Kanagawa Startup Visa Has Not Ended: Key Points After the New Business Manager Visa Criteria
The Kanagawa Startup Visa Has Not Ended
But Planning for the New Business Manager Criteria Is Essential
The Kanagawa Startup Visa is a special scheme for foreign entrepreneurs who plan to start a business in Kanagawa Prefecture and need time to prepare before fully satisfying the normal Business Manager requirements.
Kanagawa Prefecture still publishes official information on this program. If the prefecture confirms that the applicant’s startup activity plan is likely to satisfy the Business Manager requirements within six months, the Immigration Services Agency will examine the case based on that confirmation, and a six-month Business Manager status is normally granted.
However, since the Business Manager criteria were significantly tightened on October 16, 2025, applicants must now plan carefully for the new standards from the beginning.
What is the Kanagawa Startup Visa?
The Kanagawa Startup Visa is a special scheme recognized in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is designated as a National Strategic Special Zone, to promote entrepreneurship by foreign nationals.
Under the normal Business Manager status, foreign entrepreneurs generally need to prepare an office in Japan, employ at least one eligible full-time employee, and secure JPY 30 million or more in capital or investment before applying to immigration.
Under the Kanagawa Startup Visa, even if these requirements have not yet been fully satisfied, the applicant may submit a startup activity plan to Kanagawa Prefecture. If the prefecture confirms that the applicant is likely to meet the normal Business Manager requirements within six months, the applicant may proceed to immigration screening and normally receive a six-month Business Manager status.
The program continues, but old explanations may be dangerous
Older explanations of startup visa programs often referred to JPY 5 million in capital, two full-time employees, or a later change to Business Manager status within six months.
However, from October 16, 2025, the normal Business Manager criteria were revised. The new framework places importance on JPY 30 million or more in capital or investment, at least one eligible full-time employee, B2-level Japanese language ability, and management experience or a relevant degree.
The Kanagawa Startup Visa does not permanently waive the Business Manager requirements. It gives a preparation period so that the applicant can work toward satisfying the normal Business Manager criteria within six months.
Relationship with the new Business Manager criteria
| Item | Direction under the normal Business Manager criteria | Practical point for the Startup Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Business office | A real and independent business office in Japan is required. | The applicant should show a concrete plan to secure a proper office within six months. Virtual offices and home offices require careful review. |
| Capital or investment | JPY 30 million or more in capital or investment is required. | A concrete funding, remittance, or investment plan is essential to show that the requirement can be met within six months. |
| Full-time employee | At least one eligible full-time employee must be employed. | The employee’s status, hiring schedule, salary, and employment conditions should be reviewed in advance. |
| Japanese language ability | Either the applicant or an eligible full-time employee should have Japanese ability equivalent to B2. | If the foreign entrepreneur does not meet the Japanese language standard, the hiring structure may need to be designed carefully. |
| Management experience or degree | Management experience, a relevant degree, or equivalent background is important. | Resume, academic records, past business experience, and supporting documents should be checked early. |
Who is eligible?
According to Kanagawa Prefecture, the program is intended for foreign nationals who plan to start a business in Kanagawa Prefecture, and in principle for those currently residing outside Japan.
If an applicant already resides in Japan under another status of residence, whether this program can be used must be checked carefully. The Kanagawa program and the METI-type startup visa are often confused, but their legal structure and practical handling may differ.
Eligible business fields
Kanagawa Prefecture lists the following types of eligible businesses:
- ME-BYO and life science businesses
- Energy-related businesses
- IT and robotics businesses
- Tourism-related businesses
- Other businesses specially recognized by the Governor of Kanagawa as contributing to the international competitiveness of Kanagawa’s industries and its role as an international economic hub
Not every business will automatically qualify. The business model, growth potential, reason for choosing Kanagawa, and potential contribution to the local economy should be explained clearly.
General application flow
- Organize the business to be carried out in Kanagawa Prefecture
- Prepare the startup activity plan, schedule, resume, pledge, and other documents
- Apply to Kanagawa Prefecture for confirmation of the startup activity plan
- Receive a confirmation certificate from Kanagawa Prefecture
- Apply to the Immigration Services Agency for a Certificate of Eligibility with the confirmation certificate and supporting documents
- Enter Japan and carry out startup preparation activities during the six-month period
- Prepare for Business Manager renewal by securing office, capital, employee structure, Japanese-language system, and supporting documents
Practical cautions
1. Do not assume that six months is enough without planning
The Startup Visa gives a preparation period, but the feasibility of meeting the normal Business Manager criteria within six months is reviewed from the beginning. Capital, office, hiring, and Japanese-language capacity should not be postponed.
2. The business plan should be based on the new criteria
A plan based on the old JPY 5 million framework may no longer be sufficient. Sales projections, funding plan, hiring plan, permits, prospective clients, and market analysis should be concrete and evidence-based.
3. The reason for starting the business in Kanagawa matters
Because this is a Kanagawa program, the applicant should be able to explain why Kanagawa is the appropriate base, including connections to Yokohama, Kawasaki, local industries, clients, partners, or business opportunities.
4. Immigration screening is still required
Receiving confirmation from Kanagawa Prefecture does not automatically guarantee immigration approval. The Immigration Services Agency separately reviews the residence status requirements and the applicant’s individual circumstances.
The Kanagawa Startup Visa involves both prefectural confirmation and immigration screening. The business plan should be prepared with both processes in mind from the beginning.
How our office can help
Tommy’s Legal Service provides support for the Kanagawa Startup Visa, Business Manager status, company formation, and immigration planning for foreign entrepreneurs.
- Initial feasibility check for the Kanagawa Startup Visa
- Review of business field, business model, and the reason for choosing Kanagawa
- Support for startup activity plans, schedules, resumes, and related documents
- Planning for how to satisfy the new Business Manager criteria within six months
- Company formation, office planning, permits, and hiring plan review
- Document preparation and immigration filing support for the Certificate of Eligibility
- English communication support for foreign entrepreneurs
Program details may change. Please check the official information published by Kanagawa Prefecture and the Immigration Services Agency of Japan before applying.
Kanagawa Prefecture: Kanagawa Startup Visa
Immigration Services Agency of Japan: Revision of the Business Manager criteria
Consult us about starting a business in Kanagawa
The Kanagawa Startup Visa continues to exist, but the target after six months has become much more demanding because of the 2025 Business Manager reform.
If you are a foreign entrepreneur planning to start a business in Kanagawa, or if you support overseas founders who want to enter Japan, early planning is strongly recommended.
Gyoseishoshi Registration No.: 21080644 / Immigration Application Agent No.: 行-132021200250 / Registered Support Organization No.: 26登-013083
