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Comprehensive guide to Japan's startup visa program in Tokyo. Learn about eligibility, benefits, and application requirements for international entrepreneurs.
What is the Japan Startup Visa?
The Startup Visa is a special residency program designed for foreign entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas, to establish their business in Japan. Its goal is to promote entrepreneurship and revitalize the Japanese economy.
It provides international founders an opportunity to research the Japanese market and find potential business partners to successfully launch their business in Japan.
The Startup Visa also gives foreign entrepreneurs enough time to meet the requirements for the 'Business Manager Visa', which is a visa required to do business in Japan long term.
Visa Duration
Up to 2 years (Initially 1 year + 1 year renewal)
Eligibility
The business should strengthen Japan's international competitiveness and expand employment opportunities in the following sectors:
Health, Medical, and Welfare: Revolutionizing healthcare delivery, medical technology, or wellness solutions in Japan
Environmental and Energy: Creating sustainable solutions for Japan's energy future
Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries: Innovating in food technology, sustainable agriculture, or related fields within the Japanese market
Information Technology: Developing software, platforms, AI systems, or digital solutions
Culture and Arts: Building businesses that enhance or promote cultural experiences and creative industries
Fashion: Pioneering new concepts in one of Tokyo's signature industries through international entrepreneurship
Trading: Engaging in wholesale and retail trade of goods
Finance: Dealing with financial transactions, investments, and related activities
Shibuya Startup Visa
Shibuya City in Tokyo has a separate Startup Visa program apart from the Tokyo metropolitan government, which has additional requirements than those mentioned above.
Your startup idea is likely eligible for the Shibuya Startup visa if you can confidently answer "Yes" to these questions:
Does your startup introduce an innovative product or service?
Is your business model designed for scalability?
Does your startup demonstrate exponential growth potential?
Can your Startup expand in both Japanese and global markets?
Do you have a clear exit strategy for your startup?
Not sure if you qualify for the Japan startup visa? This is exactly where my expertise becomes invaluable. During our consultation, I'll help assess your eligibility and identify how to strengthen your Japan startup visa application.
Required Documents
The following documents are required for a successful startup visa application:
Application Checklist
Business Startup Activities Confirmation Application
Schedule of business activity
Resume of the applicants
Pledge
A document that guarantees your place of residence for six months after arrival in Japan (copy of the rental contract, or application for rental contract, etc.)
A document that shows your bank balance
A document that verifies the content of required documents such as certification from university, proof of the experience of previous companies you worked for, etc.
Copy of your passport
Startup Pitch Deck*
*Things to include in the Startup Pitch Deck:
Company vision, growth plan
Exit strategy (e.g. Which country do you plan to be listed in? M&A plan?
Who are the competitors for your product/service in the Japan market?
What is the pain point you are trying to solve? Is there really a need?
Is your plan feasible?
About your team (Are you alone? Who is in your team? What strength does each team member bring?)
What is the potential size of your business? How scalable is it?
Is your company already incorporated outside of Japan? Or are you in the stage of developing a business plan?
What makes it necessary for you to come to Japan?
Can your business overcome the obstacle of language barrier?
Having successfully navigated this process firsthand, I can help you craft a perfect Startup Visa Application to maximize your chances of success.
Startup Visa Application Process
Step 1: Submit the required Documents online for screening
Step 2: Pass the Startup Visa panel Interview
Step 3: Get the Mayor's approval letter (Approval letter validity: 3 Months)
Step 4: Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE Validity: 3 Months)
Step 5: Apply for the Startup Visa at your local Japanese embassy
Monthly Check-in Interviews
After successfully acquiring the Startup Visa, founders are supposed to appear for online monthly check-in interviews with government officials to maintain their Startup Visa. These are done to ensure that you are actually engaged in the business activities.
Interviews are an important part of securing and maintaining your Startup Visa. I can help you prepare for the Startup visa panel Interview and the Monthly Check-in interviews with confidence.
Startup Visa to Business Manager Visa Transition
After your Startup Visa expires, you are expected to transition to the 'Business Manager Visa'. It is the visa required to do business in Japan long term. To get the Business Manager Visa, you have to meet the following requirements:
Rent a dedicated physical office space (virtual or co-working space not allowed)
Hire at least two full-time employees OR Have minimum JPY 5 Million in your business bank account.
Benefits of Getting the Startup Visa
Extended preparation time: Two full years to methodically build your business foundation in Japan
Networking Opportunities: Access Tokyo's thriving Startup ecosystem, including other founders and investors
Lower initial requirements: No need for the capital or employee requirements of a standard Japan Business Manager visa
Clear pathway: Structured transition to long term residency in Japan using the Business Manager visa when you're ready
Tokyo represents the perfect fusion of Japanese efficiency with global startup culture. Securing the Startup visa gives you more than just legal status in Japan—it gives you a place in one of Japan's most dynamic business communities.
I'll help you develop a practical, achievable roadmap to meet the Startup Visa requirements, drawing on my own experience and network of resources throughout Tokyo's Startup community.
FAQs
Q1. How long does the entire Japan Startup Visa application process take?
The typical timeline from initial application to Japan startup visa approval ranges from 4-6 months. This includes document screening (4-5 weeks), Interview Screening (4-5 weeks), Mayor's approval letter (3-4 weeks), COE processing (2-3 months), and final visa processing at your local embassy (1-2 weeks).
Working with an experienced Startup Visa consultant can significantly streamline this process and reduce delays from common application errors.
Q2. Do I have to visit Japan at any point during the application process?
No, the entire application is fully online. You don't have to visit Japan at any point during the application process.
Q3. What are the most common reasons for Japan startup visa rejection?
The most frequent causes of Japan Startup visa rejection include insufficient demonstration of innovation or market potential for the Japan ecosystem, unclear business models, inadequate financial resources to sustain your stay in Japan, missing or incomplete documentation, inconsistencies in your business plan, and failure to demonstrate how your venture aligns with Tokyo's economic development priorities.
Q4. Do I need to speak Japanese to qualify for the Startup Visa in Tokyo?
No, the entire application process is conducted in English.
Q5. What happens if my business concept changes during the Japan visa period?
The Startup Visa allows for reasonable pivots and business model adjustments in the Tokyo market, but significant changes from your approved plan may require additional approval from Japanese officials. During your monthly interviews, officials will assess your progress and any adaptations. I provide guidance on how to effectively communicate necessary changes while maintaining your Startup visa status.
Q6. Can I bring my family with me to Japan on the Startup Visa?
Yes, dependents (spouse and children) can accompany you to Japan under a Dependent Visa.
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