Japan entrepreneur and start-up visa
1 current source-backed entrepreneur and start-up pathway. Verify the responsible authority before applying.
This page contains 1 current route for this destination, with the available eligibility, requirements and duration details.
Source-backed legal route · Checked 2026-07-14
Current route records
| Route | Conditions | Effective or checked | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan Startup Visa — foreign entrepreneur preparation route | Applicants must use a Japanese government-approved entrepreneurship support organization, submit a business plan and pass its review and the subsequent immigration review; the preparation period can last up to two years. | 2026-07-14 | Official source |
Fees, processing times and requirements
Each value as the authority publishes it, in the currency it charges.
| Route | Fact | Value | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan Startup Visa — foreign entrepreneur preparation route | Application fee (issuance) | 15,000 JPY | Official source |
| Japan Startup Visa — foreign entrepreneur preparation route | Application fee (issuance) | 15,000 JPY | Official source |
| Japan Startup Visa — foreign entrepreneur preparation route | Processing time (standard, authority estimate) | 5 days | Official source |
| Japan Startup Visa — foreign entrepreneur preparation route | Can be renewed | yes | Official source |
| Japan Startup Visa — foreign entrepreneur preparation route | Family can come along | yes | Official source |
| Japan Startup Visa — foreign entrepreneur preparation route | Where to apply | at a consulate or in the country | Official source |
Can you work on this route?
Route-specific work rights and conditions stay separate from shortage-list status and individual eligibility.
| Route | Published work answer | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Japan Startup Visa — foreign entrepreneur preparation route | The exact METI source requires conditions such as securing an office in Japan, submitting a business plan and other documents to an approved Foreign Entrepreneurship Promotion Organization, and passing both its examination and a subsequent Immigration Services Agency examination; local requirements vary by organization. | Official source |
| Japan Startup Visa — foreign entrepreneur preparation route | The official Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry explains that business in Japan requires a Business Manager status, while the Startup Visa permits the foreign entrepreneur to stay for up to two years to prepare for starting the business before those requirements are met; the preparation route is not treated as unrestricted employment. | Official source |