Japan’s First “Startup Visa (Entrepreneurial Incentives for Foreigners)”

 As one of the National Strategic Special Zone Initiatives, Fukuoka City has been approved to implement the “Startup Visa (Entrepreneurial Incentives for Foreigners)” to incentivize foreigners to be business entrepreneurs in Fukuoka. Prerequisites for the “Business Manager” visa, which is required for foreigners intending to start a business in Japan, will be eased for foreigners who found his/her business in Fukuoka (National Strategic Special Zone).

 Foreign entrepreneurs are required to open a business office and hire two or more permanent employees or have capital/investments exceeding five million yen upon submitting his/her application to the Immigration Bureau in order to receive approval for the “Business Manager” residential status.

 The “Startup Visa” system permits foreign entrepreneurs to receive a six-month “Business Manager” visa without fulfilling aforementioned prerequisites. The entrepreneur must, however, submit a New Business Implementation Plan (“NBIP”) to Fukuoka City. After evaluating the NBIP, should Fukuoka City confirm that the entrepreneur is expected to fulfill the visa requirements, the Immigration Bureau will evaluate the candidate based on Fukuoka City’s confirmation. If approved, foreign entrepreneurs are provide with six-months to fulfill the standard prerequisites and complete procedures while developing his/her business.

 Fukuoka City provides individual support through the Startup Café to aide foreign entrepreneurs in meeting the standard prerequisites so that he/she may be able to renew his/her Business Manager visa.

　Q&A（Only in japanese.）

【ＮＥＷ】Fukuoka City is now accepting applications for the Office and Residential Rent Subsidy Program for Foreign Startups.

　Office and Residential Rent Subsidy Program for Foreign Startups (FY2016)

　There is more intelligible English website in terms of Startup Visa, so please confirm the following website.

Applying for the “Startup Visa”

 In order to utilize this special measure and receive confirmation for the Business Manager residential status, applicants must submit a New Business Implementation Plan (“NBIP”) and await confirmation from Fukuoka City.

 The confirmation of the NBIP evaluates whether the business plan detailed in the NBIP is viable and that the applicant is very likely to fulfill the prerequisites for the Business Manager residential status within six-months.

 After confirming the applicant’s NBIP, Fukuoka City will issue a Confirmation Letter of NBIP (“CLNBIP”). Once the CLNBIP is issued, the applicant should proceed to apply for the Business Manager residential status at the Fukuoka Immigration Bureau.

Eligible Persons

Foreign entrepreneurs intending to start a business in Fukuoka City.

Eligible Businesses

Businesses with the potential to improve Fukuoka City’s industrial competitiveness at the international level or expand employment opportunities. Eligible industries are shown below.

*For Trade Industries, candidates must be businesses with a sense of innovation or that otherwise will make strong contributions to the growth of firms within Fukuoka City.

Required Documents

Foreigners applying for confirmation of his/her New Business Implementation must create, prepare and submit the following documents. Please refer to the example form and Q&A when creating the documents. Please use Japanese.

Where to Apply

*You may only apply for yourself

Issuing the Confirmation Letter of NBIP

 This is a certificate issued to those who have received confirmation for his/her New Business Implementation Plan. Following the confirmation process, Fukuoka City will contact the applicant at the contact information provide on his/her application. Please come to Fukuoka City Hall to receive your Confirmation Letter.
 The applicant will be required to purchase 300 yen in revenue stamps to issue the Letter.

Applying for the Business Manager Residential Status at Fukuoka Immigration Bureau

 Successful applicants who receive a Confirmation Letter of NBIP must apply for the Business Manager residential status at the Fukuoka Immigration Bureau.
 Please contact the Fukuoka Immigration Bureau for application procedures.

Fukuoka Immigration Bureau, Status Department
Telephone: 092-717-5422

　Fukuoka Immigration Bureau

After Approval for Business Manager Residential Status

 After utilizing this system to receive approval for the Business manager residential status, Fukuoka City will conduct a review on the progress of the entrepreneurial activities during the permitted six-month period.

 City officials will visit the applicant’s business office or residence to inquire about the applicant’s business progress.

 Fukuoka City has founded the Startup Café, which provides assistance to foreign entrepreneurs so that he/she may renew his/her residential status after the initial six-months.

Reviewing the Progress of Entrepreneur Activities

 Based on the New Business Implementation Plan, Fukuoka City officials will conduct a review on the progress of startup businesses founded by entrepreneurs who utilized this system and received approval for his/her Business Manager residential status. There will be three review sessions during the six-month period, of which at least one session will be held either at the entrepreneur’s place of business or residence.
 During the review sessions, the business’s bank account, lease for the place of business, and employment contracts may be reviewed. If progress is not satisfactory, Fukuoka City may direct the entrepreneur to return to his/her home country.

Assistance in Renewing the Residential Status

 Fukuoka City provides support through the Startup Café to aide foreign entrepreneurs in meeting the standard prerequisites so that, following the initial six-months, he/she may be able to renew his/her Business Manager visa.
 A concierge at the Startup Café will provide information and consultations related to business plans, etc. Lawyers and tax accountants are available on Thursdays to provide consultations on matters related to founding a business.
Startup Café also organizes beneficial business seminars, business matching, and social events.
 These services are available for free.

　　The Startup Café

Inquiries

Fukuoka Global Startup Center
2-6-11 Dimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City
Phone: +81-(0)80-3940-9455
Email:fukuoka@startupcafe.jp