Submit your business plan to your local government for approval.
You can write your business plan in English, but some local governments may require a Japanese translation.
After submitting your business plan, you will have an online interview, during which you will need to bring a Japanese interpreter. 

Once your business plan is approved, submit the approval and apply for a visa.
If AID-SPHERE applies at your request, the application will be submitted to the Japanese immigration bureau, ensuring a smooth visa process.
If you wish to apply in person while abroad, please apply at the nearest Japanese consulate.

While securing an office or establishing a company is not required under the Startup Visa, these must be accomplished during the two-year preparation period.
The requirements for a "Business Manager" visa are securing an independent business location and starting a business with an investment of 5 million yen or more (30 million yen or more from October 2025).
The easiest way to prove this investment is to incorporate a company.
After incorporating a company, you can apply for a corporate bank account, but each bank has its own confidential screening criteria, making opening an account difficult.

Once you meet the requirements for a "Business Manager" visa, you can renew your visa. This must be done within two years of entering Japan.
When you apply for the visa, you will initially be granted a one-year period of stay, but with multiple renewals, you may be granted a three- or five-year period of stay.