The Wave of Startup Visa and Management/Administration Visa Revisions: "Aiding and Supporting" Local Governments Welcoming Foreign Entrepreneurs

October 16, 2025.Management visaThe stricter requirements for foreign entrepreneurs will be a major challenge for foreign entrepreneurs. If the capitalization is less than the existing5 million to 30 million yenThe hurdle will be raised dramatically, with the hiring of full-time staff and the qualifications (experience and education) of managers becoming mandatory.

However, the other side of this tightening is to attract foreign entrepreneurs with innovative ideas.Start-up visa" (a program to promote entrepreneurial activities by foreign nationals)The proactive efforts of the local governments involved are attracting attention, leveraging the This is a flexible system that provides a "run-in" period of preparation for starting a business in Japan for talented individuals who cannot meet the high requirements "out of the box," and supports their success in stages.

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🚀 Role of Startup Visas: "One Cushion" for Stricter

Start-up visa (Designated Activities)is a foreigner starting a business.exceptional measuresIt is. If a business plan, etc., prepared by the local government is accepted and approved by the Immigration Bureau, the applicant will be granted a status of residence for a maximum of two years.

• Deferment of securing business premises:. During the start-up visa period, although an independent place of business is required for the original business and management visa,coworking space.Shared OfficeThere are special exceptions that can be granted to establishments that can reduce initial costs, such as
• Deferment of funding:. To achieve the stricter 30 million yen capital requirement during the period of stayFundraising and business preparationYou can concentrate on
• Business continuity support:. Certified local governments provide full support to entrepreneurs in meeting the requirements (e.g., 30 million yen) for management and administration visas through assistance in developing business plans, mentoring, and providing networking opportunities.

This system was previously limited to National Strategic Special Zones, but now many municipalities throughout Japan (e.g., Fukuoka City, Aichi Pref,Kyoto (metropolitan area)The system has been introduced in Kobe City, Sendai City, Yokohama City, Shibuya Ward, and other cities in Japan,regional development (e.g. building infrastructure, roads, etc.)It is also expected to be a catalyst for

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🤝 Specific support measures by relevant local governments

The tightening of business and management visas is an indication of the government's intention to seek "quality entrepreneurs. In response to this national intention, local governments are not only issuing visas, but are also focusing on "companion support to make them successful.

Support	Examples of Municipal Initiatives	aim
Brush up on your business plan	Confirmation and guidance on business plans by specialists such as SME diagnosticians and certified public accountants.	Support for preparation in anticipation of the "expert evaluation" mandated by the new standards.
Fundraising Support	Providing matching opportunities with venture capitalists and financial institutions.	A concrete path toward achieving the new capital requirement of 30 million yen is presented.
Flexibility in business location requirements	Temporary permission to use a municipally-approved co-working space or incubation facility.	Provides an environment in which initial costs can be reduced and the business can focus on its offices.
networking	Holding exchange meetings with local businesses, universities, and the foreign resident community.	Support the early establishment of a livelihood and business foundation in the community.

Particularly,local governmentThe "Japan Housing Fund" (JHF) aims to avoid the concentration of people in the Tokyo area and revitalize local economies by providing housing support and information on daily life.Attentive supportand compete to attract foreign entrepreneurs.

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✍️ Summary: Turning Institutional Change into Opportunity

At first glance, the tightening of the Management and Administration visa may seem to close the door, but for foreign entrepreneurs who want to set up "innovative and effective businesses" in Japan in conjunction with the Start-up visa,A solid route to entrepreneurial success with public supportIt can also be said that the

The role of the local governments involved goes beyond simply accepting applications,An incubator for future innovators."This is a qualitative change to Foreign entrepreneurs are expected to take full advantage of this "aiding and abetting support" to breathe new life into the Japanese economy.

Would you like me to elaborate on the specific initiatives of a particular local government that supports the startup visa?