STARTUP VISA
(Program to Promote Startup Businesses by Foreign Nationals)

1. Submit application documents to "Business Development Center TOKYO," Akasaka Desk.

●Documents to be submitted.

●Where to submit:

"Business Development Center TOKYO," Akasaka Desk, ARK Mori Building, seventh floor, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) headquarters, 1-12-32, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
　　Email : support2@bdc-tokyo.org
　　TEL : 03-3582-8353
　　Operating hours : Weekdays 9:30 a.m.to 5:30 p.m. (Excludes Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays and the new year's holidays.）

●How to submit

Please send data to the e-mail address listed in the submission location above.

● Persons who may submit application documents.

• (1) Applicant
• (2) A member of the staff of a public interest incorporated association or a public interest incorporated foundation, which has the purpose of facilitating the smooth acceptance of foreign nationals, and whom the director of the regional immigration services agency deems to be suitable (Currently, the Japan Immigration Association fulfills these conditions.)
• (3) An attorney or administrative scrivener who has, through their bar association or administrative scrivener association, given notification to the director of the regional Immigration Services Agency that has jurisdiction over the association. However, if the applicant is not in Japan, this person will be someone (or a staff member of a company) commissioned by the applicant to establish a business in Japan.

Note: If the application documents are submitted by a person described in (2) or (3), documentation that clarifies their relationship with the applicant (power of attorney) and proves that they are in the position to do so (Certified Administrative Procedures Legal Specialist identification card, etc.) must be also be presented.

● After submission

2. Confirmation of the business plan by the TMG
(about one to two months)

The TMG will make assessments from the perspective of whether the applicant has a high likelihood of attaining the regular "Business Manager" status of residence after the one year or six months preparatory period.(*)

● Confirmation Method: In verifying each requirement, we will ask questions about the application materials and conduct interviews as necessary.

● Specific items to be confirmed: Business details/Area of operation/Office location/Concrete plans up to launch of business/Funds for start-up activities/Business size/Residence, living funds.

(*)Note: The application will not be accepted if the applicant is found to be an antisocial force or to have a relationship with an antisocial force. If it is discovered that the applicant is an antisocial force after the application had been accepted, the effect will be revoked retroactively.

After considering the opinion of experts with insight into the management of the business and assessing the application contents, the following documents will be issued and an official in charge at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will contact the applicant using the contact information on the application document.

Apply for "Designated Activities" (one year or six months) status of residence.

1. Preparation

1) Fill out the application form. (See sample)

If there are any items that have not yet been decided, enter them as far as the applicant knows and add "(scheduled)."
For items that are not decided yet, enter "undecided."

2) Prepare necessary documents.

●Documents to be submitted.

(1) Application for Certificate of Eligibility for Status of Residence.

(2) Photograph (3 cm × 4 cm, taken within three months)

(3) Copy of passport
　(Pages with the applicant's photo, name, passport number, etc.)

(4) An envelope with the required amounts of stamps (for registered mail) and your contact information in Japan.

(5) A set of copies of the application documents submitted to the TMG.

• - Startup Preparation Activity Plan Confirmation Application and Consent Form
• - Startup Preparation Activity Plan.
• - Resume
• - Copy of applicant's passport
• - Documents clarifying applicant's address for one year after entry to Japan or change of status of residence
• - Documents clarifying the applicant's accommodation fee for one year after entry to Japan or change of status of residence
• - When applying with one of the conditions (イ), (ロ), (ハ), or (ニ) of Public Notice 5-6 (1) ⑤, submit documents that prove the conditions have been met.
• - Other necessary documents

(6) A copy of the "Startup Preparation Activity Plan Confirmation Certificate" issued by the TMG.
Note: Effective period: within three months

3) Keep a copy of your application package. (For the applicant's own use)

2. Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for Status of Residence at the "Tokyo One-Stop Business Establishment Center (TOSBEC)."

