Start-up Visa vs. 4-Month Business Manager Visa | Key Differences and How Foreign Entrepreneurs Should Choose

Recently, we have been receiving a growing number of inquiries from foreign nationals who wish to start a business in Japan, asking:

“I don’t understand the difference between the Start-up Visa and the 4-month Business Manager Visa.”

In particular, many people are unsure about:

• Which visa they should choose

• Whether they can enter Japan together with their family

• Which option is considered more “likely to be approved”

In this article, we compare the Start-up Visa and the 4-month Business Manager Visa from both an institutional and a practical perspective.
Based on real-world experience as an administrative scrivener, we explain each system’s characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, and the types of applicants each visa is generally suited for, in a clear and accessible manner.

Please note that this article is intended to provide general information about the relevant systems.
Advice on individual cases is provided through paid consultations only.

What Is the Start-up Visa?

The Start-up Visa is a system that allows foreign nationals who wish to start a business in Japan to reside in the country for a limited preparatory period before fully meeting the requirements for a Business Manager Visa.

This system is administered by selected local governments, such as Fukuoka City, and involves a two-stage screening process:

1. Review by the local government, and

2. Examination by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

Basic Overview of the Start-up Visa

• Status of Residence: Designated Activities

• Period of Stay: Generally 6 months
  (The exact duration and renewal options vary depending on the municipality)

• Screening Authorities:

  • Stage 1: Local Government (e.g., Fukuoka City)
    At this stage, the local government does not assess the visa itself.
    Instead, it evaluates the business plan and feasibility of the proposed start-up.

  • Stage 2: Immigration Services Agency of Japan

Purpose of the Start-up Visa

The Start-up Visa is intended to provide time for:

• Preparing to start a business

• Refining and formalizing a business plan

• Establishing a basic living foundation in Japan

Key Characteristics of the Start-up Visa

• A preparatory period for starting a business is granted
  (in some cases, up to a maximum of two years through renewals, depending on the municipality)

• Support and consultation services are provided by the local government

• Designed for applicants who do not yet meet the requirements for a Business Manager Visa

At the same time, the Start-up Visa comes with significant institutional limitations, which applicants should carefully understand before choosing this route.

What Is the 4-Month Business Manager Visa?

The 4-month Business Manager Visa is a system designed for foreign entrepreneurs who have already completed a substantial portion of their business preparation.

Unlike the Start-up Visa, this route assumes that the applicant is ready to proceed with company establishment and business operations shortly after entering Japan.

Basic Overview of the 4-Month Business Manager Visa

• Status of Residence: Business Manager

• Period of Stay: 4 months

• Reviewing Authority: Immigration Services Agency of Japan only

Purpose of the 4-Month Business Manager Visa

This visa is intended to allow the applicant to:

• Enter Japan and establish a company promptly

• Commence business operations

• Apply for a status change or extension to a 1-year Business Manager Visa

Key Characteristics of the 4-Month Business Manager Visa

• Created for foreign entrepreneurs without collaborators or representatives in Japan

• Allows application for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) before company incorporation

• Enables a faster transition from entry to actual business operation

However, even though the company has not yet been established at the time of application, the quality and completeness of the business plan remain critically important.
Immigration authorities will closely examine whether the proposed business is realistic, sustainable, and ready to be launched immediately after arrival.

Comparison: Start-up Visa vs. 4-Month Business Manager Visa

Below is a simplified comparison table highlighting the key differences between the two visa systems.

* The above timeframes are approximate and may vary depending on the case, region, and review circumstances.

Pros and Cons of the Start-up Visa

✅ Advantages

• A dedicated preparation period for starting a business
  The Start-up Visa allows foreign entrepreneurs to stay in Japan legally while preparing for business establishment, rather than requiring everything to be completed before entry.

• Easier access to consultation and support from local governments
  Many municipalities offer consultation desks, mentoring, and administrative guidance for Start-up Visa holders.

• Business Manager Visa requirements do not need to be fully met at the time of application
  For example, requirements such as minimum capital (e.g., JPY 30 million) do not necessarily have to be satisfied at the initial application stage.
  However, some municipalities require that the business plan clearly demonstrates the ability to meet the Business Manager Visa requirements within six months or one year.

• Use of coworking spaces as offices may be permitted, depending on the municipality
  In certain regions, coworking spaces or shared offices can be accepted as the business address.
  Specific requirements and conditions must always be confirmed with the relevant municipality.

⚠️ Disadvantages

• Two-stage examination process
  Applications are reviewed first by the local municipality and then by the Immigration Services Agency, which can increase complexity and overall processing time.

• Requirement to secure housing for a fixed period (six months or one year)
  Applicants are often required to secure a residence for the full duration of the Start-up Visa period in advance.

• Restrictions on relocating residence or office
  Moving to a different municipality or changing the registered office location is generally restricted during the Start-up Visa period.

• Mandatory periodic progress reports
  Visa holders must submit regular reports to the municipality regarding business progress and activities.

From a practical standpoint, securing suitable housing is often the greatest obstacle in Start-up Visa cases.
Many applications encounter difficulties at this stage, even when the business plan itself is well-prepared.

Pros and Cons of the 4-Month Business Manager Visa

✅ Advantages

• Available even for entrepreneurs without collaborators in Japan
  This visa category was specifically created for foreign entrepreneurs who do not yet have a partner, employee, or representative residing in Japan.

• Faster path to company establishment and business launch
  Once you enter Japan, you can proceed immediately with company incorporation and begin business operations without a separate “preparation period.”

• Fewer institutional restrictions compared to the Start-up Visa
  Unlike the Start-up Visa, there are generally fewer limitations regarding residence location, office relocation, or reporting obligations.

⚠️ Disadvantages

• Company incorporation must be completed quickly after arrival
  Because the initial period of stay is only four months, applicants must establish the company, secure an office, and complete required registrations within a tight timeframe.

• Renewal examination is particularly critical
  When applying to extend the status to a one-year Business Manager Visa, immigration authorities carefully examine whether the business is genuinely operating and meets the statutory requirements.

In practice, the success of a 4-month Business Manager Visa largely depends on how well the business plan is prepared before arrival in Japan.
Immigration scrutiny at the renewal stage is often stricter than many applicants expect.

Which Visa Is More Suitable?

General Tendencies Only

The Start-up Visa May Be Suitable If You:

• Your business preparation is still at an early stage

• You would like time to refine your business plan after arriving in Japan

• You wish to make use of support programs offered by local governments

• You are likely able to secure a residence for the required period (e.g. six months or one year)

The 4-Month Business Manager Visa May Be Suitable If You:

• Your funding and business plan are already well prepared

• You want to start your business as soon as possible after arriving in Japan

• You prefer fewer institutional restrictions and greater flexibility

Important Note
The above points are provided only as general guidelines.
In practice, the appropriate visa category must always be determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the applicant’s background, business content, financial situation, and overall circumstances.

Common Misunderstandings and Important Points to Note

There Is No Such Thing as an “Easier” Visa

Neither the Start-up Visa nor the Business Manager Visa can be described as inherently “easier” to obtain.
In both systems, immigration authorities place strong emphasis on:

• the actual substance of the business,

• the rationality and feasibility of the business plan, and

• the likelihood that the business can be operated continuously and stably.

Choosing a visa category does not reduce the level of scrutiny applied to the application.

“I Want to Live in Japan” Alone Is Not a Valid Basis for an Application

Residence status in Japan cannot be granted solely based on a desire to live in the country.

Applications must be considered in the following order:

1. Purpose of stay (what you intend to do in Japan)

2. Appropriate residence status that corresponds to that purpose

3. Whether the statutory requirements for that status are met

Skipping this order or starting from the visa type itself often leads to confusion and unrealistic expectations.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can my family come to Japan together with me?

In principle, yes.

Whether you apply under the Start-up Visa or the Business Manager Visa, it is generally possible for your family members (spouse and children) to come to Japan together if their Certificates of Eligibility (COEs) are applied for at the same time as yours.

In practice:

• Family members’ COEs are often issued together with the main applicant’s COE, or

• In some cases, they may be issued slightly later.

Please note that the timing of issuance is entirely at the discretion of the Immigration Services Agency, and therefore cannot be guaranteed.

Q2. Is it necessary for me to enter Japan first alone?

Not necessarily.

Whether you and your family are separated does not depend on the visa category itself, but rather on whether family COEs are applied for together.

If only the main applicant enters Japan first and family COEs are applied for later, temporary separation may occur under either visa type.

That said, entering Japan alone at the initial stage can be a practical option in some cases.

For example, you may choose to:

• enter Japan first on your own,

• prepare for business operations and establish the company,

• complete a status renewal or change, and

• invite your family to join you after the business and residence status become more stable.

When family members enter Japan together during the start-up preparation phase, it is generally necessary to secure living expenses for the entire family for several months.

If it is difficult to prepare sufficient funds for family living costs at the initial stage, entering Japan alone first and arranging the necessary conditions before bringing family members can be one realistic approach.

Q3. Can my children complete school enrollment procedures before arriving in Japan?

In most cases, no.

For public schools in Japan, enrollment procedures generally begin after the child:

1. Enters Japan

2. Receives a residence card

3. Completes resident registration at the municipal office

This is common practice across many municipalities and applies regardless of whether the parent holds a Start-up Visa or a Business Manager Visa.

Please note that procedures may differ for private or international schools, and those cases are outside the scope of this general explanation.

Q4. Does choosing the Start-up Visa or the Business Manager Visa affect school enrollment?

No.

From the perspective of public school enrollment procedures, there is generally no material difference between the two visa categories.

What matters is whether the child has:

• legally entered Japan,

• obtained a residence card, and

• completed resident registration.

Q5. Can I open a bank account in Japan?

Personal bank account

In many cases, yes, relatively soon after arrival, provided that:

• you have a residence card, and

• you have completed resident registration.

However, acceptance depends on each bank’s internal screening policies.

Corporate bank account

This is significantly more difficult, especially immediately after company incorporation.

Due to strict anti–money laundering and compliance regulations, many banks are cautious about opening corporate accounts for newly established companies with limited operating history.

In practice, a common recommendation is:

• First, operate the business for a period of time (often around one year), and

• Then apply for a corporate bank account once business activity and transaction history are clearer.

That said, under the revised Business Manager Visa requirements, companies are generally required to employ at least one Japanese national, permanent resident, or other eligible resident.

In some cases, if the company has a Japanese-speaking staff member who can act as an internal contact, certain banks may consider opening a corporate account earlier.

However, this is entirely at the discretion of each bank, and approval can never be guaranteed.

Q6. Can an administrative scrivener guarantee visa approval, school enrollment, or bank account opening?

No.

Administrative scriveners cannot guarantee:

• visa approval,

• timing of COE issuance,

• school enrollment decisions, or

• bank account opening.

Each of these involves separate authorities and independent discretionary judgments.

Q7. How much living expense should I prepare?

There is no fixed amount.

Required living expenses vary greatly depending on factors such as:

the number of family members,
housing type and location,
children’s age and schooling,
and individual lifestyle.

For this reason, immigration authorities do not apply a uniform standard amount.

As a general principle, applicants are expected to demonstrate that they can cover:
– housing costs,
– daily living expenses, and
– family-related expenses
for a reasonable period after arrival, without relying on public assistance.

Specific amounts should be considered carefully based on your own family situation.

Q8. Is one visa “easier” or “more likely to be approved” than the other?

No.

There is no such thing as an “easier” visa.

For both the Start-up Visa and the Business Manager Visa, authorities examine:
– the substance of the business,
– the feasibility of the plan, and
– the sustainability of the operation.

Choosing a visa category alone does not increase approval chances.

Conclusion: How to Think When Choosing Between Visa Options

Neither the Start-up Visa nor the 4-month Business Manager Visa is a “universal solution.”

Each system has its own purpose, structure, and limitations, and neither is inherently superior to the other.

The most important starting point is always the same:
What do you truly intend to do in Japan as a business?

Visa selection should follow your business purpose and readiness—not the other way around.

It is natural to feel anxious when considering relocation, family arrangements, and future stability in a foreign country.
However, decisions regarding residence status should be made calmly and objectively, based on realistic plans and eligibility requirements.

Understanding the differences between these systems is not about finding the “easier” visa, but about selecting the one that appropriately matches your current situation and long-term business goals.

About Our Office’s Support

Our office provides immigration-focused support for foreign entrepreneurs who wish to proceed with residence status applications in Japan in a structured and compliant manner.

Specifically, our services are intended for applicants who:

• have already clarified their business concept to a reasonable extent, and

• wish to proceed with the application based on the applicable immigration system requirements.

Our practice specializes in residence status applications, including Business Manager Visas, Start-up Visas, and related family statuses.

Please note that we do not provide consulting services regarding business ideation, such as:

• selecting which industry to enter, or

• advising on which business field would be “best” to choose.

Those decisions must be made by the applicant.

Consultation Flow

1. Submission of information via our Google Form
   Please provide basic details regarding your background and intended business.

2. Initial review by our office
   We will confirm whether your case falls within the scope of our services.

3. Paid consultation (if necessary)
   If detailed discussion is required, we will guide you through a paid consultation before proceeding further.

Final Thoughts

By correctly understanding the differences between the Start-up Visa and the 4-month Business Manager Visa, it is possible to avoid unnecessary detours and common misunderstandings.

We hope that this article serves as a calm and practical reference for those who are considering starting a business in Japan and need to make informed decisions.

Important Notice Regarding Regulatory Changes (From November 2025)

Please note that the requirements for the Business Manager Visa were revised in November 2025.
As a result, the operation and practical handling of the 4-month Business Manager Visa may also be subject to further changes going forward.

This article is based on our office’s practical experience and the operational practices applied prior to the November 2025 regulatory amendment.
Accordingly, depending on future changes in policy interpretation or examination standards, some of the information provided here may no longer fully reflect current practice.

For the most up-to-date and accurate information, please be sure to refer to the official announcements of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

In addition, please note that case-specific assessments and advice are not provided through general informational articles.
Individual evaluations are handled only within the scope of a formal engagement or a paid consultation.

Thank you for your understanding.

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Office Name: Trust Administrative Scrivener Office
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