Japan Visa Guide for Digital Nomads & Startups (2025)

Looking to work remotely or start a business in Japan? Here's what you need to know about Japan's Digital Nomad Visa and Startup Visa programs, including eligibility, applications, and key deadlines.

Arriving in Japan soon? To make arrival as frictionless as possible, see our Japan Arrival Guide.

Quick Comparison

Digital Nomad Visa (Designated Activities)

The Designated Activities (Digital Nomad) visa launched March 31, 2024, allows remote workers employed outside Japan to live and work for up to six months.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: Must be from one of 49 eligible countries/territories
• Income: Minimum annual income of ¥10,000,000 (~$65,000 USD)
• Employment: Proof of remote employment for overseas clients or employer
• Health Insurance: Private health insurance covering ≥ ¥10,000,000 for treatment and repatriation
• Criminal Record: Clean criminal background check

Key Details

• Visa must be used to enter Japan within 3 months of issuance
• Once in Japan, you may stay up to 6 months
• Does not lead to permanent residency
• Cumulative total time including multiple entries cannot exceed 2 years maximum

Application Process

Gather documents:

• Visa application form
• Passport with ≥ 2 blank visa pages
• One passport-size photo
• Proof of income (tax returns, bank statements, employment contracts)
• Certificate of Eligibility (optional; speeds processing) OR apostilled criminal background check
• Health insurance certificate

Submit your application at a Japanese embassy or consulate (in person or via accredited agency)

Wait for processing (timeline varies by embassy)

Enter Japan within 3 months of visa issuance

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Relatively straightforward application
• 6-month stay period
• No Japanese language requirement

Cons

• High income requirement (¥10M annually)
• Limited to 49 eligible countries
• Does not lead to permanent residency
• Maximum 2 years cumulative (cannot extend beyond this)

Startup Visa

As of January 2025, Japan's Startup Visa is available nationwide with easier requirements. This visa is a preparatory stage before transitioning to a Business Manager Visa.

How It Works

The Startup Visa allows foreign entrepreneurs to stay in Japan for up to 2 years to prepare for starting a business. During this period, you work toward meeting the requirements for a Business Manager Visa.

Eligibility & Application

Requirements vary by municipality. Major programs include:

• Tokyo Startup Visa - Invest Tokyo
• Fukuoka City Startup Visa - Japan's first program
• Other participating municipalities - METI

Typically, you need to:

1. Have a viable business plan
2. Get accepted by a participating municipality or startup support organization
3. Receive a letter of recommendation from the organization
4. Apply for the visa at a Japanese embassy/consulate

Note: Time spent on a Startup Visa counts toward the 3-year management experience requirement for the Business Manager Visa.

Business Manager Visa

The Business Manager Visa is for foreign nationals who want to establish and operate a business in Japan. Major changes take effect October 16, 2025.

Current Requirements (Until October 15, 2025)

Note: These requirements only applied to applications processed before October 15, 2025, and are included here for historical reference.

• Capital: ¥5,000,000 minimum capital OR hire 2+ full-time employees
• Office: Physical business location in Japan
• Business Plan: Viable business plan

New Requirements (From October 16, 2025)

IMPORTANT: Requirements become significantly stricter

• Capital: ¥30,000,000 minimum (~$195,000 USD) - 6x increase
• Employment: Must hire ≥ 1 full-time employee (Japanese national, permanent resident, or equivalent status)
• Management Experience: ≥ 3 years of management experience OR master's degree in management-related field
  • Time on Startup Visa counts toward this requirement
• Japanese Language: Applicant OR full-time employee must have JLPT N2 or CEFR B2 level
• Business Plan: Must obtain review from external expert (certified public accountant or certified small and medium enterprise management consultant)
• Office: Physical business location in Japan

Application Timeline Considerations

Note: This timeline information is provided for historical context, as the October 15, 2025 deadline has passed.

• Applications submitted by October 15, 2025: Were reviewed under the previous (easier) criteria
• Applications from October 16, 2025 onward: Subject to new stricter requirements
• Current visa holders: Transitional period until October 16, 2028

Recommended Path for Entrepreneurs

Most foreign entrepreneurs follow this path:

1. Apply for Startup Visa (if eligible) - gives you up to 2 years to prepare
2. During Startup Visa period:
   • Develop your business plan
   • Secure funding (¥30M capital requirement)
   • Build management experience (counts toward 3-year requirement)
   • Study Japanese or hire Japanese-speaking staff
   • Get business plan reviewed by certified expert
3. Apply for Business Manager Visa before Startup Visa expires

Note: The ¥30M capital requirement and other stricter criteria now apply to all Business Manager Visa applications submitted after October 15, 2025.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Path to long-term residency in Japan
• Renewable as long as business operates successfully
• Full work authorization

Cons

• Very high capital requirement (¥30M from Oct 2025)
• Mandatory employee requirement
• Japanese language proficiency needed
• Complex application process
• Requires ongoing business viability

Which Visa Should You Choose?

Choose Digital Nomad Visa if:

• You work remotely for a foreign company
• You earn ¥10M+ annually
• You want to experience Japan for 3-6 months
• You don't plan to start a Japanese business

Choose Startup Visa if:

• You want to start a business in Japan
• You need time to prepare (raise capital, develop business plan)
• You're not ready for Business Manager Visa requirements
• You want to test your business concept in Japan

Choose Business Manager Visa if:

• You have an established business or sufficient capital (¥30M+)
• You meet all the management experience requirements
• You're ready to hire employees and commit long-term
• You want a renewable visa with path to permanent residency

Additional Resources

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Visa Information
• METI - Startup Visa Program
• Shibuya Startup Support - Guidance for entrepreneurs in Tokyo
• Full Japan Arrival Guide - Comprehensive guide for living in Japan

Important Notes

• Verify current requirements with official sources or an immigration attorney before applying
• Processing times vary by embassy
• Consider working with an immigration specialist for complex situations