Kanagawa Startup VISA

(Japanese)

Start your business journey in Japan from Kanagawa Prefecture

Through eased residency requirements, Kanagawa Prefecture offers a program that facilitates a smooth pathway for foreign entrepreneurs to establish businesses. 

The Startup Visa (Program to Promote Entrepreneurial Activities by Foreign Nationals) is a program in Japan that supports foreign nationals in starting a business; for those establishing a company in Kanagawa Prefecture, the prefecture reviews applicants’ business plans and related documents in advance of the Immigration Services Agency’s screening, enabling a more flexible approach to meeting residency requirements.

In general, foreign nationals applying for “Business Manager” status of residence in Japan must satisfy several conditions at the time of application. These typically include securing a physical office, employing at least one full-time staff member, and investing a minimum of 30 million yen in capital. 

However, under the Kanagawa Startup Visa program, which is designed as a preparatory pathway for transitioning to a “Business Manager” visa, applicants may still be eligible even if these requirements have not yet been fulfilled. By submitting a “Startup Preparation Plan” along with supporting documents to Kanagawa Prefecture, applicants can undergo a preliminary review. If the plan is deemed feasible and likely to meet the required conditions within a specified period, the applicant may receive confirmation from the prefecture. Based on this confirmation, the Immigration Services Agency will conduct its screening and may grant a “Designated Activities” visa for a period of up to two years. During this time, applicants can carry out the preparatory activities necessary to transition to a “Business Manager” visa while actively advancing their startup plans.

Kanagawa Startup Visa Application Process

To utilize this program and obtain “Designated Activities” status, applicants are required to prepare and submit a “Startup Preparation Plan,” which outlines the business preparation activities for the venture to be conducted within Kanagawa Prefecture, along with the necessary supporting documents to Kanagawa Prefecture. After submission, Kanagawa Prefecture will conduct the “Startup Preparation Plan Confirmation”

The “Startup Preparation Plan Confirmation” refers to the official assessment conducted by Kanagawa Prefecture. Through this process, the prefecture evaluates whether the applicant’s business plan demonstrates sufficient feasibility and potential to meet the requirements for “Business Manager” status within the permitted period.

Application Process

Eligibility

Foreign nationals planning to start a business in Kanagawa Prefecture (in principle, those who currently reside outside Japan)

Eligible Businesses

(1) Pre-symptomatic Care, Life Sciences, and Welfare-Related Businesses
(2) Decarbonization and Environmental Energy-Related Businesses
(3) IT, AI, and Robotics-Related Businesses
(4) Mobility and Transportation Equipment Businesses
(5)Tourism, Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, and Food-Related Businesses
(6)Advanced Materials Businesses
(7)Aerospace Related Businesses
(8)Culture- and Arts-Related Industries
(9)In addition to the above, any business activities that are specifically recognized by the Governor of Kanagawa Prefecture as contributing to the resolution of social issues, the enhancement of the international competitiveness of industries within the prefecture, and the strengthening of its position as a hub for international economic activities.

All of the above must be businesses recognized as having novelty and growth potential.

Application form

（Appended Form No.1）Application for Confirmation of Business Startup（word：25KB）
（Appended Form No.1-2）Bsiness Plan（word：42KB）
（Appended Form No.1-3）Resume of the Applicant（word：40KB）
（Appended Form No.1-4）Written Oath（word：25KB）

References

Kanagawa Starup Visa Program Application and Utilization Guide [Coming Soon]
Kanagawa Startup Visa Program Q&A [Coming Soon]

 

Contact

For inquiries/consultations, please contact kanagawa-startup-visa★tsucrea.com (Replace “★” with “@”) with your name included in the email. The contracted company, TSUCREA Co., Ltd. will send you a URL for a detailed inquiry form within 2 business days. 
*Please note that inquiries are accepted via email or the inquiry form provided by the contracted company, not by phone.

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