Start-up Visa (Designated Activities)
🇯🇵 Japan visas · Business
What it is
Allows foreign entrepreneurs to enter Japan for 6 months to prepare to launch a business, without needing to meet Business Manager capital requirements upfront. Available in approved municipalities. Falls under the Designated Activities (特定活動) status. Typical holders: domestic workers of diplomats, working holiday participants, foreign nurses under an EPA.
Key facts
- Category
- Business
- Duration
- 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 6 months, 3 months, or a period designated individually by the Minister of Justice not exceeding 5 years
- Processing time
- 3 months
- Maximum validity
- 2 years
- Extendable
- Yes
- Health insurance
- Required
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee (band 14,900-15,100; local amount per mission)
- JPY 15,100
- Application fee (band 29,900-30,100; local amount per mission)
- JPY 30,100
Key requirements
- Business plan approved by a designated local government/municipality
- Intention to establish a business in Japan
- Sufficient funds for living expenses during the preparation period
- Application through an approved autonomous body
Working on this visa
Designated Activities (foreign-entrepreneur startup): granted to carry out business-preparation activity (起業準備活動) for up to 2 years. The official page states only this activity and is silent on any separate paid employment.
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 22 July 2026.