Startup Visa (Designated Activities 44) → Business Manager Visa

Complete Guide by Gyoseishoshi Corporation Shionaga Office (Kumamoto City, Japan)

Japan’s Startup Visa (Designated Activities 44) is a special program that allows foreign entrepreneurs to stay in Japan for up to one year to prepare for launching a business. This system is designed for individuals who wish to start a company in Japan but have not yet met the requirements for the Business Manager Visa.

Gyoseishoshi Corporation Shionaga Office supports foreign entrepreneurs—especially those from Taiwan and other Asian countries—through the entire process, from Startup Visa application to obtaining the Business Manager Visa.

1. What Is the Startup Visa (Designated Activities 44)?

The Startup Visa is a temporary residence status that allows foreign entrepreneurs to stay in Japan to prepare for business establishment.

Normally, to obtain a Business Manager Visa, you must already have:

A registered company
A physical office in Japan
At least 5 million yen in capital or two full-time employees
A complete and feasible business plan

For many foreign entrepreneurs, meeting these requirements before entering Japan is difficult.

The Startup Visa solves this problem by granting a preparatory period to complete all necessary steps.

2. Length of Stay

Initial period: 6 months
Extension: Up to 1 year total, depending on the municipality’s evaluation

During this period, the entrepreneur must complete preparations to qualify for the Business Manager Visa.

3. Who Is Eligible?

To apply for the Startup Visa, you must:

Intend to start a business in Japan
Have a feasible and realistic business plan
Have sufficient funds for business preparation and living expenses
Obtain a Startup Support Confirmation Letter from a participating municipality

4. Application Process

The Startup Visa requires two separate applications:

Step 1: Apply to the Municipality for a “Startup Support Confirmation Letter”

The municipality (such as Kumamoto City) will review your business plan and confirm whether your project meets their startup support criteria.

Required Documents (Municipality)

Business plan
Financial plan
Resume / CV
Passport and Residence Card (if already in Japan)
Proof of funds (bank statements, etc.)
Market research materials, contracts, or letters of intent (if available)

If approved, the municipality will issue:

👉 Startup Support Confirmation Letter

Step 2: Apply to Immigration for the Startup Visa (Designated Activities 44)

Submit the confirmation letter to the Immigration Services Agency.

Required Documents (Immigration)

Application for Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or Application for Change of Status of Residence
Passport
Residence Card (if applicable)
Photo (4cm × 3cm)
Startup Support Confirmation Letter
Business plan
Proof of living expenses
Proof of residence (rental contract, etc.)

5. What You Can Do with the Startup Visa

During the Startup Visa period, you may:

Prepare your business plan
Register your company
Secure an office
Open a bank account
Conduct market research
Meet with clients and partners
Prepare for the Business Manager Visa

⚠ You are NOT allowed to work or engage in profit-making activities.

6. Transition to the Business Manager Visa

The ultimate goal of the Startup Visa is to obtain the Business Manager Visa, which allows full business operation and long-term residence.

Requirements for the Business Manager Visa

A legally established company
A physical office (not a virtual office)
Capital of 5 million yen or more, or at least two full-time employees
A feasible and detailed business plan
Evidence of actual business activities

Gyoseishoshi Corporation Shionaga Office provides full support for this transition.

7. Key Points Immigration Will Evaluate

1. Feasibility of the Business Plan

Clear market analysis, financial projections, and business model.

2. Entrepreneur’s Background

Experience and skills relevant to the business.

3. Financial Stability

Proof of sufficient funds for business and living expenses.

4. Ability to Meet Business Manager Visa Requirements

Immigration will assess whether you can realistically complete preparations within the Startup Visa period.

8. Common Reasons for Rejection

Business plan lacks detail or feasibility
Insufficient funds
No clear connection between applicant’s experience and business
Unclear or unrealistic financial projections
Inability to meet Business Manager Visa requirements within the time limit

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can I work while on the Startup Visa? No. Employment and profit-making activities are not permitted.

Q2. Can my family accompany me? Not during the Startup Visa period. Family members may join after obtaining the Business Manager Visa.

Q3. Can I apply from outside Japan? Yes. You may apply for the Startup Support Confirmation Letter from abroad.

Q4. How long does the process take? Municipality review: 1–2 months Immigration review: 1–3 months

10. Support Services by Gyoseishoshi Corporation Shionaga Office

✔ Business Plan Preparation

We create business plans that meet municipal and immigration standards.

✔ Municipality Application Support

We assist with communication and document preparation.

✔ Immigration Application Support

We prepare all required documents and handle submission.

✔ Company Establishment Support

From incorporation to office leasing.

✔ Business Manager Visa Application

Full support for transitioning from Startup Visa to Business Manager Visa.

Contact Us

Gyoseishoshi Corporation Shionaga Office Kumamoto City, Chuo Ward

📞 096-385-9002 📩 info@shionagaoffice.jp

We have extensive experience assisting Taiwanese and other international entrepreneurs in establishing businesses in Japan. If you are considering launching your business in Japan, feel free to contact us anytime.