Designated Activities (Startup / Business Preparation)
Aspiring entrepreneurs given time in Japan to prepare a business before switching to Business Manager.
The Designated Activities (Startup / Business Preparation) is a Japanese business, talent & investor visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~¥4,000 on grant; municipality endorsement required) and processing time (~1-3 months including municipal screening), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Designated Activities (Startup / Business Preparation) is for
Aspiring entrepreneurs given time in Japan to prepare a business before switching to Business Manager.
Not a PR route itself; you switch to Business Manager, which then counts toward PR.
Designated Activities (Startup / Business Preparation) - eligibility criteria
- Business plan endorsed by a participating local government
- Plan to meet Business Manager requirements within the period
- Sufficient funds to live and prepare during the stay
- Realistic roadmap to investment/office/staff
Designated Activities (Startup / Business Preparation) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Designated Activities (Startup / Business Preparation) (Japan) is ~¥4,000 on grant; municipality endorsement required, with an indicative processing time of ~1-3 months including municipal screening. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Through a participating municipality / national strategic special zone; visa at a consulate |
| Length of stay | Up to 1 year (to prepare the business) |
| Work rights | Business-preparation activities only; not general employment |
| Study rights | Limited |
| Government fee | ~¥4,000 on grant; municipality endorsement required |
| Processing time | ~1-3 months including municipal screening |
| Route to PR | Not a PR route itself; you switch to Business Manager, which then counts toward PR. |
Pathway & next steps
Not a PR route itself; you switch to Business Manager, which then counts toward PR.
Many applicants also compare Business Manager · Business Manager, HSP (i) · Highly Skilled Professional (i). Run a free VisaChief check to see which Japanese route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Designated Activities (Startup / Business Preparation) pitfalls we fix
Designated Activities (Startup / Business Preparation) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Designated Activities (Startup / Business Preparation) cost?
The Designated Activities (Startup / Business Preparation) government fee is ~¥4,000 on grant; municipality endorsement required. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Immigration Services Agency of Japan before applying.
How long does the Designated Activities (Startup / Business Preparation) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-3 months including municipal screening. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Designated Activities (Startup / Business Preparation) lead to permanent residence?
Not a PR route itself; you switch to Business Manager, which then counts toward PR.
Can I work on the Designated Activities (Startup / Business Preparation)?
Work rights: Business-preparation activities only; not general employment.
Who can apply for the Designated Activities (Startup / Business Preparation)?
Aspiring entrepreneurs given time in Japan to prepare a business before switching to Business Manager.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Japan government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan - official Japan immigration authority