1) Visit the Tokyo One-Stop Business Establishment Center (TOSBEC) and tell the receptionist that you would like to "apply for Designated Activities (one year) status."

●Where to apply:

"Tokyo One-Stop Business Establishment Center (TOSBEC)," 1-12-32, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, ARK Mori Building, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) headquarters, seventh floor.
　Operating hours : Weekdays 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Excludes Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays and the new year's holidays.）

Note: It is recommended to make a reservation in advance.
　(1)TEL： 03-3582-4934
　(2) Go to the website of the Tokyo One-Stop Business Establishment Center (TOSBEC) and apply using the reservation form.
　　　In Japanese
　　　In English

2) Submit a set of application documents at the Immigration Booth.

Note: Note that your application may not be accepted if the required information is not filled out or required documents are missing.

Example for filling out the application[for the applicant].

Example for filling out the application[for an organization].

3) If your application is accepted, you will receive an "Application Receipt" from the Immigration Booth.
　　Email a copy of the "Application Receipt" (PDF file) to the person in charge at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

3. Wait for the results of the screening (about one to three months).

1) If the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau asks the applicant questions, or requests the applicant to submit additional documents, respond promptly by the deadline.

2) If the applicant thinks it is taking a long time to obtain the results, have the application receipt on hand and call the phone number listed on the receipt or visit the following to check on the progress.
Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau, 5-5-30, Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo, second floor, "W1/W2 (Business and Employment Inspection Department")

The Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau will send the applicant a sealed letter by mail (simple registered mail).
Note: A sealed letter shall not be mailed outside Japan.

● If the enclosed document is a "Certificate of Eligibility for Status of Residence,"

　⇒That means that the preliminary examination to obtain a status of residence has been completed.
With the "Certificate of Eligibility for Status of Residence," apply for a visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in the applicant's home country.

● If the enclosed document is a "Notice on non-issuance of Certificate of Eligibility for Status of Residence,"

　⇒That means that the applicant has been rejected for the status of residence at the preliminary screening stage for obtaining status of residence.
Confirm the reason for not issuing the Certificate of Eligibility for Status of Residence at the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau, 5-5-30, Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo, second floor, "W1/W2 (Business and Employment Inspection Department")

1) After a visa has been issued, bring the following three items to Japan:

• - Passport
• - Visa
• - Certificate of Eligibility for Status of Residence

2) Upon entering Japan, you will be issued a residence card with the Status of Residence "Designated Activities" (one year or six months).

Note: In the case of arriving at Haneda Airport or Narita Airport, the residence card will be issued at the airport, but in the case of arriving at a regional airport, the residence card will be sent by post after you report your place of residence in Japan.

3) After you have settled on an address, go to a municipal office within 14 days and present your resident card to register your residence and report your place of residence. In this process, your place of residence will be written on the back of your residence card.

• Note: When entering Japan, if your resident card has not been issued and "Resident card to be issued later" is written near the landing permit stamp in your passport, present your passport instead of your resident card to notify your place of residence.
• Note: You will be subject to penalties if you do not notify your place of residence within 14 days from the date you establish your place of residence.
• Note: If you do not notify your place of residence without a valid reason within 90 days after arriving in Japan, your status of residence will be revoked.

4) Keep your resident card with you at all times.

5) Now that you are ready to start your business startup activities, begin your activities.

6) During the one year or six months period, there will be an interview to review the progress of the activity.

If you wish to continue to operate a business in Japan for more than one year or six months after landing, you must go through the procedures for changing to "Business Manager" at the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

Note: If it becomes difficult for you to continue your startup activities during your one-year or six-month stay, or if your visa is not changed to "Business Manager", you must leave Japan. Be sure to have money for a return trip (equivalent to one-way airfare to your home country) kept separate from the funds needed for your business.

1. Preparation

Ensure that you meet the conditions a to e of the application.

A. The applicant must be engaged in the activity of managing a business.

Note: If more than one person is engaged in the management or administration of the business, the business will be examined comprehensively regarding whether it has the scale, workload, sales, number of employees, etc., required for such number of people to be engaged in the management or administration of the business.

