Startup Visa FAQ
(Program to support foreign entrepreneurs in National Strategic Special Zones)

1. The Scheme of the Startup Visa
(Program to support foreign entrepreneurs in National Strategic Special Zones)

Question 1: Who is eligible to use this program?

Answer 1:

This program (i.e., Startup Visa by National Strategic Special Zone) is a special measure designed to promote the acceptance of foreign entrepreneurs in National Strategic Special Zones. In principle, it is available to foreign nationals who wish to start a new business in Fukuoka City.

The application process must be completed by the applicant themselves.

Question２: What are the merits of this program? Also, what are the differences with other types of status of residence ordinarily granted by the immigration bureau?

Answer 2:

This program was established as a special case under the "Business Manager" status of residence. Normally, foreign entrepreneurs must meet the following requirements to qualify for the 'Business Manager' status of residence: 1) hiring at least two full-time employees or having capital/investments exceeding five million yen, and 2) securing office space.

Under this program, foreign entrepreneurs will be granted a six-month status of residence as a preparatory period for starting a business (business startup activities), provided they are highly likely to meet these requirements within six months of their arrival in Japan and their business plans are deemed feasible.

While the Immigration Bureau normally approves the status of residence, this program involves two steps. First, the applicant must be granted the Confirmation of Business Startup Activities from Fukuoka City. Then, the applicant submits the Certificate of Business Startup Activities Confirmation issued by Fukuoka City (along with any other required documents) to the Fukuoka Regional Immigration Bureau.

If you believe that you already fulfill the requirements for the "Business Manager" status of residence, we recommend applying directly for the standard "Business Manager" visa at the Immigration Bureau. If you are planning to start a business in Fukuoka City in the near future and expect to complete your preparations within six months, we encourage you to take advantage of this program and engage in business startup activities in Fukuoka City.

Question３: I already have a different status of residence, but I am planning to start a new business. Am I eligible to use this program?

Answer 3:

Student visa holders are now eligible to use this program, but other visa holders are not.

However, under the Startup Visa program by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (i.e., Startup Visa by METI), it is possible to switch from other status of residence.

*For more details, please visit the METI website.

Question４: If the Certificate of Business Startup Activities Confirmation is issued by Fukuoka City, does it mean that my “Business Manager” status of residence is guaranteed?

Answer 4:

Although the Certificate of Business Startup Activities Confirmation issued by Fukuoka City is an important document in the screening process conducted by the Fukuoka Regional Immigration Bureau, having the certificate does not guarantee approval of the relevant status of residence.

Question５: What aspects of “business startup activities” will be checked? Is the confirmation of business startup activities not granted in some cases?

Answer 5:

The submitted New Business Implementation Plan (NBIP) and other documents are evaluated to determine whether there is a high likelihood of approval for the standard 'Business Manager' status of residence after the six-month preparatory period (business startup activities). The confirmation of business startup activities will be granted if it is deemed sufficiently likely that the application for the status of residence will be successful. For a successful application, the NBIP and its supporting documents should clearly include the following details:

 

Question６: I am currently residing overseas and plan to move to Japan in the future. Am I eligible to apply?

Answer 6:

You are eligible to apply.
However, this program is intended for those who plan to engage in business startup activities in Fukuoka City during the six-month stay and to launch a business that fulfills certain requirements. The confirmation of business startup activities will be granted to those whose plans demonstrate a high possibility of successfully starting a business. If the planned startup activities in Fukuoka City are deemed insufficient, the confirmation of business startup activities may not be granted.

Question７: I am currently living outside Fukuoka City (in Japan); am I eligible to apply for this program? I am currently living in Fukuoka City and plan to move outside Fukuoka City in the near future; am I still eligible to apply?

Answer 7:

There are no restrictions on the applicant’s current address. However, the six-month business startup activities must be done in Fukuoka City, and the new business office must also be established in Fukuoka City. If the applicant resides in an area that is not suitable for engaging in the business startup activities in Fukuoka City during this period, it may be unable to obtain the confirmation of business startup activities for the NBIP.

Question８: I am currently living in Fukuoka City and planning to establish a business office outside Fukuoka City. Am I eligible to use this program?

Answer 8:

This program is available to foreign nationals who will engage in business startup activities, establish a business office, and start a new business, all within Fukuoka City. Therefore, you will not be eligible to receive Confirmation of Business Startup Activities, even if you apply.

Question９: I am currently staying at a hotel on a short-term basis. What address should I provide on the application form?　

Answer 9:

On the application form, you will need to provide an address where we can contact you for the issuance of the Certificate of Business Startup Activities Confirmation as well as during the six-month stay period. If you change your address after your status of residence is approved and before the end of your period of stay, please make sure to notify the local ward office or municipal office of your relocation. Afterward, kindly inform Fukuoka City of your new contact details to ensure that we can reach you at any time.

