Startup Visa FAQ

1. The Scheme of the Startup Visa

Question 1: Who is eligible to use this program?

Answer 1:

Foreign nationals who plan to start a new business in Fukuoka City are eligible. Applications must, in principle, be submitted by the applicant themselves.

Question２: What are the benefits of this program? How is it different from the “Business Manager” status of residence certified by the Immigration Bureau ?

Answer 2:

To obtain the “Business Manager” status of residence, foreign entrepreneurs must meet requirements such as:
① Investment of at least 30 million yen
② Employment of two or more full-time staff
③ Securing an office space
By using the Startup Visa, if you are deemed highly likely to meet these conditions within one year, you can obtain a status of residence for an initial period of one year (up to two years) to prepare for starting your business.

While the Immigration Bureau normally approves the status of residence, this program involves two steps. First, the applicant must be granted the “Business Startup Activities Confirmation” from Fukuoka City by submitting documents such as the New Business Implementation Plan (NBIP) to Fukuoka City Government. 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, you may apply directly for the standard "Business Manager" visa at the Immigration Bureau. If you plan to start a business in Fukuoka City and expect to complete preparations within one year (up to two years), please use this program.

Question３: I already have another status of residence but plan to start a new business. Can I use this program?

Answer 3:

Yes, you can, but certain conditions apply. Please check with the Immigration Bureau for details.

Question４: If I receive the “Certificate of Business Startup Activities Confirmation” from Fukuoka City, will I definitely obtain the “Business Manager” status of residence?

Answer 4:

No. Even if you receive the certificate from Fukuoka City, the Immigration Bureau will conduct its own review, so approval is not guaranteed.

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 preparatory period (business startup activities period). If deemed sufficient, the “Certificate of Business Startup Activities Confirmation” will be issued. For a successful application, the NBIP and its supporting documents should clearly include the following details:

 

• Business details: What kind of business are you planning to set up?
• Business location: Where will you be conducting your business?
• Office location: Where will your office be located?
• Specific plan until the commencement of business: What preparations and activities are you planning to undertake in order to launch your business?
• Startup funds: How much funds will you require until the commencement of your business (for business startup activities)? How do you plan to raise these funds?
• Corporate executive officers: Who will be the corporate executive officers, and what roles will they play?
• Employment plan: How will you hire full-time staff?
• Business scale: What will the scale of your business be?
• Place of residence, living funds: Have you arranged a place to stay until your business is launched (during startup activities)? Do you have sufficient funds to support yourself?

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 Startup Visa period (initially one year, up to two years) 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 your activities are deemed insufficient, the “Certificate of Business Startup Activities Confirmation” 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 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, issuance of the “Certificate of Business Startup Activities Confirmation” may be difficult.

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:

No. 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 use this program.

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 must provide an address where you can be contacted during the issuance of the “Certificate of Business Startup Activities Confirmation” and throughout your period of stay. Therefore, if external communication and mail forwarding are possible, it is acceptable to use the address of a hotel.

Please note that if you are unavoidably required to change your address after obtaining your residence status and before the end of your stay, you must promptly submit a notification of address change at the appropriate municipal office (such as the ward office).After the change, please share your updated contact information with Fukuoka City Government and Global Business Support (GBS) to ensure that you can always be reached.

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:No. This program is intended for foreign nationals who are starting a new business themselves (such as proprietors, executive managers, etc.), so family members who are not involved in the business are not included as applicants. Even if family members plan to work as employees, they are not eligible if they are not engaged in management. 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:

No. 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.

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:

Yes. 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) before applying.

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 Q18). Information regarding the payment method will be provided at the time the “Certificate of Business Startup Activities Confirmation” is issued.

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

Answer１６:

If documents are complete, about one month. Immigration procedures take an additional 1–3 months.

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 deficiencies in the documents, if additional supporting documents are required, or if there is a high volume of applications, it may take additional time.

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:

Notify GBS immediately for address changes. Explain business changes during progress meetings.

For changes to your address (or contact details), please contact the Global Business Support (GBS) as soon as possible. For changes to your business details, please provide an explanation at the time of your progress review meeting during the Startup Visa period.

Question１８: How will I be notified of the result of my Business Startup Activities Confirmation application? Where can I receive the "Certificate of Business Startup Activities Confirmation"? Also, if the application is not approved, will I be informed of the reason?

Answer１８:

As a general rule, the result will be notified by email. If your application is approved, you will be issued a "Certificate of Business Startup Activities Confirmation" which you will need to collect in person at the Global Startup Support Section located on the 14th floor of Fukuoka City Hall. Before your visit, you will need to pay a handling fee of 300 yen per certificate online. Details on the payment method will be provided when we notify you of the application result.

Please note that reasons for non-approval will not be disclosed.

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

Question１９: I would like to consult about how to fill out the New Business Implementation Plan. Where should I inquire?

Answer１９:

Global Business Support (see Q15) is available to answer your questions. Questions in English are also accepted. Use the inquiry form in Q15 first.

Question２０: The space in the form is insufficient. What should I do?

Answer２０:

You may expand the space by inserting rows.

Question２１: Can I fill out 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 business.’?

