Japan Startup Visa 2026: 2-Year Stay, Cities & How to Apply

The Japan startup visa is a Designated Activities (特定活動, tokutei katsudō) status of residence for foreign entrepreneurs. It lets you live in Japan for up to two years while you prepare a new business. You don’t need the business manager visa’s ¥30 million capital, physical office, or staff when you apply. Your business plan must show you can meet them within one year.

Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) runs the startup visa program through certified local governments. METI’s April 30, 2026 list names 21 organizations, including Tokyo, Fukuoka City, Osaka City, and Shibuya City. Each one reviews your business plan before the Immigration Services Agency reviews your visa application.

This guide covers eligibility, participating cities, required documents, costs, and the application process. It also explains when to incorporate your company in Japan. Finally, it shows how to switch to the business manager visa under the rules in force since October 16, 2025.

Note: Please keep in mind that Immigration Law in Japan frequently changes, with addendums and stipulations coming into or going out of effect. Refer to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan or your immigration lawyer for situation-specific questions.

What is the startup visa program in Japan?

The Japanese government launched the startup visa scheme in December 2018. Its goal is to attract foreign entrepreneurs and strengthen Japan’s startup culture.

The startup visa isn’t a separate visa category. Immigration grants a Designated Activities status so you can carry out business startup activity under a certified support program.

Who runs the startup visa program?

• METI certifies each local program.

• Foreign Entrepreneurship Promotion Organizations review business plans and support applicants. Most are local governments, and one is a private company.

• The Immigration Services Agency of Japan handles the immigration control review and grants your visa status.

What changed in 2025

Four changes reshaped the startup visa in 2025:

• One national program. On January 1, 2025, the national strategic special zone startup visa merged into the METI program. Tokyo closed its special zone program on March 31, 2025.

• Longer stay. Startup visas now allow up to two years. Your first period is usually up to one year, and renewals then add about six months at a time.

• Tougher startup visa targets. From October 16, 2025, your plan must show ¥30 million in business assets and one full-time employee within one year. You also need one year of management experience or a relevant master’s degree.

• Stricter business manager rules. From the same date, the business manager visa requires ¥30 million, a full-time employee, and Japanese ability at CEFR B2.

For updates, see our Japan immigration news roundup.

Which cities accept startup visa applications?

You don’t apply at a local immigration bureau first. You apply to a certified organization in the area where you plan to start a business.

METI lists 21 organizations as of April 30, 2026. Requirements, business fields, and required documents vary by organization. Focus fields below come from JETRO’s 2024 survey and city guidelines.

Applying for a Kobe startup visa? Kobe City first ran its program with JETRO Kobe. METI’s 2026 list names Hyogo Prefecture instead, so start there.

What Fukuoka City looks for

Some cities publish the projects deemed most likely to succeed. Fukuoka City lists these focus areas:

• Knowledge creating industries: fintech, semiconductor related, software development, content production, robotics

• Health, medical, and welfare industries: drug development, medical technology development, regenerative medicine, welfare equipment

• Environment and energy industries: greentech, clean energy development, next-generation storage technologies

• Logistics industries: global SCM services, 3PL services, international delivery, drone logistics development

• Trade industries: businesses that sell Fukuoka goods overseas or use Hakata Port and Fukuoka Airport

Local support beyond the visa

Many programs add practical help. Several cities provide interpreters for interviews, and some help you find office space or housing. Ask your organization what it includes before you apply.

Who is eligible for the Startup visa? 

Foreign nationals from any country can apply. You don’t need capital, office space in Japan, or a registered startup company on the day you apply. However, your plan must show you can reach the business manager requirements within one year.

Each organization sets its own criteria, so check the official pages listed above. Most assess these points:

• Your business implementation plan. It must show a realistic path to the business manager visa.

• Your track record. Reviewers look at your past projects and your resume.

• Local fit. Your plan should match the city’s industrial focus.

• Living funds. You must prove where you’ll live and how you’ll pay for your first year.

• Business scale. Your plan must reach ¥30 million in business assets and one full-time employee within one year. Some cities, such as Fukuoka, ask for proof of assets when you apply.

• Experience or education. You need at least one year of business management experience. A relevant master’s degree or higher also qualifies.

• Residence. You must live in Japan during your preparation period.

Language and proxy applications

Most programs ask for documents in Japanese, including Fukuoka, Yokohama, Ibaraki, and Hamamatsu. Some offer English consultations or interpreters, so ask before you apply. Budget for document translation either way.

An administrative scrivener (gyōseishoshi, 行政書士) can submit your first application as a proxy. If you pass screening, the organization invites you to an interview. Some cities provide interpreters for it.

Startup visa vs. business manager visa

The startup visa gives you time to prepare a new business and enter the Japanese market. The business manager visa lets you run that business long term.

You can enter Japan on a startup visa without first meeting business manager requirements. That also applies to the shorter four-month business manager visa.

The business manager category rules took effect on October 16, 2025. Existing visa holders have a transition period until October 16, 2028.

How to apply for a startup visa: step by step

Here’s a quick overview for anyone planning to come to Japan to start a business.

• Choose your city. Pick the organization where you’ll base your business. Read its focus fields and document list.

• Prove your credibility. Prepare your CV and documentation detailing your education and work experience.

• Write your business plan. Most programs call this a Startup Preparation Activity Plan (起業準備活動計画, kigyō junbi katsudō keikaku).

• Prepare personal documents. Include proof of your planned residence and proof of assets, such as a bank book copy or bank balance certificate.

