Japan extends the period of startup visas and increases visa fees starting April 1
The length of the startup visa under the defined activities category has been extended, and visa application fees have increased as a result of revisions to Japan's immigration laws published last…
The length of the startup visa under the defined activities category has been extended, and visa application fees have increased as a result of revisions to Japan's immigration laws published last week. According to the authorities, these measures, which take effect on April 1, are a component of the government's plan to draw in international talent and encourage innovation.
Fee adjustments for applying for a visa
For various applications, updated costs are applicable for both online and offline submissions. The most recent prices are:
¥6,000 (Rs 3,300) for a physical file and ¥5,500 (Rs 3,024) for an online filing, up from ¥4,000 (Rs 2,200) for a status change or stay extension.
For both filing methods, the permanent residence requirement was raised from ¥8,000 (Rs 3,400) to ¥10,000 (Rs 5,500).
Multiple re-entry permit: Previously ¥6,000 (3,300), now ¥7,000 (Rs 3,850) for physical filing and ¥6,500 (Rs 3,574) online.
Certificate of Authorized Employment (CAE): Increased from ¥1,200 (Rs 660) to ¥2,000 (Rs 1,100) for in-person filing and ¥1,600 (Rs 880) for online filing.
Every year on April 1st, visa costs are modified, and for some nations, they may be waived. Citizens of nations with reciprocal agreements are still the only ones eligible for multiple-entry visas.
The duration of startup visa doubled
The startup visa's six-month stay length, which could only be renewed once, has been significantly increased to two years by the Immigration Services Agency (ISA). The expanded overall term gives entrepreneurs more time to launch their businesses, even though the six-month visa period stays the same. The program will also be accessible statewide beginning in January 2025, rather than only in particular areas like Tokyo and Fukuoka. Due to this increase, entrepreneurs looking to establish firms around Japan may now more easily get the visa.
What is the startup visa?
The startup visa facilitates the establishment of international companies in Japan. Important characteristics include:
Duration: Extending from January 2025 to two years.
Submission of a thorough business plan and approval from a participating municipality are prerequisites. Office space or an immediate capital investment is not necessary.
Before moving on to the Business Manager Visa, which calls for opening a business office, investing ¥5 million (about Rs 32.8 lakh), or employing two full-time staff, the startup visa acts as a transitional period.
New prospects for business owners
Traditional entrance restrictions, such as urgent operational requirements, are removed by the enlarged program. Now, business owners can invest money in company expansion rather than initial expenditures. Following the latest directives from Japan's Financial Services Agency, open bank accounts with fewer than six months of residency. The government of Japan is promoting the nation as a centre for deep tech and cutting-edge sectors including biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and healthcare. The Global Startup Campus, which is scheduled to be built in Tokyo after 2028, is one initiative that aims to promote cooperation between companies and academic institutions. "We will be able to have more Indian workers support Japan's economic growth in the coming months and years," said Sibi George, India's ambassador to Japan, during a 2023 event held at the Indian Embassy.
