalities, and Practical Application Guide

Japan has established a nationwide Startup Visa framework to encourage foreign entrepreneurs to prepare and launch businesses in Japan.
This article provides a comprehensive and up-to-date explanation of the Startup Visa system based on official information released by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), including the major revisions effective from October 16, 2025.

Overview of the Startup Visa Program

(Foreign Entrepreneurial Activity Promotion Project)

The Startup Visa, formally known as the Foreign Entrepreneurial Activity Promotion Project, is a system that allows foreign nationals to stay in Japan during the business preparation phase.

Unlike the Business Manager Visa, this framework is designed for individuals who are not yet ready to meet full business operation requirements, but are preparing to do so within a fixed period.

Key features include:

• Permission to stay in Japan for business preparation

• Supervision and certification by approved implementing organizations

• A pathway to transition to the Business Manager Visa once requirements are met

The system is administered by METI and implemented through approved local governments and organizations across Japan.

Key Revisions Effective in 2025

On October 16, 2025, the Startup Visa requirements were significantly revised to strengthen the quality and sustainability of foreign-led startups in Japan.

What Has Changed? – Comparison Before and After the Revision

Important: These are expected conditions to be met within one year (or six months at renewal), not requirements at the time of initial entry.

For legal details, please refer to the official notice:
Foreign Entrepreneurial Activity Promotion Project Notice (Effective October 16, 2025).

Approved Implementing Organizations

Startup Visa applications must be supported by approved implementing organizations, which include:

• Local governments (cities, prefectures)

• Approved public or private organizations

The list of implementing organizations is updated regularly, and new municipalities and organizations continue to be added.

As of December 23, 2025, the number of approved entities has expanded, giving applicants more location and support options.

For the most current list, always consult the official METI page:
https://www.meti.go.jp/policy/newbusiness/startupvisa/index.html

Basic Flow of a Startup Visa Application

The general process is as follows:

1. Selection of an approved implementing organization

2. Preparation of a business preparation activity plan

3. Review and certification by the implementing organization

4. Application for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

5. Entry into Japan and commencement of startup preparation

Once business requirements are fulfilled, the applicant transitions to the Business Manager Visa.

Required Documents (General Overview)

Required documents vary significantly depending on the implementing organization and municipality.

In general, documents may include:

• Business preparation activity plan

• Personal background and career documents

• Proof of residence during the preparation period

• Financial and funding-related materials

This list is illustrative only.
Specific requirements must be confirmed with the relevant implementing organization.

Role of Trust Administrative Scrivener Office

Trust Administrative Scrivener Office provides professional support at the intersection of:

• Foreign entrepreneurs

• Approved implementing organizations

• The Immigration Services Agency of Japan

As licensed administrative scriveners, we can:

• Coordinate directly with implementing organizations

• Prepare and submit Startup Visa–related documentation

• Act as an authorized representative for Certificate of Eligibility (COE) applications

• Support the transition to the Business Manager Visa

This allows entrepreneurs to focus on business preparation while ensuring procedural accuracy and compliance.

Please note that, depending on the municipality or implementing organization, some Startup Visa applications must be submitted directly by the applicant and cannot be filed by an administrative scrivener on the applicant’s behalf.

In such cases, our office provides full support in preparing the documents to be submitted to the municipality or implementing organization, and acts as the authorized representative for the preparation and submission of documents to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

Our Support Services

Startup Visa Support

• Guidance on business preparation plans and Japanese translation

• Preparation and submission of application documents

• Communication support with implementing organizations

Company Establishment Support

• Assistance with company establishment procedures

• Collaboration with judicial scriveners and labor and social security attorneys

Residence Status and Renewal Support

• Guidance for residence status renewal

• Advice on documentation and timelines

Consultation Process

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

Our process is as follows:

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

2. Initial Review and Fee Estimate
   We review the information and provide an approximate fee estimate.

3. Paid Consultation (Optional)
   Online, in-person, or text-based consultations are available if further discussion is required.

Service content and fees are determined individually based on case complexity.

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.

📩 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