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

Please be advised that, effective October 16, 2025, the eligibility standards and applicant requirements for the Startup Visa will be partially revised, based on the "Partial Revision of Public Notice on the Program to Promote Startup Businesses by Foreign Nationals" issued by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

Service Description

Smoother business startups in Tokyo by foreign nationals through deregulation

Foreign nationals wishing to startup business in Japan need to obtain a "Business/Management" status of residence. To receive this status of residence, in addition to opening an office, the applicant must employ at least one or more full-time employees and the total amount of assets (including the amount of stated capital and total investment) to be used for the business pertaining to the application must be 30 million yen or more in Japan.This makes it extremely difficult for foreign entrepreneurs to start a business on their own without a domestic partner.

Under the STARTUP VISA( Program to Promote Startup Businesses by Foreign Nationals ), a special one-year or six-month "Designated Activities" status of residence can be granted if the TMG approves the business plan and other details before the Immigration Bureau examines applicants upon entry.

Foreign nationals who plan to establish a business can take advantage of this one-year or six-month period to conduct preparatory activities for starting a business after entering Japan.

Those eligible for the program

Foreign nationals who are starting a new business in Tokyo

Projects covered by the program

The businesses need to be recognized by the Governor of Tokyo as being appropriate for strengthening the international competitiveness of Tokyo's industries and forming a base for international economic activities thorough the Startup Preparation Activity.

1. Finance-related businesses
2. Information-related businesses
3. Environment and energy-related businesses
4. Health, medical care, and welfare businesses
5. Culture and art-related businesses
6. Food, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries-related businesses
7. Wholesale and retail trade businesses
8. Other businesses approved by the Governor of Tokyo

Acquisition of "Designated Activities" status of residence

STEP1

Apply for the Confirmation of startup preparation activity plan to the TMG

Where to submit:

"Business Development Center TOKYO," Akasaka Desk,seventh floor, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) headquarters

The TMG will review the business plan within a period of approximately one to two months.

STEP2

Receive a Certificate of Confirmation of Startup Preparation Activity Plan from the TMG.

Note: The certificate may not be issued as a results of examining the application.

Method for issuing the certificate:

Either by mail or in person.

Apply once you are ready to apply for Certificate of Eligibility for status of residence.(Apply within 3 months of the expiration date of the Startup Preparation Activity Plan Confirmation Certificate)

STEP3

Apply for the issuance of Certificate of Eligibility for Status of Residence.

Where to apply:

"Tokyo One-Stop Business Establishment Center," (TOSBEC) Immigration Booth, seventh floor of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Headquarters.

Note: An application can also be submitted to the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

STEP4

A Certificate of Eligibility for Status of Residence is issued from the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

Note: The certificate may not be issued as a results of examining the application.

How to receive a Certificate of Eligibility:

Receive by mail (simple registered mail).
Note: Certificates of Eligibility shall not be mailed outside Japan.

Present the Certificate of Eligibility for Status of Residence to the Japanese diplomatic mission in the applicant's home country and receive a visa before coming to Japan.

STEP5

Arrive in Japan and receive landing permission for " Designated Activities" status of residence (one year or six months).

Receive a " Designated Activities"(one year or six months) resident card upon entering Japan.

Interview

Interview

Interview

[What to do during the one year or six months Startup Preparation Activity period]
・Secure a business location.
・Register a company incorporation.
・Hire employees.
・Find business partners, etc.

Note: At least once a month, the TMG will interview with the applicant to discuss the progress of the applicant's startup activity plan. The Interview will be conducted either online or in person.

STEP6

Apply for change of status of residence to "Business/Management" (one year).

Where to apply:

"B application (Residence Inspection)" counter, second floor of the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

One to two months

STEP7

Receive "Business/Management" status of residence from the Tokyo Regional Immigration Service Bureau.

Note: "Business/Management" status of residence may not be issued as a result of examining the application.

How to receive "Business/Management " status of residence.

After receiving a notice by mail, receive a residence card at the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

When applying for the confirmation of the renewal of the Start-up Preparation Activity Plan, the Start-up Preparation Activity Plan (for renewal) must be confirmed before the expiration of the originally determined one-year or six-month period of stay granted.

When confirming the renewal of a Startup Preparation Activity Plan, the content of the requested Startup Preparation Activity Plan (for renewal) will be reviewed to determine whether it is likely to meet the requirements for the "Business/Management" Status of Residence within six months of the renewal of the Status of Residence "Designated Activities."

