① The document screening process takes approximately 1 to 2 weeks.
② Once you pass document screening, an interview will be set up. Pitch interviews will be conducted online.
‍③ The results of the interview will take 2 to 3 weeks. If you pass the interview, a confirmation certificate will be issued.
④ Approximately 1 to 2 weeks later (3 to 4 weeks may be required during vacation periods), the Mayor’s office will issue your approval letter.

Having a company already registered in Japan does not automatically disqualify an applicant from applying for a Startup Visa.
The Startup Visa is intended for foreign entrepreneurs who will engage in preparatory activities for starting a business after obtaining the visa.
In contrast, the Business Manager Visa is intended for foreign nationals who are already in a position to commence business operations immediately after obtaining the residence status.
If the applicant is already in a position to immediately commence business operations and meets the requirements for a Business Manager Visa, the Startup Visa may not be appropriate.
The appropriate visa category should be determined based on the applicant’s actual business status and preparedness.

Yes, the Startup Visa is still applicable as long as the applicant is the founder of the company, and will register it in Japan.

No, you don’t need to make a contract with a real estate agent at the application stage. We can also assist you with finding housing if you wish.

Yes.

Shibuya’s program includes Shibuya Startup Support, to help you both launch your business and with getting settled in Japan. We also have a PR team and a Community team, which provide support in promoting your company and consumer testing, respectively.

For a Startup Visa you are only required to have enough to make your business plan feasible. Looking to the future, switching from a Startup Visa to a Business Manager Visa requires a minimum of 30M yen capital.

The program is conducted in English.

Please submit the required documents.

We run support programs for ‘S-Startups Certified Companies’ and ‘Shibuya Ward Startup Visa holders’ (foreign entrepreneurs only).

For details on the eligibility criteria and application process for the Startup Visa, please refer to the following page:

The ‘S-Startups Certified Companies’ program is open to entrepreneurs from both Japan and overseas. We will announce the application period and eligibility criteria on the official Shibuya City website below as soon as they are finalized.

Shibuya Ward’s pilot project, ‘Testbed City Shibuya’, is open to anyone.

Please visit the following page for details on who can apply, how to apply, and examples of previously selected projects:

We hold regular networking events every Wednesday from 16:00 to 18:00 at the startup support hub Shibuya Bridge.

This event is open not only to startups receiving support, but also to anyone interested in the startup ecosystem, and can be used as an opportunity to build relationships, exchange information and receive feedback.

For the latest information on other events, please check our LinkedIn page.

Monthly Check-in is mandatory according to METI regulations, however monthly check-ins may be conducted online.