• Submit your application. Send your documents to the organization. Review usually takes one to two months.

• Attend your interview. City officials or their experts interview you as the final assessment.

• Receive your confirmation certificate. If you pass, you get a Startup Preparation Activity Plan Confirmation Certificate. Use it within three months.

• Apply for a certificate of eligibility. Submit the certificate and other necessary documents to your regional immigration bureau. Processing takes one to three months. See our certificate of eligibility guide.

• Get your visa. Take your certificate of eligibility to a Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country. Standard processing takes about five working days. If you already live in Japan, apply for a change of status instead.

• Register your address. Register at your municipal office within 14 days of settling on your address. Follow our guide to registering in a new city.

Required documents for the immigration bureau

Prepare these documents for your certificate of eligibility application:

• Application form for a certificate of eligibility

• A recent photo (3 cm × 4 cm)

• A copy of your passport

• Your confirmation certificate from the support organization

• Proof of your address in Japan, or your planned address

• Proof of living expenses for your stay

• Any other documents immigration requests

After approval: progress interviews

Your support organization checks your progress during your stay, often monthly. Before each period ends, you’ll need an updated plan confirmation and a visa renewal. Renewals usually add about six months.

👉 Read also: Visa Renewal Japan 2026: Fees, Now October Fee Table & How to Apply

How much does the startup visa cost, and how long does it take?

Most support organizations charge little or nothing for the confirmation certificate. Fukuoka City, for example, charges ¥300 per certificate.

Fees for administrative scriveners vary widely, so compare quotes. Find specialists in our immigration lawyer directory. For a fuller budget, see the cost of starting a business in Japan.

How to switch to the business manager visa in 2026

Your startup visa is a bridge, not a long-term status. Start your change of status application at least three months before it expires.

To qualify for the business manager visa, you must meet every October 2025 requirement:

• ¥30 million in capital

• A physical office suitable for business activities

• At least one full-time employee

• Japanese ability at CEFR B2 (JLPT N2), for you or an employee

• Three years of management experience, or a relevant master’s degree or higher

• A business plan reviewed by a qualified professional

Set up your company first

Most founders incorporate during the startup visa period. Follow our step-by-step guide to company incorporation in Japan. Then compare godo kaisha vs. kabushiki kaisha and open a corporate bank account.

A virtual office address works for company registration. Immigration expects a physical office for the business manager visa, so plan for renting an office before you switch.

If you can’t meet the requirements

The two-year maximum can’t be extended. Raise capital early, using startup subsidies in Japan where you qualify. You can also compare other visas for starting a business.

Is the startup visa still worth it after the ¥30 million rule?

For well-funded founders, yes. The startup visa lets you enter Japan before your company, office, and team are in place. However, you must reach ¥30 million and one full-time employee within your first year.

It works well if you:

• Have a strong business plan in a city’s focus field

• Can secure ¥30 million within one year

• Want local support, such as interpreters or office space

Consider other routes if you:

• Plan a small lifestyle business with no investors

• Can’t hire a full-time employee within one year

• Already meet business manager requirements

Japan startup visa frequently asked questions

How long can you stay in Japan on a startup visa?

You can stay up to two years on a Japan startup visa. Immigration usually grants up to one year first. Each renewal then adds about six months, after your support organization confirms your progress. Before two years end, you must switch to the business manager visa or leave Japan.

How much money do I need for a Japan startup visa?

You don’t need the capital in place when you apply. However, your plan must show ¥30 million in business assets within one year, and some cities, such as Fukuoka, ask for proof of assets up front. You must also prove you can cover your living costs, often with a bank book copy.

Can a US citizen start a business in Japan?

Yes. US citizens and other foreign nationals can apply for the startup visa through any certified organization. You can also register a company in Japan while living abroad. To run that company from Japan, you need a status such as the startup visa or business manager visa.

What is the difference between the startup visa and the business manager visa?

The startup visa is a preparation status that lasts up to two years. Your plan must show ¥30 million, an office, and one full-time employee within one year. The business manager visa is a long-term status for running a business. It requires all three in place, plus Japanese at CEFR B2.

Can I apply for a startup visa while on a tourist visa in Japan?

Usually not. Most applicants apply from their home country through a certificate of eligibility. If you’re in Japan as a visitor when your certificate is issued, you may be able to change status without leaving. Confirm with your support organization before you travel.

Can I use a virtual office for the startup visa?

You don’t need an office to apply for the startup visa. A virtual office address also works for registering your company. For the business manager visa, though, immigration expects a physical office. Secure one before you apply to switch.

Which cities offer the startup visa in Japan?

METI’s April 30, 2026 list names 21 organizations. They include Tokyo, Shibuya City, Fukuoka City, Osaka City, Kyoto, Yokohama City, Sendai City, Hokkaido, and Hyogo Prefecture. One private company, TSUCREA, also takes part, and Niigata Prefecture is preparing a program. Focus fields and required documents differ by organization.

What happens if I can’t meet business manager requirements within two years?

You can’t extend the startup visa past its two-year maximum. If you don’t qualify for the business manager visa, you must switch to another status or leave Japan. Remember that your plan must reach ¥30 million and one full-time employee within the first year. Track these milestones in your monthly progress interviews.

In closing

The Japan startup visa gives foreign entrepreneurs up to two years to prepare a business. You usually receive up to one year first, then renew in six-month steps with an updated plan.

Use that time well. Incorporate, secure a physical office, and hire your first employee, because the business manager visa demands all three.