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At Least About 5 Months
This is the estimated time from confirming eligibility to obtaining the visa. Please contact us well in advance.
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All Application Documents in Japanese
If you attach any documents not written in Japanese, please also attach a Japanese translation.
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Residence Status for Up to 2 Years
You can be granted the “Designated Activities” residence status (renewal required after one year).
Japanese speakers
What Is the Startup Visa?
The Foreign Entrepreneurship Promotion Project (Startup Visa) is carried out by local governments (Foreign Entrepreneurship Promotion Organizations) whose management support plans have been certified by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, with the aim of accepting more foreign entrepreneurs and promoting entrepreneurship. Osaka City was certified as a Foreign Entrepreneurship Promotion Organization on March 27, 2019.
Normally
To be granted the “Business Manager” residence status, you must have the following in place when you apply to the Immigration Services Agency:
- An office
- Full-time employees
- Capital or total investment of at least 30 million yen, etc.
Under This Program
Submit the Business Startup Preparation Plan, prepared with support from the Startup Visa Support Desk, to Osaka City.
If Osaka City determines that you are likely to meet the requirements for the “Business Manager” visa within one year, it issues a Confirmation Certificate.
By submitting this certificate and the required documents to the Immigration Services Agency and passing its review, you can be granted the “Designated Activities” residence status for up to two years (renewal required after one year).
Reference: Osaka City website
What the Startup Visa Support Desk Does
As the Startup Visa Support Desk for Osaka City’s Foreign Entrepreneurship Promotion Project, OIH accepts applications for Business Startup Preparation Plans, helps applicants prepare their plans, and supports the startup preparation activities of foreign entrepreneurs granted the “Designated Activities” residence status (Startup Visa) as they work toward obtaining the “Business Manager” residence status.
Accepting Applications
We accept applications for Business Startup Preparation Plans.
Help with Your Plan
We help you prepare your Business Startup Preparation Plan.
Support After You Obtain the Visa
After you obtain your residence status, we support your startup preparation activities toward switching to “Business Manager.”
Steps to Obtain the Visa
*It takes at least about five months from confirming eligibility to obtaining the Startup Visa.
Changing from a Long-Term Visa
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Applying from Overseas
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Support After You Obtain the Visa
Those who obtain the “Designated Activities” residence status after receiving Osaka City’s Confirmation Certificate for their Business Startup Preparation Plan have a monthly interview with the Support Desk. We support your startup preparation activities so that you can meet the requirements for the “Business Manager” residence status and renew your period of stay during the Startup Visa period.
| Interviews | Reviewing the progress of your startup preparation activities, answering your questions, and more |
|---|---|
| Consulting Specialists | If needed, you can also consult SME management consultants, tax accountants, and other specialists |
| Other Support | We also hold business seminars, business matching sessions, and networking events |
Application Forms and Q&A
Application forms and a Q&A about the program are available on the Osaka City website.
If You Are Considering Applying
Please contact us first using the inquiry form.
*It may take 2–3 business days for the office to reply.
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