JP
Japan · 特定活動（外国人起業家） · Startup · apply embassy, in country · processing 30–90 days
Preparatory residence for a foreigner who will start a business in Japan under a local government or private operator certified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. Immigration grants Designated Activities for up to two years in total while the person prepares the business. The office and business-scale tests of the Business Manager status are deferred during that preparation.
From 1 January 2025 the former special-zone startup route was merged into this program and the deferral of an office and of business scale was extended to two years. The certified bodies are a published list, not every municipality. The first period is six or twelve months. Each extension is six months, and the total on this status must not exceed two years. At an extension, the plan must show that the Business Manager tests can be met within six months after the extension. The applicant needs at least one year of business or management experience, or a doctoral, master's or professional degree in management or in the technology or knowledge the business needs. The certified body must confirm the preparation plan after hearing from someone with knowledge of starting and running a business. Paid work must be incidental to the preparation, or be management of the business once it has started. Adult-entertainment businesses are excluded. A supported spouse or child can apply. Parents cannot. A confirmation certificate issued on or after 16 October 2025 means the switch to Business Manager uses the current capital, staffing, language, career and business-plan tests. A certificate issued before that date keeps the previous Business Manager tests for that switch. This status does not itself lead to permanent residence or citizenship. From 1 October 2026 a one-year change of status costs JPY 33,000 at the counter. A six-month grant costs JPY 18,000. A certificate of eligibility is free.
Japan also offers a digital nomad visa for remote workers
Last verified Oct 9, 2026 Last changed Oct 10, 2026 Source
one-year counter fee set at JPY 33,000 from 1 October 2026. Applicant fee changed from USD 40 to about USD 209, and a dependent fee of about USD 209 added, at the Bank of Japan central rate of 158.10 (moj.go.jp).
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