Launching a business in Japan right after graduation is possible through municipal entrepreneurship initiatives known as Startup Visa programs. Under standard immigration procedures, launching a company requires obtaining a Business Manager visa, which calls for establishing an office, securing over 30 million yen in capital, or employing full-time staff beforehand. Local government programs allow eligible international graduates and residents to receive a "Designated Activities" status of residence for up to two years, giving them time to fulfill standard Business Manager requirements while living in Japan.
What is the Japanese startup visa program?
To encourage foreign entrepreneurship, certified municipalities work with the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Immigration Services Agency to grant a special "Designated Activities" visa. Normally, foreign founders face steep entry barriers because setting up physical offices and raising substantial capital must happen before acquiring status. Under startup visa frameworks like those in Fukuoka City and Yokohama City, municipalities review business plans in advance. Qualified applicants receive official certification, enabling them to secure landing permission or a status change for up to two years to finalize company registration, secure premises, and hire personnel.
Who is eligible to apply for an entrepreneurship visa?
These programs serve foreign nationals who plan to launch a business within participating municipalities within two years. Candidates already residing in Japan under specific statuses—such as "College Student," "Professor," "Research," or "Resident Alien" after graduating from Japanese universities—are eligible to apply. Students currently holding "Designated Activities" status to continue post-graduation job hunting in Japan can also apply. Applicants must confirm specific details with official municipal support desks or immigration offices to verify their personal qualification status.
Which industries qualify for municipal startup programs?
Eligible business categories depend on the guidelines of the specific municipality issuing the certification.
- Fukuoka City targets knowledge-based fields (such as FinTech, software development, semiconductors, robotics, and content creation), health and medical industries, environment and energy technologies, logistics, and innovative trade businesses that contribute to local economic growth.
- Yokohama City accepts applications in fields utilizing innovative technologies like AI and digital transformation (DX), health and medical sectors, knowledge-intensive industries, and businesses creating novel products or services.
- Excluded sectors: Yokohama explicitly excludes general wholesale, retail, traditional trading, food and beverage, lodging, and standard service industries.
What documents must you prepare for submission?
Applicants must complete all required forms in Japanese or provide official Japanese translations. Standard required documents include:
- Official application forms for business startup activities confirmation and detailed startup implementation plans.
- A comprehensive resume and a signed pledge (where mandated).
- Copies of the applicant's passport and current residence card (if residing in Japan).
- Proof of official residence in Japan covering one year (or six months for visa renewals), such as rental agreements or rental quotations.
- Financial proof demonstrating sufficient living expenses for one year (or six months for renewals), such as official bankbook copies.
- Proof of assets equivalent to the required capital amount (such as 30 million yen or more) for corporation establishment where applicable.
- Certificates of graduation, enrollment, or employment, or documentation showing relevant professional experience (e.g., at least one year in business management or holding a master’s, doctoral, or professional degree in a relevant field).
What is the step-by-step application timeline?
- Preliminary Consultation: Applicants must consult with official support centers—such as Fukuoka’s Global Business Support (GBS) or Yokohama’s support hotline coordinator—before submitting forms.
- Municipal Review: The city reviews the submitted business plan, often seeking input from small and medium enterprise (SME) management consultants or business experts.
- Certificate Issuance: Approved applicants receive a municipal confirmation certificate. In Fukuoka, a 300 yen online processing fee per certificate applies before in-person or scheduled issuance. Yokohama certificates remain valid for three months.
- Immigration Application: The applicant submits the municipal confirmation certificate and required paperwork to the regional Immigration Services Bureau to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or request a status change to "Designated Activities."
- Visa Acquisition & Entry: Overseas applicants collect their visa from a diplomatic mission abroad, enter Japan, and receive landing permission. Local residents finalize their status change at immigration.
What ongoing requirements must entrepreneurs fulfill?
Acquiring the visa is only the first step. To maintain valid status throughout the preparation period, founders must complete specific ongoing obligations:
- Monthly Interviews: Visa holders must attend mandatory monthly progress interviews with municipal representatives or designated coordinators (such as GBS in Fukuoka or Yokohama coordinators) to report on business setup milestones.
- Reporting Changes: Any modifications to submitted details—such as address or contact changes—must be reported immediately using official change application forms.
- Visa Renewals: In cities like Yokohama, the status is renewed every six months. In Fukuoka, an initial one-year period can be extended by six months up to a total of two years if standard Business Manager criteria are not yet fully met.
- Transitioning to Business Manager: Once the company is fully established, capital requirements are met, and facilities/staff are secured, entrepreneurs apply to change their status to a full "Business Manager" visa.
- Revocation: Falsifying applications, committing fraudulent acts, or failing to attend monthly progress reviews will result in certificate cancellation and visa invalidation, requiring the individual to leave Japan.
Finding a place to stay
When preparing to apply for a startup visa in Japan, securing documented proof of housing for your first year (or six months upon renewal) is a mandatory application requirement. Because municipal reviews require a rental agreement, application, or formal quote before issuing certification, arranging temporary accommodations early in the process is essential. Moving into a flexible, fully setup home simplifies your initial transition while you focus on business planning and official administrative procedures. OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo, making it easy to settle down quickly. Most homes have a minimum stay of 30 nights (shown on each listing). No guarantor, no key money and no agency fee; booking is online with a passport or ID and a credit card. Having your accommodation confirmed early provides solid documentation for official filings.
FAQ
How long can an international founder stay on a startup visa?
Entrepreneurs can hold the "Designated Activities" startup status for up to two years while completing business preparations before transitioning to a Business Manager visa.
Can current university graduates residing in Japan apply without leaving the country?
Yes, foreign residents holding statuses such as "College Student" or "Designated Activities" for post-graduation job hunting can apply directly for a status change.
What happens if an applicant fails to attend monthly progress interviews?
Attending monthly interviews is mandatory; failure to participate or conduct business startup activities can lead to the invalidation and revocation of the startup certification.
Sources
- 自治体公式サイト「福岡市 Startup Visa (Program to Support Foreign Entrepreneurs)」(checked 2026-10-18)
- 自治体公式サイト「Yokohama Startup Visa 横浜市」(checked 2026-10-18)
Facts are summarized in our own words; see the linked pages for the official details.
Rules and dates can change. Always confirm with the official source before you apply.