Toyama Startup Visa (Japan) — Complete 2025-2026 Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs

If you want to start a business in Japan but you are not yet ready to meet the full Business Manager visa requirements, Toyama Prefecture’s Startup Visa program offers a structured pathway. This program is part of Japan’s Foreign Business Startup Activity Promotion Program, authorized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and allows eligible foreign founders to stay in Japan with a Designated Activities (Startup Preparation) status while preparing to meet Business Manager requirements within a defined timeframe. 

This article explains the system in detail — overview, Toyama’s conditions, target business fields, required documents, procedural steps, timelines, renewals, and key compliance points — so you can understand what is needed before you apply.

What Is the “Startup Visa” in Toyama?

The Toyama Startup Visa follows the common pattern established across local government implementations in Japan:

Step 1: Prefecture review (plan confirmation)
Applicants submit a Startup Preparation Activity Plan and supporting materials to Toyama Prefecture. If the plan meets the program’s criteria, the prefecture issues a Confirmation Certificate. 

Step 2: Immigration review (status approval)
With the prefectural confirmation certificate and other required documents, the applicant applies to the Immigration Services Agency for Designated Activities (Startup Preparation) status. If approved, the applicant receives permission to stay and conduct startup preparation activities. 

Important: a prefecture’s confirmation certificate supports but does not guarantee immigration approval by the Immigration Services Agency.

Who Can Use This Program?

Toyama’s Startup Visa is for foreign nationals who:

• plan to start a business in Toyama Prefecture, and

• intend to satisfy Business Manager visa requirements within the extended startup preparation period.

Under the national framework, eligible applicants may be granted up to two years of Designated Activities status (renewable every six months) as they work toward meeting the full Business Manager criteria. 

Target Business Fields in Toyama

Toyama Prefecture specifies eligible business fields for Startup Visa applicants. These fields are aligned with regional economic development goals and include:

1. IT / IoT / AI / Robotics-related industries

2. Health / medical / welfare-related industries

3. Environment / energy-related industries

4. Tourism / lifestyle-related industries

5. Trade-related industries

6. Other fields recognized as appropriate by the Governor 

Applicants should ensure that their proposed startup business clearly aligns with one of these fields when preparing their plan for submission.

Step-by-Step Process in Toyama

Step 1: Prepare the application package

Applicants must submit the following to Toyama Prefecture:

• Startup Preparation Activity Confirmation application 

• Startup Preparation Activity Plan

• Activity timetable/roadmap 

• Applicant’s resume 

• Pledge document 

• Proof of residence for the first year (e.g., lease agreement copy)

• Proof of funds covering living expenses and contingency return travel

• Evidence that the applicant meets at least one of the eligibility criteria under the national Startup Visa notice (e.g., degree certificates, work experience)

• Passport copy (and residence card if applicable)

• Other documents required by the Governor 

Submission is generally in person, and applicants are advised to consult with Toyama Prefecture’s Startup Visa office beforehand. 

Step 2: Prefectural review and certificate issuance

Toyama Prefecture examines submitted documents and solicits opinions from experts. If the criteria are met, the prefecture issues a Startup Preparation Activity Confirmation Certificate. 

Step 3: Immigration application

With the confirmation certificate valid for three months, the applicant must submit the immigration application to the Nagoya Immigration Bureau or Immigration Bureau Toyama Branch Office to receive Designated Activities (Startup Preparation) status.

Step 4: Startup preparation activities

After obtaining Designated Activities status, the applicant must begin startup preparation activities in Toyama. Within seven days of landing or residence status change, the applicant must report to Toyama Prefecture and participate in monthly progress interviews. Materials evidencing implementation of the plan (e.g., office lease, employment contracts, financial statements) may be requested. 

Renewal (up to 2 years total)

To renew Designated Activities status, applicants must submit updated startup preparation activity plans and supporting documents (including residence proof, funds proof, and business plan updates) to Toyama Prefecture before the current status expires. Upon prefectural confirmation, the applicant then files a renewal application at the Immigration Bureau. 

Required Documents — Summary

At the confirmation stage, key required documents include:

• Application form

• Startup preparation plan

• Activity timeline

• Resume

• Pledge

• Residence proof for initial period

• Funds proof

• Passport / residence card copy

• Evidence of relevant experience or qualifications

• Additional documents as required by the Governor 

For renewals, similar documentation updated to reflect current residency plans and business progress is required. 

Who Can Submit the Application?

Applications must generally be submitted in person by the applicant. Applicants are advised to consult with Toyama Prefecture’s Startup Visa office by telephone or e-mail before submission. 

After Obtaining Designated Activities (Startup Preparation)

Once Designated Activities status is granted:

• You must report to Toyama Prefecture within seven days.

• Monthly progress interviews with the prefecture are required; evidence of continued plan execution may be requested (e.g., office leasing, contracts, financial statements). 

Failure to meet obligations or provide requested evidence can lead to cancellation of the confirmation certificate and immigration status.

Transition to Business Manager Visa

If you complete startup preparation activities and meet the Business Manager visa criteria (e.g., office establishment, employment plan, capital requirements), you can apply for Business Manager status at the Immigration Bureau upon expiry of your Designated Activities status. 

Why Toyama Is an Attractive Startup Destination

Toyama Prefecture is actively building a supportive startup ecosystem. In addition to the Startup Visa system, Toyama promotes programs such as T-Startup, a prefectural initiative that brings together public, private, academic, and financial stakeholders to support startup growth and ecosystem formation. 

The prefecture also supports entrepreneurship through various programs (e.g., startup education, networking events, and collaboration opportunities both within Toyama and with adjacent regions), enhancing the environment for founders to build businesses while engaging with local partners.

Key Compliance Points (Common Misunderstandings)

• A Startup Visa confirmation certificate from Toyama Prefecture does not guarantee immigration approval; it supports the immigration process.

• Applicants must demonstrate a realistic startup preparation plan aligned with regional target business fields.

• Monthly progress reporting is mandatory during the Designated Activities period.

• If confirmation is canceled due to false information or inactivity, immigration status may be rescinded. 

How Our Office Can Help (Business Plan + Immigration Support)

Toyama’s Startup Visa program is a powerful preparation route but requires careful documentation and compliance with multiple stages — prefectural confirmation, immigration application, monthly reporting, and long-term Business Manager strategy.

Trust Administrative Scrivener Office can assist foreign founders with:

• Business plan development compatible with immigration expectations

• Startup preparation document drafting for prefecture submission

• COE/immigration application support and application coordination with the Immigration Bureau

• Renewal and Business Manager transition planning

• Progress reporting strategy to align with prefectural requirements

Whether you are considering starting in Toyama or elsewhere in Japan, we can help you determine the most suitable route: direct Business Manager application or Startup Visa as a phased preparation pathway.

References

• Toyama Prefecture: Foreign Business Startup Activity Promotion Program (Startup Visa) official page. 

• Toyama Prefecture: Startup Visa requirements and documentation (detailed procedures). 

• Toyama Startups ecosystem overview and support programs (T-Startup).

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