Question１０: Although I do not intend to start a business myself (and will not be involved in the business), my family member (relative) plans to start a business in Fukuoka City. Am I also eligible to apply?

Answer１０:
This program is intended for foreign nationals who are starting a new business themselves (such as proprietors, executive managers, etc.), so family members and others are not eligible to apply. Even if your family members plan to work as employees, they are not eligible under this program. However, they may qualify for a different status of residence, so we recommend that you contact the Immigration Bureau for further guidance.

Question11: I am planning to take over the operations of a company owned by my acquaintance. Am I eligible to apply for this program?

Answer１１:

This program is intended for foreign nationals who are starting a new business themselves. Unfortunately, as you are taking over an existing business, you are not eligible. However, you may qualify for a different status of residence, so we recommend that you contact the Immigration Bureau for further guidance.

Question１２: I am planning to start a business with another person(s). How should we apply?

Answer１２:

Approval for the status of residence is granted on an individual basis. Each foreign national must complete and submit their own application forms and supporting documents. If two or more foreign nationals are starting a business on a joint management basis, the sections of the New Business Implementation Plan (NBIP) ー from "2. Business Outline" to "4. Expected Profits" ー are likely to be the same. However, each person will still be required to prepare their own application documents and submit their application separately.

Question１３: Although I am planning to start a business jointly with others, I will be the only one involved in management, and the others will work as employees. How should we apply?

Answer１３:

This program is intended for foreign nationals who are starting a business as proprietors. Therefore, employees and others are excluded from eligibility, even if they are founding members. Whether an individual is considered to be "involved in management" is determined based on factors such as their investment in the business (percentage) and their role within the business, with the decision being made on a substantive basis.

Question１４: Does the "Certificate of Business Startup Activities Confirmation" have an expiration date?　

Answer１４:

It is valid for three months from the date of issuance. You must submit the required documents to the Fukuoka Regional Immigration Bureau and apply for the Certificate of Eligibility before the validity period expires.

２．Application Procedures

Question１５: Where can I obtain application forms, and where should I submit the forms? Are there any fees involved?

Answer１５:

Application forms can be downloaded from the Fukuoka City official website, but please contact Global Business Support (GBS) below first.

「Global Business Support (GBS)」

 

Please note that there is no fee for submitting the application. However, if the application is approved and you receive the "Certificate of Business Startup Activities Confirmation," a fee of 300 yen per case will be charged (see Question 18). Information regarding the payment method will be provided later.

Question１６: How long does it take to issue a Certificate of Business Startup Activities Confirmation after submitting the application?

Answer１６:

If all the required documents are complete, you can expect to receive a response as to whether or not the Certificate of Business Startup Activities Confirmation can be issued within approximately one month from the date of document submission. However, if there are any missing documents or additional certificates are required, or if there is a high volume of applications, it may take longer.

In addition, in order to obtain the status of residence, you must submit the required documents along with the "Certificate of Business Startup Activities Confirmation" issued by Fukuoka City to the Fukuoka Regional Immigration Bureau and complete the necessary procedures. The process at the Fukuoka Regional Immigration Bureau is expected to take approximately 1 to 3 months.

Question１７: After submitting my application form, I have decided to change my address (or contact details), business details, etc. What should I do?

Answer１７:

For changes to your address (or contact details), please contact the Global Business Support (see Question 15) as soon as possible. For changes to your business details, please provide an explanation at the time of your progress review meeting during the six-month period.

Question１８: How will you inform me of the result? Where can I receive the "Certificate of Business Startup Activities Confirmation"? If I am unable to receive the "Certificate of Business Startup Activities Confirmation," will you inform me of the reason?

Answer１８:

We will contact you by e-mail or other means at the contact information provided in the application form or the updated contact details.

If you are eligible to receive the "Certificate of Business Startup Activities Confirmation," you will need to visit Fukuoka City Hall (Global Startup Support Section) at your convenience to receive the certificate. Before your visit, you will need to pay a fee of 300 yen. Detailed payment instructions will be provided after the Business Startup Activities is granted.

Please note that if you are not eligible for the Certificate of Business Startup Activities Confirmation, the reason will not be disclosed.

３．How to fill out the New Business Implementation Plan (NBIP) etc.

Question１９: I’m not sure how to fill out the Business Startup Activities Confirmation Application or other forms. Where can I find assistance?

Answer１９:

Global Business Support (see Question 15) is available to answer your questions (English is available). Please contact them first by e-mail or phone.

Question２０: There is not enough space in the documents. What should I do?

Answer２０:

You can add extra lines to create more space as needed.

