The national startup-visa framework, startup and residence-status preparation support in Tokyo, Osaka and Aichi, and one Nagoya office-rent subsidy.
Support for business ownersNational framework; applications use a certified implementing body for its approved target area
The Foreign Entrepreneurship Promotion Project, officially 外国人起業活動促進事業（スタートアップビザ） in Japanese, is a national framework under which foreign entrepreneurs prepare a startup in an approved implementing body's target area. It is not a nationwide one-stop application. The applicant first submits the startup-preparation plan to the body responsible for the intended area. After that body's confirmation, a regional immigration bureau separately examines residence status. Plan confirmation and its certificate do not guarantee immigration permission, renewal, or business success.
- Last reviewed
- 2026-08-28
Support for business ownersTokyo (startup preparation, business activity and office) / Japan (residence during preparation)
The Tokyo Startup Visa, officially 東京都スタートアップビザ（外国人起業活動促進事業）, is for foreign entrepreneurs preparing a new business and office in Tokyo while residing in Japan during preparation. Tokyo and Business Development Center TOKYO confirm the startup-preparation plan and issue the certificate; the regional immigration bureau separately examines the grant or renewal of Designated Activities. This is not a cash grant, and Tokyo's certificate does not guarantee residence status, renewal, or business success.
- Last reviewed
- 2026-08-28
Support for business ownersOsaka City for business preparation and the office / Japan for residence during preparation
The Osaka City Foreign Entrepreneurship Promotion Project, officially called 大阪市外国人起業活動促進事業 in Japanese, allows Osaka City to confirm a startup-preparation plan before the Osaka Regional Immigration Services Bureau separately examines residence status. Foreign entrepreneurs prepare the business and establish its office in Osaka City while residing in Japan during preparation. The Osaka Startup Visa is not cash support, and a city certificate does not guarantee residence status, renewal, or business success.
- Last reviewed
- 2026-08-28
Support for business ownersAichi Prefecture for startup preparation and the business office / Japan for residence during preparation
The Aichi Prefecture Foreign Entrepreneurship Promotion Program, 外国人起業活動促進事業 in Japanese, allows Aichi Prefecture to confirm a startup-preparation plan before the Nagoya Regional Immigration Services Bureau separately examines residence status. It is for foreign entrepreneurs starting an IT business in Aichi or a business that aims for high growth through innovative technology or services; the office is in Aichi Prefecture, while the applicant resides in Japan during preparation. The Aichi Startup Visa is not a cash grant, and prefectural confirmation does not guarantee residence status, renewal, or business success.
- Last reviewed
- 2026-08-28
Support for business ownersNagoya City, for an out-of-city company opening its first leased office that serves as a business establishment in the city
The Nagoya City Business Expansion Promotion Subsidy, officially 名古屋市企業進出促進補助金, supports part of the office rent when an out-of-city ICT company, foreign-owned company, startup company, or growth company meets its category definition and opens its first Nagoya business office in leased premises. It is not a Startup Visa or a startup grant for a foreign individual. Identify the company category and verify the floor area, staff stationed at opening, eligible rent, and filing order before signing a lease.
- Last reviewed
- 2026-08-28