Japan Japan Startup Visa — Residency Program
🏠 OVERVIEW
Initial Duration
24 months
Max Duration
24 months
2-year preparatory visa for foreign entrepreneurs to set up a business in Japan before meeting full Business Manager Visa requirements.
📋 ELIGIBILITY
Min Age
18+
Criminal Record Check
Required
Health Check
Not required
Endorsement Required
Committee
Health Insurance
Not required
💼 WORK RIGHTS
Employment
Not allowed
Self-Employment
Allowed
Own Business
Allowed
Work Permit Included
Yes
👨👩👧 FAMILY & DEPENDENTS
Dependents Allowed
Yes
Spouse Included
Yes
Parents Allowed
No
💰 TAX DETAILS
Tax Regime
Worldwide
Regime Name
Japan progressive income tax (5-45%)
Foreign Income Taxed
Yes
Capital Gains Taxed
Yes
🌍 BENEFITS & MOBILITY
Bank Account
Can open
Property Purchase
Allowed
Public Healthcare
Access granted
Primary Residence
Required
📝 HOW TO APPLY
Method
in country
Processing Time
30–90 days
Apply from Abroad
No
📝 NOTES
Expanded nationwide January 2025 with 2-year validity (doubled from 1 year). No physical office, capital, or employee requirements during preparatory period. ~50% transition rate to Business Manager Visa. Must apply through participating municipality.
📋 ALSO IN JAPAN
Japan also offers a digital nomad visa for remote workers:
- Digital Nomad Visa (digital nomad visa)