Japan Start-up Visa

What Is the Japan Start-Up Visa?

The Start-Up Visa is a business-preparation visa that lets you stay in Japan for 6 months to 1 year to launch an innovative business — conducting market research, forming a company, and setting up operations before transitioning to a Business Manager Visa. The program requires approval from a partner municipality's local-government Start-Up program.

Program Advantages

• Business Manager or Start-Up Visa processing with a high approval rate.
• Office setup: a virtual office or a physical office in a strategic location.
• Help opening a corporate bank account at a leading Japanese bank.
• Efficient legal company formation (KK/GK).
• HR recruitment: local staff recruitment and Japanese-style talent management.
• Market research: in-depth Japanese market analysis and a feasibility study.
• Branding and digital marketing for the Japanese market.
• Ongoing operational support to keep your business running smoothly.

Business Establishment Process (11-Month Timeline)

• Consultation & Planning (Month 1-2): Discuss the business idea and confirm feasibility under Japanese law.
• Business Plan (Month 3): Create a detailed business plan in Japanese with financial projections.
• Company Formation (Month 4): Company registration, entity type (KK/GK), and legal documents.
• Bank Account Opening (Month 5): Corporate account opening after registration.
• Operational Setup (Month 6): Office prep, staff recruitment, and operational setup.
• Visa Application (Month 7-11): Certificate of Eligibility submission and the approval process.

Visa Types for Entrepreneurs

Start-Up Visa — for preparing an innovative business:

• Prepare to start a new, innovative business in Japan.
• Conduct market research and business setup before founding the company.
• Convert to a Business Manager Visa after the company is established.
• Usually valid 6 months to 1 year, depending on the city.
• Requires approval from a local-government Start-Up program.

Business Manager Visa — for operating and managing a business:

• Start a new business in Japan or manage an existing one as an executive/manager.
• Initial validity is usually 1 year, extendable to 1, 3, or 5 years.
• Requires a physical office in Japan (a virtual office is usually not accepted).
• Minimum capital of ¥5 million placed in the company account.