B. The applicant must have a place of business in Tokyo to operate the business pertaining to the application.

Note: Business activities are carried out under a single management entity at a fixed location, i.e., on a single plot of land.

Please inquire at the Immigration Booth at the Tokyo One-Stop Business Establishment Center (TOSBEC) about office conditions for the application for permission for extension of period of stay.

Note: The production or provision of goods and services will be carried out on a continuous basis with people and equipment. (The office must be equipped with the necessary functions.)

Note: From the standpoint of business continuity, the purpose of use in a lease contract must be for business purposes, such as business use, store, office, etc., and the contract must be long-term.

Note: In the case of a dual-use property for residence and place of business, additional conditions will apply. Consult with the Immigration Booth at the Tokyo One-Stop Business Establishment Center (TOSBEC).

C. The scale of the business pertaining to the application must fall into one of the following categories: a, b, or c.

• a. The amount of capital or the total amount of investment must be five million yen or more.
• b. The business must be operated by two or more full-time employees residing in Japan other than those engaged in management.
  Note: They must be a Japanese national, permanent resident, spouse or child of a Japanese national, spouse or child of a permanent resident, long term resident, or special permanent resident.
• c. The scale of business is deemed to be equivalent to a. and b. above.

D. "Stability" and "continuity" of the business to be managed are objectively recognized (indicate in the business plan).

Note: Reference materials: Immigration Services Agency of Japan "Clarifications regarding the criteria for the Business Manager status of residence."（available only in Japanese)

2. Filling out the application for extension of period of stay

Fill out the "application for extension of period of stay." (Attachment: Example for filling out the application)
Fill in all fields with no field left blank. (If there is a field that does not apply, enter "none.")

Example for filling out the application[for the applicant].

Example for filling out the application[for an organization].

3. Prepare the required documents (Refer to the list of required documents: on the back).

List of required documents

4. Keep a copy of the application package (as your copy).

5. Apply for permission to change the Status of Residence to "Business/Management"

• 1) Apply for extension of stay at the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

  ● Where to apply:
  Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau, second floor, "B (Residence Inspection)" counter,
  5-5-30, Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8255

  ● Operating hours for application
  8:30 a.m.: Start distributing number tickets.
  9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Application reception (Excludes Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays).

• 2) When your number is called, submit your application package to the B counter.
  Note: Your application may not be accepted if the required information is not filled out or if the required documents are missing.
• 3) If your application is accepted, you will receive an "Application Receipt." Keep the receipt.

6. Wait for the results of the screening (about one to two months).

• 1) If the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau asks the applicant questions, or requests the applicant to submit additional documents, respond promptly by the deadline.
• 2) If the applicant thinks it is taking a long time to obtain the results, have the application receipt at hand and call the phone number listed on the receipt or visit the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau (second floor, "W1/W2 (Business and Employment Inspection Department)," 5-5-30, Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo) to check on the progress.

● When receiving a notice by postcard.

● When receiving a notice of results

1. Submit application documents to "Business Development Center TOKYO," Akasaka Desk.

●Documents to be submitted.

Submit all of the following documents: (Note: Fill out the forms in Japanese)

●Where to submit:

"Business Development Center TOKYO," Akasaka Desk, ARK Mori Building seventh floor, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) headquarters, 1-12-32, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
　　Email : support2@bdc-tokyo.org
　　TEL : 03-3582-8353
　　Operating hours : Weekdays 9:30 a.m.to 5:30 p.m. (Excludes Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays and the new year's holidays.）

●How to submit

Please send data to the e-mail address listed in the submission location above.

● Persons who may submit application documents.