Question２１: Can I complete the forms in my own language? If my supporting documents (original copies) are not in Japanese, do I need to attach Japanese translations?

Answer２１:

All application forms and supporting documents must be completed in Japanese. In addition, please write your name using the English alphabet or kanji as appropriate.

If you submit materials written in a language other than Japanese (e.g., copies of certificates), please provide Japanese translations along with the original documents.

Question２２: The overall picture of my business is still vague. Can I leave blank the sections that I cannot fill in?

Answer２２:

In your New Business Implementation Plan (NBIP), you should describe what you can realistically achieve in the future, along with supporting reasons. Please refrain from including items that are not feasible or highly unlikely to be feasible. If there are sections you are unable to fill in, you may leave them blank. However, we will assess the feasibility of your business based on the content of your plan. Therefore, if there are many blanks, we recommend that you refine your business plan thoroughly before submitting your application.

Question２３: What should I write for '1. Applicant’s Resume: (2) What is your position and role in the businesses?

Answer２３:

If you are starting your business by yourself (e.g., 100% ownership), you may describe your title and role, such as CEO, General Management, or Supervising the entire business as the representative.

If you are starting (or applying for) a business jointly with other foreign nationals or involving a Japanese business owner, please describe your specific role in the business. For example: "Responsible for sales in the XXX region as vice president in charge of sales," or "As director, I supervise planning, development and production in the XXX project," or "Responsible for fundraising, financial management and business planning as CFO" and so on.

Question２４: I can’t think of anything to write in the section '1. Applicant’s Resume: (3) List your qualifications, work experience, special skills, patents, etc. that serve as a background to the founding of the business.' What should I write? Can I leave it blank?

Answer２４:

In evaluating the New Business Implementation Plan (NBIP), the applicant will be evaluated primarily on the likelihood that the applicant's business startup activities will actually create a business of the required scale. The likelihood will be considered higher if the applicant has relevant skills, qualifications and/or experience that will benefit the business. In addition to national qualifications, other aspects of the applicant's background may be viewed favorably, such as "I studied XX at university and did research on XX" or "I developed sales channels for product XX with leading companies such as XX, etc., in industry XX".

Question２５: For the '1. Applicant’s Resume: (5) What are your plans for the founding of the business? b. Industry', how can I determine which industry my planned business falls under in the section? What should I do if it doesn’t fit into any of the listed industries?

Answer２５:

Businesses eligible for this program are those that contribute to strengthening the global competitiveness of Fukuoka City's industries and promoting international economic activities. Fukuoka City has limited the eligible businesses to five specific industries, and businesses in other industries are generally not eligible. Examples of specific businesses that fall under each industry category are as follows.

However, for the trade industry, the business must be innovative and make a significant contribution to the growth of businesses in Fukuoka City.

 

 

Question２6: Since I am still new to Japan, I am unable to provide specific details or amounts (levels) such as sales route, unit prices, and cost breakdowns as required in "2. Business Outline." What should I do?

Answer２6:

Starting a new business requires significant capital, considerable effort, and the risk of failure. It is recommended that you have sufficient knowledge and experience in your field and have a clear vision of your business before applying.

Question２7: Regarding "2. Business Outline: (5) Why will your business make profits?" I do not intend to run my business for profit, so I am unsure how to answer. What should I do?

Answer２7:

Even if your business does not make a profit, it may still be eligible for confirmation of business startup activities if it contributes to strengthening the global competitiveness of Fukuoka City's industries and promoting international economic activities. In general, however, the Confirmation of Business Startup Activities will not be granted if the business does not demonstrate a reasonable possibility of generating profit to maintain a certain scale. If your business is non-profit, it is recommended that you consult with the Immigration Bureau about other options, including inquiries regarding other types of status of residence.

Question２8: Regarding "3. Schedule of Startup Activities", I am not sure what to write. What are the key points to consider when filling it out?

Answer２8:

Please organize and list the steps you need to take before starting the business, including administrative procedures for establishing a corporation (e.g., drafting the articles of incorporation, paying in capital, registering the corporation, and obtaining permits and licenses), hiring executives and employees, preparing products or services, building relationships with customers and business partners, and securing funding. Be sure to focus on the points related to the Confirmation of Business Startup Activities, as mentioned in Question 5. In particular, it is important to specify the capital required at each stage and explain how you plan to secure the necessary funds, providing realistic details.

Question２９: I am planning to start a business immediately. In this case, do I still need to write a 6-month schedule in "3. Schedule of Startup Activities"?

Answer２９:

In this case, please describe the progress of the business development that you have already started, including sales activities, production activities, revenue, and fundraising.

