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The “Startup Visa (Program Certified by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry)”is a scheme that can be used by local governments that have received planning authorization from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Sendai City has been approved to implement the “Startup Visa (Entrepreneurial Incentives for Foreigners)” to incentivize foreigners to be business entrepreneurs. The purpose of this scheme is to enhance the international competitiveness of industries and form a base for international economic activities in Japan. Foreigners who want to start a business in Sendai City can use this scheme to stay in Japan for up to two years in preparation for starting a business.

For a foreign entrepreneur to obtain the “Business Manager” status of residence it is necessary for the applicant to satisfy requirements such as establishing an office, in addition must either hire at least two full-time employees or have at least five million yen in business capital or total amount of capital contributions to the business at the time of submitting the application to the immigration bureau.

With the “Startup Visa (Program Certified by METI)” however, a up to two years “Designated Activities” status of residence may be granted even if such requirements are not met, in the case where the applicant submits the Startup Preparations Plan, etc. to Sendai City. When Sendai City confirms that the applicant is likely to fulfill the prerequisites, the immigration bureau assesses the applicant on the basis of the confirmation and grants the approval for the status of residence.

The foreign entrepreneur can utilize this period to complete the necessary procedures while doing their business.

Eligible Persons

Foreign nationals wishing to start a new business in Sendai City

Eligible Businesses

 Eligible businesses are those which are expected to strengthen the global competitiveness of industries of Sendai City and/or to promote job growth in the city, and fall within the following industrial sectors.

• Knowledge-creating industry (examples: semiconductor-related businesses, software development, content production, robot-related businesses, etc.)
• Industries related to health, medicine, public welfare, and education (examples: drug discovery businesses, medical technology development, regenerative medicine, development of welfare equipment, education-related businesses, etc.)
• Industries related to environment, energy, and Disaster Risk Reduction (examples: development of clean energy, next-generation power-storing technology, provision of products and services associated with Disaster Risk Reduction, etc.)
• Industries related to trading and tourism (examples :businesses contributing to the development of sales channels of products made in Sendai City, businesses associated with attracting foreign tourists, etc.)

New Applications

In order to use this scheme to receive the “Designated Activities” status of residence, you will need to receive confirmation of startup preparations plan by the City of Sendai, which is achieved by creating and submitting (new application) a startup preparations plan for the business you will begin in the City. The confirmation of startup preparations plan is the city’s judgment of whether the plan has the prospect of meeting the conditions pertaining to the business manager status of residence, within one year after arrival in Japan or the change of status of residence. The “Certificate of Confirmation of Startup Preparations Plan ” will be given to foreign entrepreneurs who have received confirmation. Upon receiving the certificate they can to apply for the Designated Activities Visa at the Sendai Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

Documents to Be Submitted (For New Applications)

Foreigners applying for confirmation of startup preparations plan shall create, prepare and submit all the documents below. If it is difficult to fill in the documents in Japanese, please contact us for assistance in filling in them in English.

1. Application Form for Confirmation of Startup Preparations Plan (Appended Form No. 1)（ワード：24KB）
2. Startup Preparations Plan (Appended Form No. 1-2)（ワード：32KB）
3. Timeline for Startup Preparations (Appended Form No. 1-3)（ワード：25KB）
4. Applicant Resume (Appended Form No. 1-4)（ワード：37KB）
5. Written Pledge (Appended Form No. 1-5)（ワード：24KB）
6. Notice of Change(Appended Form No.1-6）（ワード：22KB）
7. Documents that clarify your address for six months after you arrive in Japan or change your status of residence (e.g., copy of a rental agreement or copy of a rental application form)
8. Documents that clarify your expenses for staying in Japan forsix months after you arrive in Japan or change your status of residence (e.g., copy of your bankbook)
9. Documents such as copy of your graduation certificate, your certificate of student status, your certificate of employment
10. A copy of the applicant’s passport
11. Other necessary documents

Renewal Applications

Foreign entrepreneurs who have received the Designated Activities Visa using this scheme need to receive a new Confirmation of Startup Preparation Plan. This is achieved by creating and submitting (renewal application) a new Startup Preparations Plan (Renewal) to the City before the expiration of your period of residence.

The renewal of Confirmation of the Startup Preparations Plan is when the content of a new Startup Preparations Plan (Renewal) is judged by the City to see whether it has the prospect of meeting the requirements pertaining to the Business Manager Visa within six months after renewal of the period of residence.

The “Certificate of Confirmation of Startup Preparations Plan (Renewal)” will be given to foreign entrepreneurs who have received renewal confirmation. Upon receiving the certificate they can apply to renew their Designated Activities Visa at the Sendai Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

Documents to Be Submitted (For Renewal Applications )

Foreigners applying for Confirmation of Startup Preparations Plan shall create/prepare and submit all the documents below. If it is difficult to fill in the documents in Japanese, please contact us for assistance in filling in them in English.

1. Application Form for Confirmation of Startup Preparations Plan(Renewal)(Appended Form No.2)（ワード：22KB）
2. Startup Preparations Plan (Renewal) (Appended Form No. 2-2)（ワード：31KB）
3. Timeline for Startup Preparations (Renewal) (Appended Form No. 2-3)（ワード：22KB）
4. Notice of Change（Renewal)(Appended Form No.2-4）（ワード：21KB）
5. Documents that clarify your address for six months after renewal of the period of your residence (e.g., copy of a rental agreement or copy of a rental application form)
6. Documents that clarify your expenses for staying in Japan for six months after the renewal of your period of residence (e.g., copy of your bankbook)
7. Other necessary documents

SENDAI Startupvisa Consultation Desk（SSCD）

Sendai City offers free consultations regarding the application process for the Startup Visa.

• E-mail: sendai-startupvisa@gtn.co.jp

Leaflet

• SENDAI Startup Visa support（PDF：3,303KB）