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Japan · Work visa
Startup Visa
- Processing
- Municipal endorsement 2-8 weeks
- Cost
- From ¥3,000
- Validity
- Up to 2 years of preparation
Preparation status for entrepreneurs endorsed by a participating municipality or under the national startup program, deferring the Business Manager capital and office requirements while you build.
Requirements
- Business plan accepted by a designated municipality or under the national startup program
- Genuine intention to establish the business in the endorsing region
- Sufficient funds to support yourself during the preparation period
- Periodic progress reviews with the local authority
- Transition to Business Manager status by the end of the startup period
Time and cost
- Processing time
- Municipal endorsement 2-8 weeks, then COE/visa 1-2 months
- Validity
- Up to 2 years of preparation (extended from the original 6-12 months)
- Cost
From ¥3,000
Required
- ¥0 endorsement
- ¥3,000 visa fee (single-entry; multiple-entry ¥6,000)
- Path to residency
- Switch to Business Manager status, then the standard PR track (or HSP fast track)
Documents
Valid passport
Valid for the intended stay
Business plan
Submitted to and endorsed by the municipality
Municipal confirmation letter
Endorsement of startup activities
Proof of funds
Bank statements covering living costs
Tips
- The JPY 30 million capital, office and employee requirements are deferred during the startup period
- Tokyo, Fukuoka, Osaka and other participating municipalities run different programs
- Use the runway to incorporate, raise capital and hire so the Business Manager switch succeeds