Question３0: I’m not sure how much revenue I will generate in the future or how much my costs will be. How should I write the "4. Expected Profits"? Also, what items should I include in the breakdown of revenue and costs?

Answer３0:

It may be difficult to predict future revenue and costs. However, in order to assess the sustainability of the business and check the necessary items for Confirmation of Business Startup Activities as mentioned in Question 5, it is essential to provide estimates based on some rationale. Please input figures that align with your expected business model and customer characteristics (e.g., average unit price, number of customers).

For the breakdown of revenue and costs, please include representative items (those with significant amounts or that reflect the nature of the business). Any remaining items can be grouped under "Other." In general, revenue is often broken down by product or service type or by sales route. For cost of sales, typical categories include material costs, business consignment expenses, labor costs (personnel costs for those involved in production), and for sales, you would include personnel costs (for indirect departments), rent, leasing costs, and selling-related expenses (advertising costs, internet expenses, travel expenses, shipping costs, etc.).

Operating profit is calculated by subtracting interest expenses, extraordinary losses, and corporate taxes from gross profit, resulting in net profit after tax. The net profit after tax corresponds to the "Profit" in "5. Capital Planning."

Question３1: What should be included in the "5. Capital Planning"? What are the differences with "4. Expected Profits"?

Answer３1:

The Expected Profits shows how much profit (or loss) is generated by subtracting expenses from revenue, while the Capital Planning shows how much cash (cash deposit) remains in the company's accounts. As the term "black-ink bankruptcy" suggests, it is possible to be profitable but still run out of cash. To confirm the business startup activities, it is necessary to demonstrate that the business can secure sufficient profit and capital at a sustainable level.

In general, the change in cash deposit is calculated by subtracting expenses that are not recorded as expenses (use of funds), such as real estate purchases, capital expenditures, and debt repayment from profit (profit after tax), and adding expenses that do not involve new financing or expenditures (financing), such as depreciation, borrowings, and capital increases.

Question３２: I intend to work in Japan during the six-month period granted under this program to save sufficient funds to start a new business. In this case, do I still need to describe my methods of securing funds?

Answer３２:

The six-month stay allowed under this program is intended for conducting business startup activities, and therefore employment (engage in activity other than that permitted under the status of residence) is generally not permitted. If the funds necessary for living and conducting business startup activities (including capital) have not been secured in advance, it will likely be difficult to confirm the business startup activities.

４．Other

Question３3: I have never used a seal before. I think it takes a long time to create a seal in Japan. Do I have to affix the seal to all documents?

Answer３3:

A seal is not required on the documents for your visa application.
However, a corporate seal may be required when preparing the Articles of Incorporation for a company or when signing contracts after the company has been incorporated. It is recommended that you prepare the seal at your earliest convenience.

Question３4: What exactly is meant by "Documentation detailing your place of residence for six-months after arriving in Japan"?

Answer３4:

If you are considering renting an apartment, this includes documents such as a lease agreement or a rental application form. If you are considering long-term accommodation such as a hotel or other lodging facility, this would be proof of a reservation with that facility. If you are staying with a friend or acquaintance, this would be a document confirming their permission for you to stay and a document proving their residence (such as a lease agreement). If rent or similar expenses are involved, you must also provide documentation that you can pay at least six months' worth of rent, such as a bank balance statement.

Question３5: What exactly is meant by "other documents for reference"?　

Answer３5:

Please attach any documents that may be useful in confirming your business startup activities. This could include brochures for the business (company) you are planning to start, product (service) descriptions, documents that verify your personal background and achievements, documents proving that business funds and living expenses are secured, and other relevant materials.

Question３6: I have heard that there will be interviews to report on the progress of my business even after receiving the status of residence for six months under this program. What exactly does this mean?

Answer３6:

There are three mandatory progress reviews during the six-month period. In principle, these involve visits to your business or residence to discuss the status of your business startup activities, and to compare the plan outlined in your New Business Implementation Plan (NBIP) with the actual activities undertaken. 

In Fukuoka City, a meeting will be held with a SME management consultant, so if you have any questions for the consultant regarding your business, please let us know before the meeting.

Question３7: How far back should I include details in my "Resume"? What should I do if there is not enough space to list all my information, such as education, work history, etc.?

Answer３7:

The content of the Resume is at your discretion, but please include details that help assess the feasibility of your new business or business startup activities. For example, you may include your academic major and research focus, as well as your work experience and achievements. 

If there is not enough space, feel free to add extra lines as needed.

Question３8: Can I have an agent handle the application process on my behalf?

Answer３8:

The applicant themselves should prepare the necessary documents, such as the Business Startup Activities Confirmation Application and the New Business Implementation Plan (NBIP). In addition, the application must be submitted directly by the applicant via email to the Global Business Support (see Question 15).