Tokyo Startup Visa at BDC Tokyo: Application Steps and Free Support

Information current as of March 2026 based on the Invest Tokyo official Startup Visa page, BDC Tokyo, METI Startup Visa overview, and the TMG Startup Visa Q&A.

Since October 2025, the Business Manager visa requires ¥30 million in capital — six times the old threshold. For most first-time founders, that number is out of reach on day one. The Tokyo Startup Visa exists precisely for this situation: it gives you a legal residence status to build your business in Tokyo before you need to meet the full requirements.

This guide walks through the exact application process at BDC Tokyo, what documents you need, and how to use their free support services.

What is BDC Tokyo?

Business Development Center TOKYO (BDC Tokyo) is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's one-stop support center for foreign entrepreneurs and companies entering Tokyo. It is your primary contact point for the Tokyo Startup Visa application.

Tokyo Startup Visa: how it works

The Startup Visa (外国人起業活動促進事業 / gaikokujin kigyō katsudō sokushin jigyō) grants a "Designated Activities" (特定活動 / tokutei katsudō) residence status for 1 year, extendable in 6-month increments up to 2 years total. During this period, you prepare your business — register a company, secure an office, open bank accounts, hire staff — and work toward meeting the full Business Manager visa requirements.

Time spent under the Startup Visa now counts toward the 3-year management experience requirement. For a full overview of the national program, see our Japan Startup Visa guide.

Step-by-step: Tokyo application process

Step 1: Pre-consultation with BDC Tokyo

Book a free consultation at the Akasaka Desk (in person, online, or by phone). Bilingual consultants will review your business concept and explain eligibility criteria. Bring a draft business concept or pitch deck if you have one.

Step 2: Prepare and submit documents

Submit the following to BDC Tokyo (Akasaka Desk) by email:

Forms are available on the Invest Tokyo Startup Visa page. Documents can be submitted in Japanese or English. If in English, submit both a Word file and a signed PDF.

Step 3: TMG business plan review

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government reviews your plan with input from business experts. They assess whether your business is likely to lead to a viable Business Manager visa application. Key evaluation criteria:

• Industry fit: Does your business strengthen Tokyo's international competitiveness? Eligible sectors include IT, fintech, healthtech, energy, food/agriculture, retail, culture, and other governor-approved fields.
• Feasibility: Is the plan realistic? Financial projections, revenue model, and market strategy must be concrete.
• Visa transition likelihood: Can you plausibly meet the Business Manager visa requirements within the startup period?

Review takes approximately 1–2 months if documents are complete. Incomplete submissions or high application volumes can extend this.

Step 4: Receive Confirmation Certificate

If approved, the TMG issues a Certificate of Confirmation of Business Startup Activities (起業準備活動確認証明書 / kigyō junbi katsudō kakunin shōmeisho). This is the key document you need for the next step.

Step 5: Apply for Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Submit the TMG confirmation certificate along with your COE application to the Immigration Services Agency. Processing takes 1–3 months. Once approved, take the COE to a Japanese embassy or consulate to receive your visa.

Step 6: Enter Japan and start building

After arriving, you have up to 1 year to prepare your business. The TMG will conduct monthly check-in interviews to monitor your progress — expect to show bank statements, incorporation documents, and evidence of business preparation activities.

Support services at BDC Tokyo (all free)

• Business plan consultation: One-on-one sessions with bilingual consultants who have international business experience
• Professional introductions: Referrals to lawyers, judicial scriveners (司法書士), administrative scriveners (行政書士), CPAs, and tax accountants
• Business matchmaking: Connections to potential partners, clients, and suppliers in Tokyo
• Office and lifestyle support: Help finding office space, housing, and navigating daily life in Tokyo
• Online consultation: Available if you are overseas or cannot visit in person

Key timeline summary

Useful Japanese phrases

スタートアップビザの申請について相談したいです。
Sutātoappu biza no shinsei ni tsuite sōdan shitai desu.
— I'd like to consult about the Startup Visa application.

事業計画書を見ていただけますか？
Jigyō keikakusho wo mite itadakemasu ka?
— Could you review my business plan?

英語で対応していただけますか？
Eigo de taiō shite itadakemasu ka?
— Can you assist me in English?

Related guides:

• Business Manager Visa 2025 Reform: Complete Guide
• Japan Startup Visa Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs