Start Your Business in Tokyo – Full Remote Startup Visa Support
Thinking about launching your business in Tokyo?
At Trust Administrative Scrivener Office, we make the Tokyo Startup Visa process simple, fast, and completely remote – so you can apply from anywhere in the world.
From your first consultation to the final submission, we handle everything online. Most documents are exchanged by email, and any originals (if needed) can be sent by post.
If you plan to apply for a Business Manager Visa in Tokyo but need time to meet the full requirements, the Startup Visa is the perfect first step.
With new, stricter visa rules expected in 2026, now is the best time to apply.
Why Choose Us?
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100% Remote Support – No need to visit our office
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Multilingual Communication – English, Chinese, Japanese
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Clear Process – From business plan drafting to application submission
How to Start
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Read our complete guide below for details on eligibility, process, and required documents.
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Fill out our Google Form so we can review your case and provide a formal quotation.
Thinking about starting a business in Tokyo? The Tokyo Startup Visa is designed for foreign entrepreneurs who want to launch their business in Japan but need time to meet the full Business Manager Visa requirements. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know — from eligibility and required documents to the step-by-step application process and how our office can support your journey.
- 1 Overview of the Tokyo Startup Visa System
- 2 Who Should Read This Article
- 3 Comparison with the Previous System
- 4 Eligible Applicants and Businesses
- 5 Main Required Documents (for new applications)
- 6 Application Process (for new applications)
- 7 Why Apply Now?
- 8 Our Support Plans
- 9 Supported Languages
- 10 Refund Policy
- 11 Contact Us
Overview of the Tokyo Startup Visa System
The Tokyo Startup Visa Program allows foreign entrepreneurs to come to Japan and prepare their business in Tokyo before meeting the full requirements for the standard Business Manager Visa.
This program was relaunched in March 2025. Previously, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government had been running the “Foreign Entrepreneur Acceptance Program” under the National Strategic Special Zones Act since 2016. In early 2025, this program was integrated with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s “Foreign Entrepreneurship Promotion Project,” creating a new, nationwide Startup Visa framework.
With the Startup Visa, you do not need to meet all requirements for the Business Manager Visa—such as securing an office, hiring at least two full-time employees, and investing 5 million JPY—before entering Japan.
Instead, you can first obtain a Designated Activities Visa (Startup Visa) for 6 months or 1 year, prepare your business, and then change your status to Business Manager once all conditions are met.
Who Should Read This Article
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Foreign entrepreneurs planning to start a business in Tokyo
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Those who want to apply for a Business Manager Visa in Tokyo but find it difficult to secure an office or meet employment requirements before entering Japan
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Investors with capital of 5 million JPY or more who wish to obtain a visa efficiently
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Entrepreneurs starting small-scale businesses such as restaurants or service businesses in Japan
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Those who want to apply before the stricter Business Manager Visa requirements come into effect in 2026
Comparison with the Previous System
| Previous System | New System | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | Local governments in designated strategic zones could grant up to 6 months of stay to certified foreign entrepreneurs | Nationwide system allowing local governments or certified private entities to support foreign entrepreneurs for up to 2 years |
| Status of Residence | Business Manager | Designated Activities (No. 44) |
| Period of Stay | Up to 6 months | Up to 2 years (initial period of 6 months or 1 year) |
| Requirements to be met | Within 6 months of entry: ① Hire 2+ full-time employees or have capital of 5 million JPY or more ② Have an office in Tokyo |
Within 1 year of entry (renewable up to 2 years): ① Hire 2+ full-time employees or have capital of 5 million JPY or more ② Have an office in Tokyo |
| Applicant Requirements | Expected to start business within 6 months | Meet one of the following: ① University degree (including Japanese “senmonshi” or “kodo senmonshi”) ② 3+ years of relevant work experience ③ 1+ year of business management experience in the relevant field ④ Expected to start business within 6 months |
| Progress Check | Interview every 2 months | Interview every month |
Eligible Applicants and Businesses
Eligible Applicants
Foreign entrepreneurs starting a new business in Tokyo.
Eligible Businesses (as approved by the Governor of Tokyo)
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Finance-related industries
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IT and information-related industries
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Environment and energy-related industries
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Health, medical, and welfare-related industries
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Culture and arts-related industries
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Food, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries-related industries
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Wholesale and retail industries
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Other industries recognized by the Governor of Tokyo
Main Required Documents (for new applications)
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Application for Startup Visa Confirmation (and consent form)
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Startup Business Preparation Plan (business outline, financial plan, schedule)
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Resume / CV
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Proof of funds (e.g., bank certificate showing living and business funds for 1 year)
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Copy of passport
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Proof of residence in Japan (e.g., lease agreement)
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Documents proving applicant qualifications (education, work experience, management experience)
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Japanese language proficiency certificate (if applicable)
Application Process (for new applications)
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Preparation & Consultation (3–4 weeks)
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Create business plan
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Prepare required documents
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Application to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (about 1–2 months)
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Submit documents to “Business Concierge Tokyo” (Akasaka office or by email)
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Receive the Startup Business Activity Confirmation Certificate after review
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Application to Immigration Bureau (1–3 months)
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Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for “Designated Activities (Startup)” within 3 months of receiving the certificate
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COE issued after review
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Visa Application at Japanese Embassy/Consulate
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Arrival in Japan & Resident Registration (within 14 days)
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Business Preparation Period (6 months or 1 year)
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Incorporate company, lease office, hire employees
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Change Status to Business Manager (1–2 months)
Estimated total time: 2–5 months to obtain the Startup Visa (may be longer if additional review is required)
Why Apply Now?
From 2026, the requirements for the Business Manager Visa are expected to become stricter, with possible increases in capital and employment requirements.
Small-scale businesses such as restaurants and service industries may be heavily affected.
Applying under the current rules allows you to start your business in Tokyo with relatively lower entry barriers.
For full details, please read our complete guide below:
Our Support Plans
(1) Online Full Support Plan (2,000 USD / Deposit 1,000 USD)
Prices are indicative. Please complete our Google Form to receive a detailed quotation.
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English and Chinese support (email, LINE, WhatsApp)
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Drafting of Startup Business Preparation Plan
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Preparation and submission of all required documents to Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Immigration Bureau (online)
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Communication with government agencies on your behalf
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Unlimited consultations during the support period (within scope)
- Price may increase depending on business complexity, additional language requirements, or urgency.
(2) Online Light Support Plan (1,000 USD / Deposit 500 USD)
Prices are indicative. Please complete our Google Form to receive a detailed quotation.
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English and Chinese support (email, LINE, WhatsApp)
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Japanese proofreading of plans and application forms (one-time check for typos/readability only— content accuracy and strategic validity are NOT included)
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Final review before submission (no submission on behalf of client)
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Unlimited consultations during the support period (within scope)
Optional Add-Ons
・Urgent Processing (within 10 business days) — +30% of total fee
・Detailed Financial / KPI Planning — USD 750
Supported Languages
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Japanese
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English (email, LINE)
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Chinese (email, LINE)
We conduct identity verification through an online meeting (in simple Japanese or simple English) before accepting requests.
Refund Policy
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No refund if the application is rejected due to false information or client-provided deficiencies
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Payment in two stages (deposit at start, remaining before COE application)
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Deposit is non-refundable even if Tokyo review is unsuccessful
Contact Us
If you are considering applying for the Tokyo Startup Visa, contact us today.
Office Name: Trust Administrative Scrivener Office
Administrative Scrivener: Keiko Utsunomiya
Email: info@trust-gyosei.com
Address：3F-1-1-1 Kajimachi, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka, Japan