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.
- 1 Overview of the Startup Visa Program
- 2 Key Revisions Effective in 2025
- 3 Approved Implementing Organizations
- 4 Basic Flow of a Startup Visa Application
- 5 Required Documents (General Overview)
- 6 Role of Trust Administrative Scrivener Office
- 7 Our Support Services
- 8 If You Would Like Our Support
- 9 Introduction to Administrative Scriveners
- 10 Need professional advice?
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:
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Permission to stay in Japan for business preparation
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Supervision and certification by approved implementing organizations
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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
| Item | Before Revision | Current Framework (2025–) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible Business Fields | Appropriate for strengthening Japan’s industrial competitiveness | No change |
| Business Preparation Plan | Must be appropriate and feasible | No change |
| Capital / Business Scale | Expected capital of at least JPY 5 million within one year | Expected total business assets of JPY 30 million or more within one year |
| Full-time Employees | Not required (alternative employment requirement existed) | At least one full-time employee expected within one year |
| Business Office | Office expected within one year | No change |
| Background / Experience | Business experience or academic background required | Management experience or master’s-level degree required |
| Residence in Japan | Not required | Residence in Japan required during preparation period |
| Use with Special Zone System | Combined period limited to two years | No change |
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:
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Local governments (cities, prefectures)
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Approved public or private organizations
The list of implementing organizations is updated regularly, and new municipalities and organizations continue to be added.
As of April 22, 2026, the number of approved entities has expanded, giving applicants more location and support options.
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Implementing Municipalities and Organizations （Click here）
- (The list below is presented in alphabetical order.)
– Aichi Prefecture（愛知県）
– Fukuoka City（福岡市）
– Gifu Prefecture（岐阜県）
– Hamamatsu City（浜松市）
– Hiroshima Prefecture（広島県） – under preparation
– Hokkaido Prefecture（北海道）
– Hyogo Prefecture（兵庫県）
– Ibaraki Prefecture（茨城県）
– Kaga City（加賀市）
– Kanagawa Prefecture（神奈川県）
– Kitakyushu City（北九州市）
– Kumamoto City（熊本市）
– Kyoto Prefecture（京都府）
– Mie Prefecture（三重県）
– Narita City（成田市）
– Niigata Prefecture（新潟県）
– Oita Prefecture（大分県）
– Okinawa Prefecture（沖縄県）
– Osaka City（大阪市）
– Sendai City（仙台市）
– Shibuya City, Tokyo（東京都渋谷区）
– Tokyo Metropolitan Government（東京都）
– Toyama Prefecture（富山県）
– Tsukuri-e Inc.（株式会社ツクリエ）
– Yokohama City（横浜市）
For the most current list, always consult the official METI page
Planning a Startup Visa or Business Manager Visa?
Try our free Japan Business Visa Route Navigator first.
This interactive tool helps you understand which visa route may be suitable for your situation
and gives you a general idea of our support fees.
If you need personalized advice, you can book a paid consultation afterward.
Basic Flow of a Startup Visa Application
The general process is as follows:
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Selection of an approved implementing organization
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Preparation of a business preparation activity plan
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Review and certification by the implementing organization
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Application for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
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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:
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Business preparation activity plan
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Personal background and career documents
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Proof of residence during the preparation period
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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:
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Foreign entrepreneurs
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Approved implementing organizations
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The Immigration Services Agency of Japan
As licensed administrative scriveners, we can:
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Coordinate directly with implementing organizations
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Prepare and submit Startup Visa–related documentation
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Act as an authorized representative for Certificate of Eligibility (COE) applications
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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.
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.
Our Support Services
Startup Visa Support
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Guidance on business preparation plans and Japanese translation
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Preparation and submission of application documents
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Communication support with implementing organizations
Company Establishment Support
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Assistance with company establishment procedures
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Collaboration with judicial scriveners and labor and social security attorneys
Residence Status and Renewal Support
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Guidance for residence status renewal
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Advice on documentation and timelines
If You Would Like Our Support
If you would like professional support for your Startup Visa or related business immigration matters, please note that individual consultations are provided on a paid basis.
Our support process is generally as follows:
Review the relevant information on our website
Please first review our service pages and guidance articles to understand the general process and available support.
Book a paid consultation
If you need individual advice based on your specific business plan, visa strategy, or current situation, please book a consultation.
Case review and support proposal
After understanding your situation, we will explain the appropriate support options, estimated fees, and the next steps.
Service scope and fees vary depending on your case, business plan, location, and the complexity of the required procedures.
Introduction to Administrative Scriveners
Thank you for reading this article.
My name is Keiko 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.
PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT
Need professional advice?
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.
All consultations require advance booking and advance payment.
Trust Administrative Scrivener Office
Based in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan ｜ Online consultations available
