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Startup Visa (Designated Activities)

Up to 2 years to prepare a business before it needs to meet full Business Manager Visa requirements.

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Official program name
Startup Visa (Designated Activities status)
Program category
Starting an innovative company
Current status
Active and accepting applications
Best suited for
Founders who need preparation time before their business can meet full Business Manager Visa requirements
Overview
The Startup Visa gives founders up to 2 years under a Designated Activities residence status to establish and prepare their business — securing an office, building a team, arranging financing — before they need to qualify for the full Business Manager Visa (now requiring ¥30 million capital and the additional Oct 2025 conditions). It functions as a bridge program administered in partnership with local municipalities.
Minimum investment
To be confirmedBridge program, confirm current municipal partnership terms and any interim capital expectations
Active involvement required
Yes
Residence status granted
Designated Activities status, up to 2 years
Family inclusion
To be confirmedConfirm with the official authority before you rely on this.
Spouse work rights
To be confirmedConfirm with the official authority before you rely on this.
Permanent residence pathway
Not directly — this is a preparatory bridge to the Business Manager Visa, not a PR route itself
Official source
moj.go.jp/isa/applications/resources/03_00070.html

Want more background?

Our guide explains how this route works in practice and what to prepare first.

Read the Japan guide →

Directional guidance only, not immigration advice. Confirm current municipal partnership availability with Japan's Immigration Services Agency. Last verified September 15, 2026.