To receive this status of residence in the current system, the applicant must open a business office, hire two or more full-time employees, or have capital or investment of at least 5 million yen in total before submitting the application to the Immigration Services Agency.

However, in this “Startup Visa” program, the applicant can gain approval for a six-month “Business Manager” residential status even before satisfying these conditions. The applicant just needs to submit a business plan and other necessary information to Kanagawa Prefectural Government (hereafter referred to as K.P.G.). When K.P.G. confirms that the applicant is likely to fulfil the conditions within six months, the Immigration Services Agency will conduct an examination of the applicant on the basis of the confirmation, and grant the approval. The applicant can use the given six-month period to take the necessary procedures to obtain the full status of residence for Business Manager while setting up or running a business.

Going forward, the requirements for obtaining the Business Manager Visa may tighten, and it is anticipated that the requirements for obtaining the Startup Visa will be similarly affected. Further details will be posted on this webpage once finalized.