Tsucrea Startup Visa Program (Japan) — Complete Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs

If you want to start a business in Japan but are not yet ready to meet the full Business Manager visa requirements, there is a distinct pathway through a certified private organization called 株式会社ツクリエ (Tsucrea). Unlike municipal or prefectural Startup Visa systems, Tsucrea operates as a private, government-authorized implementing body under the national Foreign Entrepreneurship Activity Promotion Program.

This article explains how Tsucrea’s Startup Visa program works—overview, how it fits within the METI system, who can use it, procedure, provided services, and compliance points—based on official and publicly available information.

What is the Tsucrea Startup Visa Program?

Japan’s Foreign Entrepreneurship Activity Promotion Program (commonly called the Startup Visa) allows eligible foreign founders to reside in Japan under Designated Activities (Startup Preparation) status for up to two years while preparing to meet substantive Business Manager requirements at a later stage.

Under this national framework:

1. A certified implementing organization (such as a municipality or private entity) accepts and reviews the applicant’s startup preparation plan.

2. If the plan is appropriate and credible, the organization issues a Certificate of Confirmation of Startup Preparation Activity Plan (起業準備活動確認証明書).

3. The applicant submits this certificate and other materials to immigration to apply for Designated Activities (Startup Preparation) status.

4. Immigration makes the final decision on the residence status.

Tsucrea is one of the certified organizations permitted to perform the confirmation and management roles under this system. It was formally recognized as a Foreign Entrepreneurship Promotion Implementing Organization by METI in May 2025.

Who Can Use Tsucrea’s Startup Visa Program?

Tsucrea’s Startup Visa service is available to:

• Foreign nationals who wish to establish a business in Japan but need time and structured support to meet Business Manager visa criteria.

• Founders who want personalized support throughout the preparation period, including plan development, incorporation assistance, and progress management.

There is no regional restriction tied to a specific city or prefecture as with local government programs; rather, the certification allows Tsucrea to operate nationwide within the METI Startup Visa framework.

Why Tsucrea’s Program is Different

Unlike local government Startup Visa systems (which are run by a city or prefecture), Tsucrea is a private organization certified by the national government to participate directly in:

• reviewing and confirming startup preparation activity plans

• issuing confirmation certificates required for immigration

• supporting and managing entrepreneurs throughout their preparation period

• accompanying entrepreneurs into corporation setup, financing, and visa transition planning

Because Tsucrea offers private, tailored services, it can function similarly to an ecosystem partner and a plan reviewer, while also guiding ongoing preparation activities. This model is distinct from municipal frameworks that are typically tied to geographic target fields and local priorities.

Key Features of Tsucrea’s Startup Visa Support

According to Tsucrea’s official service description, the key components of its support include:

Government-Authorized Confirmation

Tsucrea is officially certified by METI to issue the startup preparation confirmation certificate required by immigration for the Startup Visa.

Startup-Friendly Office Solutions

Tsucrea operates incubation facilities and co-working spaces that can serve as a registered business address—a practical requirement for company establishment in Japan.

Comprehensive Business Support

Beyond the visa process, Tsucrea provides tailored support including:

• drafting and improving business plans

• guidance on corporate establishment

• capital procurement and investment strategy support

• ongoing management support throughout the preparation period

• multilingual assistance across key stages of the process

Multilingual and Global Support

Services are offered in multiple languages to assist foreign entrepreneurs with documentation, communication, and understanding of the Japanese business environment.

Step-by-Step: How Tsucrea’s Startup Visa Support Works

1. Initial Preparation & Consultation
   Applicants prepare a startup preparation activity plan and related documents according to Tsucrea’s guidance.

2. Plan Submission to Tsucrea
   Submit your planned business concept, timeline, and documentation for Tsucrea’s internal review.

3. Tsucrea Screening
   Tsucrea conducts an assessment to verify whether your plan is realistic and aligns with the Startup Visa requirements.

4. Immigration Submission
   After passing Tsucrea’s screening and issuance of the certificate, submit the certificate and other materials to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan for Designated Activities (Startup Preparation) status.

5. Receive Your Startup Visa
   Once immigration approval is granted, you will receive Designated Activities status and can begin business preparation in Japan.

This general flow aligns with the national Startup Visa model and Tsucrea’s published description, though specific documentation and procedural details may vary by case.

Timeline and Progress Support

Under Japan’s program, the Startup Visa status (Designated Activities) is generally granted for up to two years, typically in increments such as one year initially and then renewed for six-month periods as necessary. During this period, entrepreneurs must continue planning and building toward substantive visa requirements.

Tsucrea’s role includes progress management and reporting to ensure preparation activities continue in a structured, documented manner.

Advantages of Using Tsucrea’s Support

Founders working with Tsucrea can benefit from:

• Integrated Guidance: Support through planning, immigration, incorporation, and business development.

• Incubation Facilities: Practical access to address and workspace that meet corporate and immigration expectations.

• Experience and Network: Backed by an organization with startup ecosystem experience and partnerships (including accelerator and corporate programs).

• Multilingual Support: Assistance in multiple languages to lower procedural barriers.

Compliance and Important Considerations

• Tsucrea’s certificate supports but does not guarantee immigration’s final approval.

• Applicants remain responsible for preparing all documentation and meeting immigration requirements.

• Ongoing reporting and progress documentation during the preparation period are required under the national Startup Visa program.

How Our Office Can Assist

Because Tsucrea’s Startup Visa model combines private review with national immigration procedures, specialized guidance can help ensure:

• your business plan meets both Tsucrea’s and immigration’s expectations, and

• your documentation and strategy align with long-term visa transition planning (e.g., moving from Startup Visa to Business Manager status).

We support entrepreneurs with business plan structuring, documentation preparation, immigration application strategy, and ongoing compliance planning.

Official Sources Used in This Article

• Tsucrea official press release: “認定外国人起業促進実施団体として認定”

• Startup Visa program description on Tsucrea’s service site

• PR Times coverage of Tsucrea’s Startup Visa support launch

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