• (1) Applicant
• (2) A member of the staff of a public interest incorporated association or a public interest incorporated foundation, which has the purpose of facilitating the smooth acceptance of foreign nationals, and whom the director of the regional Immigration Services Agency deems to be suitable (Currently, the Japan Immigration Association fulfills these conditions.)
• (3) An attorney or administrative scrivener who has, through their bar association or administrative scrivener association, given notification to the director of the regional Immigration Services Agency that has jurisdiction over the association. However, if the applicant is not in Japan, this person will be someone (or staff member of a company) commissioned by the applicant to establish a business in Japan.

Note: If the application documents are submitted by a person described in (2) or (3), documentation that clarifies their relationship with the applicant (power of attorney) and proves that they are in the position to do so (Certified Administrative Procedures Legal Specialist identification card, etc.) must be also be presented.

● After submission

2. Confirmation of the business plan by the TMG
(about one to two months)

The TMG will make assessments from the perspective of whether the applicant has a high likelihood of attaining the regular "Business Manager" status of residence after the one year or six months preparatory period.(*)

● Confirmation Method: In verifying each requirement, we will ask questions about the application materials and conduct interviews as necessary.

● Specific items to be confirmed: Business details/Area of operation/Office location/Concrete plans up to launch of business/Funds for start-up activities/Business size/Residence, living funds.

(*)Note: The application will not be accepted if the applicant is found to be an antisocial force or to have a relationship with an antisocial force. If it is discovered that the applicant is an antisocial force after the application had been accepted, the effect will be revoked retroactively.

After considering the opinion of experts with insight into the management of the business and assessing the application contents, the following documents will be issued and an official in charge at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will contact the applicant using the contact information on the application document.

Apply Change of Status of Residence to "Designated Activities"(one year or six months)

1. Preparation

1) Fill out the application form. (See sample)

If there are any items that have not yet been decided, enter them as far as the applicant knows and add "(scheduled)."
For items that are not decided yet, enter "undecided."

2) Prepare necessary documents.

●Documents to be submitted.

(1) Application for Certificate of Eligibility for Status of Residence.

(2) Photograph (3 cm × 4 cm, taken within three months)

(3) Copy of passport
　(Pages with the applicant's photo, name, passport number, etc.)

(4) Postcard for notification to be given by the Immigration Services Bureau.

(5) A set of copies of the application documents submitted to the TMG.

• - Startup Preparation Activity Plan Confirmation Application and Consent Form
• - Startup Preparation Activity Plan.
• - Resume
• - Copy of applicant's passport
• - Documents clarifying applicant's address for one year after entry to Japan or change of status of residence
• - Documents clarifying the applicant's accommodation fee for one year after entry to Japan or change of status of residence
• - When applying with one of the conditions (イ), (ロ), (ハ), or (ニ) of Public Notice 5-6 (1) ⑤, submit documents that prove the conditions have been met.
• - Other necessary documents

(6) A letter of reason that explains the reason for changing your status of residence from the other visa to "Designated Activities".

(7) A copy of the "Startup Preparation Activity Plan Confirmation Certificate" issued by the TMG.
Note: Effective period: within three months

3) Keep a copy of your application package. (For the applicant's own use)

(8) Present passport and resident card.

3) Keep a copy of your application package. (For the applicant's own use)

2. Apply for permission to change your Status of Residence at the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau

Immigration Services Bureau.

1) Go to the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau, inform them that you are applying for a change of status of residence to "Business Manager" (six months) by using the "Tokyo Metropolitan Government Program to increase foreign entrepreneurs," and ask them to check your documents.

Note: You cannot apply for a change of status of residence at the Immigration Booth of the Tokyo One-Stop Business Establishment Center (TOSBEC).

2) After your application documents are checked at C5 as described above, submit them to the "B (Residence Inspection)" counter.

Note: Your application may not be accepted if the required information is not filled out or required documents are missing.

3) If your application is accepted, you will receive an "Application Receipt." Keep the receipt.
Email a copy of the "Application Receipt" (PDF file) to the person in charge at the BDCT.

Example for filling out the application[for the applicant].

Example for filling out the application[for an organization].

3. Wait for the results of the screening (about one to three months).

1) If the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau asks the applicant questions, or requests the applicant to submit additional documents, respond promptly by the deadline.

