Startup visa in Japan: how the founder route to Business Manager works

The startup visa Japan offers new founders is not a separate visa. It is the status Designated Activities (特定活動) for startup preparation, valid for up to 2 years in total, and you get it through a government-certified local program, not directly from immigration. As of October 2026, the goal is to meet the standards for Business Manager (経営・管理) before the 2 years end.

What is the startup visa in Japan?

ISA describes it as a status for foreigners preparing a business in Japan, who are managed and supported by a government-certified local government or private operator (外国人起業促進実施団体). You can stay and prepare your company without first meeting the full Business Manager standards.

The normal Business Manager route is stricter. ISA’s page shows the rules changed on October 16, 2025, and Kanagawa describes it as needing an office, a full-time employee and capital or investment of ¥30 million or more. The startup route gives you time to build toward that, under supervision.

How long can you stay?

ISA says up to 2 years (最長2年間). If you renew, your cumulative stay under this status must not go over 2 years, so ISA asks you to file with time to spare.

The actual grants depend on the program. Hamamatsu, for example, describes up to 2 years with a renewal partway through. We could not confirm how every city splits the period, and older local pages mention shorter terms. Check the current page of the program you plan to use.

How do you apply?

Some programs are strict about how you submit. Hamamatsu accepts documents in person only, from you, a lawyer or 行政書士, an employee of the planned business, or someone you authorize. Kanagawa handles first contact by email through a contractor, which replies within 2 business days.

What does immigration ask for?

ISA’s list for the main applicant includes:

• the application form and one photo (a return envelope with postage is listed only for a certificate of eligibility application)
• a copy of the valid startup activity plan confirmation certificate from the program
• the confirmed activity plan and its attachments
• proof of at least 1 year of business experience or management, or a relevant master’s, doctoral or professional degree

Documents issued in Japan must be no more than 3 months old, and foreign-language documents need a Japanese translation. Incomplete files can be delayed a lot or refused. Family members need proof of relationship, a copy of your residence card or passport, and proof of funds for living expenses.

Do you need ¥30 million, an office or staff?

Not at the start. Kanagawa says the office, a full-time employee and capital or investment of ¥30 million or more are not required at the first application. The prefecture must still judge that you are likely to meet them before you move to Business Manager.

Programs keep checking. Hamamatsu holds roughly monthly interviews and may ask for a lease or bank balance records. Approval from a city is not the end: immigration still reviews your application on its own.

What if you are already in Japan?

ISA lists a change of status for people in Japan, so a worker or student can apply. See change of status and the certificate of eligibility guide for how those filings work in general.

Some programs favor people abroad. Kanagawa generally targets those who currently live outside Japan. Also, if you don’t carry out the activities of this status after a change of status, ISA says it may be revoked.

Other routes for would-be founders

• Graduates of Japanese universities. ISA has separate Designated Activities tracks for graduates who want to start a business, including one for universities that actively accept outstanding international students (from November 2020). The criteria are on ISA’s sub-pages.
• J-Find (未来創造人材制度). Since April 2023, for graduates of top overseas universities (top 100 in at least 2 of 3 rankings), degree within 5 years, savings of at least ¥200,000. It allows up to 2 years of job hunting or startup preparation; ISA’s page covers startup preparation only.
• Job seekers. See job-hunting visa if you are still deciding between a job and a company.
• Business Manager directly. If you can meet the current standards, you don’t need the startup route.

What happens at the end of the 2 years?

Plan to apply for Business Manager within the period. ISA’s Business Manager page does not say whether time on the startup status counts toward the experience requirement, so ask the immigration bureau or a 行政書士. Our Business Manager guide covers the standards. Filing early matters, because the 2-year cap is cumulative.

More guides

Business Manager visa · Highly Skilled Professional · Permanent residency requirements · Job-hunting visa