Startup Visa (Foreign Entrepreneur Activity Promotion Program)
A softer on-ramp to founding a company in Japan, backed by a supportive city.
Record checked Oct 21, 2026 · official source not yet confirmed by our automated check
Summary
METI-certified municipalities (e.g. Fukuoka, Tokyo, Osaka, Shibuya, Kyoto, Okinawa) sponsor foreign founders for a 'Designated Activities' status so they can prepare a startup in Japan before meeting full Business Manager visa requirements.
Dream spread
A softer on-ramp to founding a company in Japan, backed by a supportive city.
Relocation reality check
No funding; the certified body checks your plan and monitors you monthly, and you must then meet the Business Manager status criteria, which were tightened from 16 October 2025.
Your fit signals
The real program is below — the 0–100 scoring is a paid feature.
Full match score — Solo / Household
The 0–100 move-match score, quality score, and would-stay breakdown — with confidence and full reasoning — unlock on Solo and Household.
See Solo & Household plansReality engine
Four lenses on whether this move fits you — tap a panel to see the logic behind each signal.
Eligibility
Foreign entrepreneurs whose business plan is confirmed by one of ~25 METI-certified bodies (prefectures, cities or Tsucrea Co.).
The long game
If Japan becomes home, here is the road from first visa to a second passport.
Japan · residency → PR → citizenship
Curated- Y0ArriveYear zero
- Y5Citizenship eligible~5 years
- Y10Permanent residency~10 years
Costs & money
The amounts & terms on record from the official source. USD figures are estimates.
- Property purchase
- Not required
No amounts on record. Check the official source.
True cost to move
Upfront cash, reimbursements, and net position after approval — not headline incentive amounts.
- Flights & logistics$1,200
- Temporary housing (90 days)$2,400
- Deposit / first month rent$2,000
- Visa & consular fees$500
- Health insurance$600
- Legal & translation$400
- Setup costs$800
Application roadmap
A practical sequence — adjust for your consulate and timeline.
1. Confirm official eligibility
Read the primary government source.
2. Gather income & employment proof
Bank statements, contracts, or tax records.
3. Book consulate / immigration appointment
Slots vary by country and season.
4. Prepare health coverage
Meet minimum coverage rules before arrival.
Meet people before you go
Existing communities already talking about life in 🇯🇵 Japan. Lurk, ask, make a friend — before the flight.
- r/movingtojapan
Strictly moderated, extremely useful wiki — read it first.
- r/japanlife
Source trail
We could not fully confirm the key figures against the official source. Check it yourself before relying on them.
“Certified bodies confirm "少なくとも１月に１回" (at least once a month); Business Manager criteria changed effective October 16, 2025”
Primary official sourceLast checked Oct 21, 2026
Rule changes
CasaSedora last checked the official source on 14 Nov 2026. Changes appear here once two independent automated checks agree on them, or a person confirms them.
No rule changes recorded since monitoring began.
Our summaries point you to what moved — always confirm details on the official source.