Checked against the official page on 2026-10-20. Part of Oak’s directory of Japanese business grants.
Before you apply
- The money is not up front. You pay for the whole project yourself. The grant reimburses a share of it (often half to two-thirds) after a completion report has been checked, typically 6 to 18 months after applying.
- Do not spend before approval. Costs ordered, contracted or paid before the official grant decision (交付決定) are usually not eligible.
- Competitive and strict. Business plans are scored against other applicants and many are rejected. Eligibility rules on company size, ownership and tax compliance are applied to the letter.
- Obligations continue after payment. Reports for up to five years, inspections, and targets in your plan. Missing them can mean repaying part or all of the grant.
| Japanese name | 外国人創業人材受入促進事業（東京都スタートアップビザ） |
|---|---|
| Level | Prefecture · Tokyo |
| Administered by | TMG; BDCT Akasaka desk |
| Type | startup visa |
| Maximum amount | 0 |
| Subsidy rate | n/a |
| Who can apply | Foreign nationals starting in 8 fields (finance, IT, env/energy, health, culture, food/agri, wholesale/retail, other) |
| Support organisation | BDCT desk; monthly TMG interviews |
| How to apply | n/a |
| Rounds and deadlines | Rolling |
| Adoption rate | n/a |
Can a foreign-owned company apply?
Foreign founders only
Points to note
Designated Activities 1 yr, renewable twice by 6 months (about 2 yrs max). Must then meet the new 経営・管理 rules: 30M capital, 1 full-time employee, etc.
Grant rules, amounts and deadlines change every round. Always work from the current application guidelines (公募要領) on the official page. This page is general information, not advice on your eligibility.
How Oak can help
Oak is a licensed gyoseishoshi (administrative scrivener) firm. We check eligibility before you spend time on an application, help set up the GビズID Prime account most programmes require, prepare and organise the supporting documents within the programme's rules, and handle the reporting that follows an award.