Japan•Asia

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Startup Visa

Investment PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

28-56 days

Application Fee

20,500 JPY

Stay Duration

6 months

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Official Information

Living in Japan

Cost of Living

25% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary¥4,800,000

Quality of Life

161/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Visa for entrepreneurs starting innovative businesses in participating Japanese municipalities.

Japan's Startup Visa (Designated Activities No. 44) lets foreign entrepreneurs enter Japan under a temporary status to launch a business. Supported by an approved municipality or private organization, holders get up to 2 years to finalize incorporation and meet requirements for a Business Manager visa.

Initial stay is 6 months, renewable in 6-month increments up to a 2-year total. No job offer or upfront capital is required, but applicants need 3 years of management experience (or a Master's/Doctorate) and a viable business plan endorsed by a local sponsor. Spouses may obtain restricted work permission.

This visa is ideal for entrepreneurs with an innovative business plan ready for Japan who need preparation time before meeting the full Business Manager requirements.

Fee Breakdown

Single-entry visa fee	3,000 JPY
Multiple-entry visa fee	6,000 JPY
Change of status / Extension of stay (at counter)	6,000 JPY
Change of status / Extension of stay (online)	5,500 JPY

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

6 months

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Japan

経営・管理 — Business Manager Visa

Validity5 years

Processing2-6 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must meet the background requirement: either have at least 3 years of business management/administration experience, or hold a Master's or Doctorate degree in a relevant field.

Must have an innovative business idea and a detailed business plan.

Must be supported by a Japanese municipality or certified private organization with an approved startup support program.

Must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support oneself during the startup phase.

Must intend to transition to a standard Business Manager visa within the startup period (up to 2 years), which requires meeting the new strict criteria (¥30 million capital, 1+ full-time employee, physical office, and professional business plan review).

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none (if having 1+ years of management experience, otherwise Master's/Doctorate degree is required) or higher

Experience

3+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Visa application form

Passport

Photograph

Certificate of Confirmation of Startup Activity

Detailed business plan (market analysis, financial projections)

Resume/CV

Proof of financial stability (bank statements)

Proof of residence plan in Japan

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Lower capital than Business Manager
Municipal support
Can transition to Business Manager visa

Worth Knowing

Limited to participating cities
Short initial stay
Must show progress

Application Process

Prepare a detailed business plan and supporting documents.

Submit the business plan to a participating local municipality for review and interview.

Obtain a 'Certificate of Confirmation of Startup Activity' from the municipality.

Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at a regional immigration office in Japan using the confirmation certificate.

Apply for the visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate abroad using the COE.

Verified Claims (22)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Prepare a detailed business plan and supporting documents.; Submit the business plan to a participat…	mofa.go.jp
Dependent Visa	jp-designated-activities-45	moj.go.jp
Fee Breakdown	Single-entry visa fee: 3000 JPY; Multiple-entry visa fee: 6000 JPY; Change of status / Extension of …	moj.go.jp
Fees	¥3,000 (single-entry visa) / ¥6,000 (multiple-entry visa); ¥6,000 (status change/extension at counte…	mofa.go.jp
Forms	—	meti.go.jp
Included Nationalities	—	meti.go.jp
Job Offer Required	false	meti.go.jp
Official Info	https://www.meti.go.jp/english/policy/economy/startup_nbp/startup_visa.html	meti.go.jp

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