Japan's Startup Visa: What You Need to Know

Japan has announced that the Startup Visa will be available “nationwide” from January 1, 2025, and will be valid for two years.

Japan's Startup Visa is an initiative designed to attract entrepreneurs who wish to establish businesses in the country. Unlike standard Business Manager visas, which require an established company, the Startup Visa provides a temporary framework for new business founders to develop their operations while meeting Japan's legal requirements. 

The Role of Local Governments in the Startup Visa Process

One key characteristic of Japan’s Startup Visa system is that it is not administered at the national level alone. Instead, the application process must go through a local government (地方公共団体) that has been authorized to handle Startup Visa applications.

Each local government has some discretion in how they assess applications, which can lead to differences in interpretation and implementation across prefectures. While the overall framework is set by the national government, the specific requirements, support programs, and evaluation criteria can vary significantly depending on where you apply.

Differences in Readiness Among Prefectures

Since the Startup Visa program is relatively new and its implementation depends on local governments, not all prefectures are equally prepared to handle applications. For example, as of February 25, 2025, I contacted the Nagano Prefectural Government to inquire about their status regarding the Startup Visa. At this stage, Nagano has not yet finalized its process for accepting applications, meaning that entrepreneurs looking to apply in this region may need to wait or consider alternative locations.

This variation in readiness underscores the importance of researching local government policies before deciding where to establish a business in Japan. Some prefectures, particularly major urban centers like Tokyo and Fukuoka, have well-established Startup Visa programs with clear guidelines and dedicated support for foreign entrepreneurs. In contrast, other regions may still be in the process of setting up their procedures.

Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs

If you are considering applying for a Startup Visa in Japan, keep these points in mind:

1. Check Local Government Policies – Since applications must go through a local government, research which prefectures or cities currently accept Startup Visa applications and what their specific requirements are.

2. Be Prepared for Differences – Each local government has its own way of interpreting the rules, meaning there may be variations in the application process and required documentation.

3. Confirm Readiness – Some prefectures, like Nagano as of February 2025, may not yet be fully prepared to process Startup Visa applications. Contact the relevant authorities in advance to confirm their status.

4. Consider Alternative Locations – If a particular region is not yet ready, you may need to look at other prefectures with more developed Startup Visa programs.

Japan’s Startup Visa presents a valuable opportunity for foreign entrepreneurs, but its implementation across different prefectures requires careful navigation. By staying informed and researching local policies, you can improve your chances of a smooth and successful application process.

At Hashi Immigration, we specialise in helping our clients navigate visa processes—contact us to learn how we can assist with your Startup Visa application!