2) If the applicant thinks it is taking a long time to obtain the results, have the application receipt on hand and call the phone number listed on the receipt or visit the following to check on the progress.
Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau, 5-5-30, Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo, second floor, "W1/W2 (Business and Employment Inspection Department")

The Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau will notify the applicant of the result of the examination by mail.

● When receiving a notice by postcard.

● When receiving a notice of results.

Note: If it becomes difficult for you to continue your startup activities during your one-year or six-month stay, or if your visa is not changed to "Business Manager", you must leave Japan. Be sure to have money for a return trip (equivalent to one-way airfare to your home country) kept separate from the funds needed for your business.

1. Preparation

Ensure that you meet the conditions a to e of the application.

A. The applicant must be engaged in the activity of managing a business.

Note: If more than one person is engaged in the management or administration of the business, the business will be examined comprehensively regarding whether it has the scale, workload, sales, number of employees, etc., required for such number of people to be engaged in the management or administration of the business.

B. The applicant must have a place of business in Tokyo to operate the business pertaining to the application.

Note: Business activities are carried out under a single management entity at a fixed location, i.e., on a single plot of land.

Please inquire at the Immigration Booth at the Tokyo One-Stop Business Establishment Center (TOSBEC) about office conditions for the application for permission for extension of period of stay.

Note: The production or provision of goods and services will be carried out on a continuous basis with people and equipment. (The office must be equipped with the necessary functions.)

Note: From the standpoint of business continuity, the purpose of use in a lease contract must be for business purposes, such as business use, store, office, etc., and the contract must be long-term.

Note: In the case of a dual-use property for residence and place of business, additional conditions will apply. Consult with the Immigration Booth at the Tokyo One-Stop Business Establishment Center (TOSBEC).

C. The scale of the business pertaining to the application must fall into one of the following categories: a, b, or c.

• a. The amount of capital or the total amount of investment must be five million yen or more.
• b. The business must be operated by two or more full-time employees residing in Japan other than those engaged in management.
  Note: They must be a Japanese national, permanent resident, spouse or child of a Japanese national, spouse or child of a permanent resident, long term resident, or special permanent resident.
• c. The scale of business is deemed to be equivalent to a. and b. above.

D. "Stability" and "continuity" of the business to be managed are objectively recognized (indicate in the business plan).

Note: Reference materials: Immigration Services Agency of Japan "Clarifications regarding the criteria for the Business Manager status of residence."（available only in Japanese)

2. Filling out the application for extension of period of stay

Fill out the "application for extension of period of stay." (Attachment: Example for filling out the application)
Fill in all fields with no field left blank. (If there is a field that does not apply, enter "none.")

Example for filling out the application[for the applicant].

Example for filling out the application[for an organization].

3. Prepare the required documents (Refer to the list of required documents: on the back).

List of required documents

4. Keep a copy of the application package (as your copy).

5. Apply for permission to change the Status of Residence to "Business/Management"

• 1) Apply for extension of stay at the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

  ● Where to apply:
  Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau, second floor, "B (Residence Inspection)" counter,
  5-5-30, Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8255

  ● Operating hours for application
  8:30 a.m.: Start distributing number tickets.
  9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Application reception (Excludes Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays).

• 2) When your number is called, submit your application package to the B counter.
  Note: Your application may not be accepted if the required information is not filled out or if the required documents are missing.
• 3) If your application is accepted, you will receive an "Application Receipt." Keep the receipt.

6. Wait for the results of the screening (about one to two months).

• 1) If the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau asks the applicant questions, or requests the applicant to submit additional documents, respond promptly by the deadline.
• 2) If the applicant thinks it is taking a long time to obtain the results, have the application receipt at hand and call the phone number listed on the receipt or visit the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau (second floor, "W1/W2 (Business and Employment Inspection Department)," 5-5-30, Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo) to check on the progress.

● When receiving a notice by postcard.

● When receiving a notice of results.