The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry launched the Foreign Entrepreneurship Promotion Project in 2018 with the aim of inviting more foreign entrepreneurs to Japan. Entrepreneurs who meet the conditions can not only obtain a residence permit (startup visa) for up to one year, but can also take advantage of designated local government subsidy programs. We will explain specific examples of support measures that can be utilized and the procedures for applying.
Furthermore, Dreaman,co,ltd.’s international business support services provide consistent support from coming up with ideas and strategies for starting a business to actually starting the business.
We also offer a free consultation service, which is widely used by people who have business ideas or are thinking about starting a business, so please feel free to take advantage of it.
table of contents
- What is the Foreign Entrepreneurship Promotion Program?
- The aim is to expand the acceptance of foreign entrepreneurs and promote business startups
- If you meet the requirements during the period, you can change your visa to “Business Manager”
- Certified local government
- The residence status requirements for foreigners living in Japan have also been relaxed.
- If you meet certain conditions, such as submitting documents, you can apply for a “Business Manager” visa.
- Investment by multiple people is now permitted
- How to get help with opening a business in Tokyo
- Tokyo Business Start-up One-Stop Center
- Foreign Resident Support Center
- Business Concierge Tokyo
- Take advantage of local government programs to promote business startups for foreigners
What is the Foreign Entrepreneurship Promotion Program?
The Foreign Entrepreneurship Promotion Project is a project led by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry that was launched in December 2018. It aims to create an environment in which it is easy for foreigners to start businesses and to promote the invitation of foreign entrepreneurs.
The following three organizations are mainly involved in the project to promote entrepreneurial activities by foreigners.
- Local governments : Creating and implementing management and support programs, selecting applicable foreign nationals
- Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry : Certification of programs created by local governments
- Regional Immigration Bureau : Examination of “Designated Activities” status of residence, decision on whether to permit or deny
The aim is to expand the acceptance of foreign entrepreneurs and promote business startups
The Foreign Entrepreneurship Promotion Program is a program aimed at expanding the acceptance of foreign entrepreneurs and promoting the start-up of businesses. It is only for foreigners who are expected to start a business within one year, and they will be granted a “Designated Activities” status of residence until they start their business. In addition, if they are certain to start a business within six months, they will be granted a “Business Manager” (start-up activities) status of residence, just like the Special Zone System.
If you meet the requirements during the period, you can change your visa to “Business Manager”
If you meet the following two requirements, you can change your residence status to “Business Manager”.
- The foreign national must invest 5 million yen or more.
- Securing an independent place of business
If you obtain a “business manager” visa, you can also take over a third party’s business.
Certified local government
The following local governments are certified organizations for the Foreign Entrepreneurship Promotion Project:
The residence status requirements for foreigners living in Japan have also been relaxed.
The Foreign Entrepreneurship Promotion Program will relax the residence status requirements not only for foreigners who are coming to Japan to start a business within one year, but also for foreigners who are already residing in Japan. We will explain the main relaxation measures.
If you meet certain conditions, such as submitting documents, you can apply for a “Business Manager” visa.
Foreign nationals already residing in Japan can also change their residence status to “business manager” by meeting the following requirements.
- Invest more than 5 million yen
- Securing an independent place of business
The office must be in the name of a company.
Investment by multiple people is now permitted
When a foreigner who is already residing in Japan starts a business, the number of investors is not an issue. However, in order for all investors to be foreign nationals and to obtain the “Business Manager” status of residence, the following requirements must be met.
- Each investor must invest 5 million yen or more.
- Clarify the division of responsibilities for each investor
How to get help with opening a business in Tokyo
The Foreign Entrepreneurship Promotion Program provides support to 16 local governments. Subsidy systems also differ depending on the local government, so be sure to check the support offered in the area where you plan to start your business.
Support for each local government is provided by local support centers. In Tokyo, the following support centers are available:
- Tokyo Business Start-up One-Stop Center
- Foreign Resident Support Center
- Business Concierge Tokyo
Tokyo Business Start-up One-Stop Center
The Tokyo Business Start-up One-Stop Center is a support center jointly operated by the national government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. All of the following administrative procedures required for establishing a corporation or starting a business can be carried out at the center.
- Articles of incorporation certification
- Company Registration
- Tax consultation, tax payment procedures
- Pension and social insurance consultation and procedures
- Immigration
Reference: Tokyo Business Start-up One-Stop Center
Foreign Resident Support Center
The Foreign Resident Support Center is a support center run by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. It holds consultation sessions on residence status and provides legal support.
Reference: Foreign Resident Support Center
Business Concierge Tokyo
Business Concierge Tokyo is an application reception center for business plan certification. We provide not only business-related assistance but also assistance with fundraising.
Reference: Business Concierge Tokyo
Take advantage of local government programs to promote business startups for foreigners
The national and local governments are implementing projects to promote business startups for foreigners.
The system has been revised to make it easier to obtain the “business manager” visa required to start a business, so now is a great time to start a business. Make the most of it and start your own business in Japan.
Doryman Co., Ltd.’s support services
Dreaman,co,ltd. is a Japanese marketing agency that fully supports overseas companies looking to grow in the Japanese market. We provide a variety of marketing services to support smooth market entry into Japan, and with the experience of numerous successful projects, we can promote lead acquisition and growth in new markets.
If you are considering entering the Japanese market, please feel free to contact us.
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