How to Apply for a Startup Visa in Osaka
Saturday, August 17, 2019
Several cities in Japan are offering startup visas to innovative entrepreneurs, you could be one of them!
Osaka offers visas for up to one year for up and coming businesses.
Generally, if you want to start a business in Japan, you need to have at least 5 million yen to throw down, and two employees ready from the get go. The start-up visa makes it far easier to have your dream realized.
In order to be considered, all you really need alongside the necessary documentation is a business plan in Japanese, and proof of graduation. They also offer consultations in 17 different languages if you schedule an appointment, and visit the Osaka Business Development Agency in person.
The Process
You: Submit your business plan!↓
Osaka city: Looks it over and makes sure everything’s
on the up and up, consulting experts in your field,
then gives you a “Certificate of Confirmation.”
↓
You: Receive a 6 month residence card
from your nearest immigration bureau
↓
Osaka city: cheers you on!
Osaka offers support for all six months, and if necessary, you can renew for another 6 months until you get your feet on the ground. While you’re not allowed to have another job as you’re trying to start up your business, you are allowed to make money via “test marketing” of your product or service. You also need to have to have monthly interviews to discuss your progress with the Osaka Business Development Agency.
The Osaka Innovation Hub has a ton of events and seminars featuring useful information for entrepreneurs and startups. They’re the host of GET IN THE RING, an international event where startups battle it out in a pitch war. They also have a support desk that helps you get your business plan ready, and helps you set up your business in Osaka once you’ve got your visa. This handy FAQ lists even more services they offer, and their website has a calendar that shows all the fun and informational events they have coming up.
You can get more information about the start up visa process and documentation here.
Other cities also offer a one year visa for startups. Fukuoka was the first, but now you can apply in Tokyo, Nagoya, Gifu, and Kobe city.
Here’s another helpful resource about starting a business in Japan: http://www.japanvisa.com/news/japan-visa-self-sponsorship-entrepreneurs-and-others
If you have any other questions about a start up visa in Osaka city, you can contact the Osaka Business Development Agency at startupvisa@sansokan.jp, and they’ll reply to you in about 3 business days.
If you have questions about this article, you can send questions to: contact@izanau.com
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About the Author
I've been in love with Japan since I was twelve years old. After studying at Kansei Gakuin University and teaching for three years under the protection of Mount Tate in scenic Toyama prefecture (where you'll find the most beautiful Starbucks in the world), I returned stateside to attend Kent State University to get my Masters in Japanese Translation. Now I've been given the wonderful opportunity to intern at IZANAU for what's sure to be a glorious summer.
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