Please submit all of the following documents to the Business Development Center TOKYO, Akasaka.

(1) Startup Preparation Activity Plan Renewal Confirmation Application and Consent Form (Form 1-2) (format
(2) Startup Preparation Activity Plan (Form 1-3) (format
(3) Resume (Form 1-4)(format
(4) Copy of applicant's passport
(5) Documents clarifying applicant's address for 6 months after renewal.
(E.g., A copy of the provisional lease contract agreement, a copy of both sides of the Resident Card.)
(6) Documents clarifying applicant's accommodation fee for 6 months after renewal.
(E.g., bank account passbook copies, etc.)
(7) Other necessary documents
(E.g., Japanese Language Proficiency Certificate, etc.)

Change from the other status of residence to "Designated Activities" status of residence

STEP1

Apply for the Confirmation of startup preparation activity plan to the TMG

Where to submit:

"Business Development Center TOKYO," Akasaka Desk,
seventh floor, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) headquarters

The TMG will review the business plan within a period of approximately one to two months.

STEP2

Receive a Certificate of Confirmation of Startup Preparation Activity Plan from the TMG.

Note: The certificate may not be issued as a results of examining the application.

Method for issuing the certificate:

Either by mail or in person.

Apply once you are ready to apply for change of status of residence to "Designated Activities"

STEP3

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

Where to apply:

Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau, second floor, "W1/W2 (Business and Employment Inspection Department)"
Note: After your application documents are checked at C5, submit them to "B application (Residence Inspection) counter."

STEP4

Receive "Designated Activities" status of residence from the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

Note: " Designated Activities " status of residence may not be issued as a result of examining the application.

How to receive " Designated Activities" status of residence.

After receiving a notice by mail, receive a residence card at the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

Interview

Interview

Interview

[What to do during the one year or six months Startup Preparation Activity period]
・Secure a business location.
・Register a company incorporation.
・Hire employees.
・Find business partners, etc.

Note: At least once a month, the TMG will interview with the applicant to discuss the progress of the applicant's startup activity plan. The Interview will be conducted either online or in person.

STEP5

Apply for change of status of residence to "Business/Management" (one year).

Where to apply:

"B application (Residence Inspection)" counter, second floor of the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

One to two months

STEP6

Receive "Business/Management" status of residence from the Tokyo Regional Immigration Service Bureau.

Note: "Business/Management" status of residence may not be issued as a result of examining the application.

How to receive "Business/Management" status of residence.

After receiving a notice by mail, receive a residence card at the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

When applying for the confirmation of the renewal of the Start-up Preparation Activity Plan, the Start-up Preparation Activity Plan (for renewal) must be confirmed before the expiration of the originally determined one-year or six-month period of stay granted.

When confirming the renewal of a Startup Preparation Activity Plan, the content of the requested Startup Preparation Activity Plan (for renewal) will be reviewed to determine whether it is likely to meet the requirements for the "Business/Management" Status of Residence within six months of the renewal of the Status of Residence "Designated Activities."

Please submit all of the following documents to the Business Development Center TOKYO, Akasaka.

(1) Startup Preparation Activity Plan Renewal Confirmation Application and Consent Form (Form 1-2) (format
(2) Startup Preparation Activity Plan (Form 1-3) (format
(3) Resume (Form 1-4)(format
(4) Copy of applicant's passport
(5) Documents clarifying applicant's address for 6 months after renewal.
(E.g., A copy of the provisional lease contract agreement, a copy of both sides of the Resident Card.)
(6) Documents clarifying applicant's accommodation fee for 6 months after renewal.
(E.g., bank account passbook copies, etc.)
(7) Other necessary documents
(E.g., Japanese Language Proficiency Certificate, etc.)

Q&A

References

Business Development Center TOKYO(Akasaka)

Hours
9:30-17:30(Japan time / Except Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays and New Year's holidays.)
TEL
81-(0)3-3582-8353
FAX
81-(0)3-5561-4123
Email
support2@bdc-tokyo.org
Address
JETRO headquarters 7F
ARK Mori Building, 12-32 Akasaka 1-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6006
Roppongi-1chome stationbr
N-05 Namboku line:Exit 3, 1 minute walk
赤坂相談窓口