Japan Business Platform

List of Prefectures/Cities Offer Startup Visas in Japan

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As of July 21, 2024, the following Prefectures/Cities in Japan are authorized to issue Startup Visas, part of the “Entrepreneurial Incentives for Foreigners” scheme:

Authorized Prefectures/Cities:

Prefecture Level:

City and Other Level:

Eligible Industries by Prefectures/Cities

The eligible industries vary by prefecture and city. Here, we will highlight a selection:

Sendai City – Miyagi Prefecture

  • Knowledge-Creating Industries (e.g., semiconductor-related industries, software development, content production, robotics, etc.)
  • Health, Medical, Welfare, and Education-Related Industries (e.g., pharmaceutical ventures, medical technology development, regenerative medicine, welfare equipment development, language and other educational-related businesses, etc.)
  • Environmental, Energy, and Disaster Prevention-Related Industries (e.g., clean energy development, next-generation energy storage technology, provision of products and services related to disaster prevention, etc.)
  • Trade and Tourism-Related Industries (e.g., businesses contributing to the overseas market expansion of local products, businesses related to attracting foreign tourists, etc.)

Tokyo Metropolitan Area (Shibuya Ward) – Tokyo Metropolitan

  • Health, Medical, Welfare
  • Environment/Energy
  • Food/Agriculture/Forestry/Fisheries
  • Information Technologies
  • Culture/Art
  • Fashion

Hamamatsu City – Shizuoka Prefecture

  • The seven growth sectors specified in the second phase of the Hamamatsu Industrial Innovation Plan:
    1. Next-Generation Transportation Equipment
    2. Health and Medical
    3. New Agriculture
    4. Environment and Energy
    5. Optics and Electronics
    6. Digital
    7. Robotics
  • Businesses aiming for growth using innovative technologies and services
  • Other sectors recognized by the mayor

Fukuoka City – Fukuoka Prefecture

In Fukuoka City, it is possible to apply for a startup visa in the following industries:

  • Knowledge-Creating Industries (e.g., fintech, semiconductor-related industries, software development, content production, robotics, etc.)
  • Health, Medical, and Welfare-Related Industries (e.g., pharmaceutical ventures, medical technology development, regenerative medicine, welfare equipment development, etc.)
  • Environmental and Energy-Related Industries (e.g., green tech, clean energy development, next-generation energy storage technology, global information systems, etc.)
  • Logistics-Related Industries (e.g., global SCM services, 3PL services, international courier services, drone logistics development, etc.)
  • Trade-Related Industries (e.g., businesses contributing to the overseas market expansion of local products, businesses utilizing the functions of Hakata Port and Fukuoka Airport, etc.)

Special Zones:

Certain municipalities like Fukuoka and Kobe offer additional relaxed regulations under the National Strategic Special Zone initiatives, allowing a more extended preparation period and reduced initial requirements for office space and employee hiring.

Key Points:

  • Each municipality offers specific support and resources tailored to the needs of foreign entrepreneurs.
  • Typically, entrepreneurs must submit a “Business Start-up Activity Plan” and other required documents to the municipality.
  • The Startup Visa allows a stay of up to one year, with an initial period of six months which can be renewed.
  • The conditions, documentation requirements, and available support vary by municipality.

https://www.meti.go.jp/policy/newbusiness/startupvisa/index.html