Answer２３:

If you are starting a business essentially on your own (e.g., 100% ownership), it is expected that your role will be described as ‘CEO,’ ‘General Management,’ or ‘Overseeing the entire business as the representative.’
On the other hand, if you are starting a business jointly with other foreign nationals or with a Japanese business owner, please describe your specific role in the business. For example, "As Executive Vice President in charge of sales, responsible for sales in the XXX region," or "As a Director, overseeing the planning, development, and production of the XXX project," or "As CFO, responsible for fundraising, financial management, and corporate planning." and so on.

Question２４: What should I write for '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.'?

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. Please include not only national qualifications but also your background, such as ‘Majored in XX at university and conducted extensive research on XX,’ or ‘Developed sales channels for XX products at major companies in the XX industry, such as XX and XX.’

Question２５: For the '1. Applicant’s Resume: (4) What are your plans for the founding of the business? b. Industry', what should I do if the business that I am planning doesn’t fit into any of the listed industries?

Answer２５:

Businesses eligible for this program are limited to those that contribute to strengthening the global competitiveness of Fukuoka City's industries and promoting international economic activities. Fukuoka City limits the applicable scope to the following five industries, and in principle, businesses in other industries are excluded. Examples of specific businesses (business fields) that fall under each industry are as follows.

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

 

• Knowledge-Creating Industries: fintech, semiconductors, software development, content production, robotics, etc.
• Health, Medical, and Welfare Industries: drug discovery ventures, medical technology development, regenerative medicine, welfare equipment development, etc.
• Environment & Energy Industries: greentech, clean energy development, next-generation power storage technology, global information systems, etc.
• Logistics Industries: global SCM services, 3PL services, international delivery, drone logistics development, etc.
• Trade Industries: businesses developing international sales for products made in Fukuoka City, industries utilizing the Port of Hakata and/or Fukuoka Airport, etc.

Question２6: I am unable to anticipate details such as sales destinations, sales unit prices, and breakdown of costs, which are required to be included in section “2. Business Outline” of the Business Startup Activity Plan. 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:  For “2. Business Outline (5) Reason for Profitability,” I do not intend to run my business for profit, so I am unsure how to answer. What should I do?

Answer２7:

In general, 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 of business. If you are considering a non-profit business, it is recommended that you consult with the Immigration Bureau including inquiries about applying for other residence statuses.

Question２8: What are the key points to consider when filling out the “3. Schedule of Startup Activities” section?

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/ 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 Q5. In particular, it is important to specify the amount of funds 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 one-year schedule in "3. Schedule of Startup Activities"?

Answer２９:

In this case, please fill in the plans for business development of the launched business (such as sales activities and production activities), as well as plans for sales and fundraising.

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

Answer３0:

It is essential for determining the sustainability of the business and for verifying the items required for “Confirmation of Business Startup Activities” indicated in Q5. Therefore, please provide figures based on reasonable grounds that reflect the nature of the intended business and customers (e.g., average unit price, number of customers).

For the breakdown of sales and expenses, please enter major items with large amounts or those that represent the characteristics of the business, and group the rest under “Other.” In general:

Sales: Provide a breakdown by product or service type, or by sales destination

Costs of Goods Sold: Material costs, outsourcing costs, labor costs (personnel expenses for production staff)

Sales, General and Administrative Expenses: Personnel expenses (indirect departments), rent and lease fees, sales-related expenses (advertising costs, communication costs, travel expenses, shipping costs, etc.)

Operating profit minus interest payments, extraordinary losses, and corporate taxes results in net profit after tax, which 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 a sustainable level of profit and funding.

In general, the increase or decrease in cash and deposits is calculated by subtracting expenditures not recorded as expenses (uses of funds)—such as real estate purchase costs, capital investments, and loan repayments—from after-tax profit, and then adding new financing or non-cash expenses (sources of funds)—such as depreciation, loans, and capital increases.

Question３２: I intend to work in Japan during the Startup Visa period 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 period of stay permitted under this program is intended for conducting activities to prepare for starting a business, and employment outside startup activities (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 think it takes a long time to create a seal in Japan. Do I have to affix the seal to the 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 one year after arriving in Japan"?

Answer３4:

If you are considering using a rental property, this refers to documents such as a lease agreement or a rental application form. If you are considering a long-term stay accommodation such as a hotel or other lodging facility, it refers to proof of a reservation with the relevant facility. For staying at the residence of an acquaintance, it refers to a document prepared by that person acknowledging your stay, as well as a document proving that person’s residence (such as a lease agreement). If rental fees or similar costs are required, you will also need documents proving that you can pay for more than one year (such as a bank balance certificate).

● If you are using a rental property
Please submit a lease agreement or a rental application form.

● If you are using long-term stay accommodations
Please submit a document proving your reservation with the facility.

● If you are staying at an acquaintance’s residence
A document acknowledging your stay (prepared by the host).
A document proving the host’s residence (e.g., lease agreement).

● If payment of rent or similar fees is required
A document proving that you can pay for more than one year (e.g., bank balance certificate).

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

Answer３5:

Examples: company brochures, product/service descriptions, proof of your career or achievements, proof of funds.

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 of the Startup Visa under this program. What exactly do I need to do?

Answer３6:

A monthly interview is mandatory. During the interview, we will review the status of your business startup preparation activities and compare the actual progress with the contents stated in your business plan.

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, however, please include information that allows us to assess the novelty of the business and the feasibility of the startup activities. For example, details such as your academic major or research topics at school, professional experience, and achievements can be helpful.

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