The Startup Visa initiative, approved by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), is designed to help skilled entrepreneurs establish impactful businesses in Japan. This visa is a temporary, conditional residence permit aimed at those who wish to build a company but lack the time and financial resources to apply for a business manager visa.

Key Details:

Duration: The visa is offered for 6 months to 1 year, depending on the municipality.
Eligibility: Entrepreneurs must present a viable business plan and other required documents.
Municipalities Offering the Visa: Tokyo, Kanagawa, Sendai, Kitakyushu, Niigata, Kyoto, Aichi, Kobe, Ibaraki, Hokkaido, Mie, Fukuoka, Gifu, and Osaka.

Application Process:

Document Preparation: Prepare business plan, financial statements, and personal information.
Submission: Submit documents to the designated Business Innovation Center.
Interview: Attend an interview with the Business Innovation Center.
Certification of Eligibility: Obtain a letter of support and apply for the Certification of Eligibility at the Immigration Bureau.
Visa Issuance: Upon approval, receive the initial 6-month visa and enter Japan as an entrepreneur.

Comparison with Other Visas: The Startup Visa is distinct from other working visas as it specifically supports entrepreneurs initiating new businesses. Unlike the Business Manager Visa, it does not require a physical office space initially, focusing instead on the business plan and growth potential.

Benefits:

Lower Barrier to Entry: Simplifies the process of starting a business in Japan without needing a high bank balance or physical office initially.
Access to Local Networks and Resources: Provides abundant networking opportunities and resources to support startups.
Financial Support: Offers various government subsidies and incentives to alleviate financial pressures on new businesses.

Things to Note:

Limited Period of Stay: The visa is valid for 6 months to 1 year, after which entrepreneurs must apply for a Business Management Visa.
Municipality-specific Restrictions: Each municipality has unique criteria and restrictions, so it’s essential to review these before applying.
Conversion to Business Management Visa: Entrepreneurs will eventually need to apply for a more permanent visa to continue their business operations in Japan.

Popular Startup Cities:

Shibuya: Focuses on health, environment, food, IT, and culture.
Hokkaido: Emphasizes local agriculture, food industries, tourism, and manufacturing.
Kobe: Supports IT, health, environment, and logistics.

Japan’s Startup Visa offers a valuable opportunity for entrepreneurs to launch and grow their businesses in a supportive and innovative environment. By lowering traditional barriers to entry and providing extensive resources, Japan fosters a thriving ecosystem for global innovators.

Source courtesy: https://scalingyourcompany.com/

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