If you are planning to start a business in Japan but are not yet ready to meet the full requirements for the Business Manager visa, Kitakyushu City is expected to introduce a new Startup Visa framework under Japan’s Foreign Entrepreneurial Activity Promotion Program administered by METI.

As of February 6, 2026, Kitakyushu City has been listed under the nationwide program.
However, the official website currently states “under preparation,” and detailed intake conditions have not yet been publicly released.

This article provides a provisional structural overview based on the standard nationwide framework and will be updated once Kitakyushu City publishes official details.

What is Kitakyushu City’s Startup Visa?

Kitakyushu City previously operated a Startup Visa under the National Strategic Special Zone system, which ended on December 31, 2025.

As of March 2026, Kitakyushu City is transitioning to the nationwide Foreign Entrepreneurial Activity Promotion Program framework.

Under this nationwide system, the structure generally works as follows:

1) City Review (Startup Preparation Plan Confirmation)

The applicant submits a Startup Preparation Activity Plan to Kitakyushu City.

The city reviews whether:

• The business plan is feasible,

• The applicant can realistically meet Business Manager requirements within the preparation period,

• The proposed business aligns with the city’s designated industry fields (details currently pending).

If approved, the city issues a Startup Preparation Activity Confirmation Certificate.

2) Immigration Review (Designated Activities Status)

With the confirmation certificate, the applicant applies to Immigration for Designated Activities (Startup Preparation) status.

Immigration makes the final decision.

Important:
A city-issued confirmation certificate supports the application but does not guarantee immigration approval.

Who is expected to be eligible?

While official eligibility criteria have not yet been published, under the nationwide framework, the program is generally available to:

• Foreign nationals intending to establish a business in the municipality

• Individuals who can reasonably be expected to meet Business Manager visa requirements within the permitted preparation period

Kitakyushu City’s exact intake conditions (e.g., residency status, location restrictions, sector requirements) are currently unannounced.

Target Business Fields in Kitakyushu City

At present, officially designated business fields have not yet been released.

Kitakyushu City has indicated that the new framework will likely define specific priority industries, and it is expected that the program will focus on businesses aligned with the city’s economic strategy.

However, the precise categories are currently unknown.

This section will be updated once Kitakyushu City publishes:

• Official target sectors

• Industry eligibility restrictions

• Governor-recognized discretionary fields (if applicable)

Until then, applicants should avoid assuming that all industries will qualify.

Why Kitakyushu?

Kitakyushu is one of Japan’s major industrial cities and a core hub in northern Kyushu.

It offers:

• Strong manufacturing and industrial heritage

• Strategic logistics access via Kitakyushu Port and proximity to Asia

• Growing innovation and green energy initiatives

• Lower operating costs compared with major metropolitan areas like Tokyo or Osaka

For entrepreneurs in industrial technology, environmental innovation, logistics, and advanced manufacturing, Kitakyushu presents structural advantages.

Expected Application Flow (Based on Nationwide Framework)

While final procedures are pending, the general nationwide structure typically follows these steps:

Step 1 – Prepare Startup Preparation Plan

Prepare a detailed business plan including:

• Business model

• Operational timeline

• Financial projections

• Path to meeting Business Manager requirements

Step 2 – Submit to Kitakyushu City

Submit required forms and supporting documentation to the designated department (currently to be announced).

Step 3 – Plan Review and Possible Interview

The city may conduct document screening and interviews.

Step 4 – Confirmation Certificate Issuance

If approved, Kitakyushu City will issue a confirmation certificate.

Step 5 – Immigration Application

Apply to Immigration for Designated Activities (Startup Preparation).

Likely Required Documents (To Be Confirmed)

Based on the nationwide model, required documents typically include:

• Application for confirmation of startup preparation activities

• Startup preparation activity plan

• Activity schedule

• Resume

• Written oath

• Passport copy

• Proof of residence for initial period

• Proof of funds for living expenses and contingency return travel

• Additional documents required by the city

⚠ Official Kitakyushu-specific forms and submission rules are not yet available.

Monitoring and Compliance (Expected)

Under the nationwide framework, municipalities typically:

• Conduct monthly or periodic progress checks

• Require status acquisition reporting

• May cancel confirmation if startup activities are not conducted properly

Kitakyushu’s exact monitoring rules are not yet announced.

The Importance of Professional Support

Navigating the application process for the Startup Visa can be complex and challenging, especially if you are not familiar with Japanese legal and administrative procedures. Incorrect or incomplete documentation can lead to delays or even rejection of your application. Therefore, it is highly recommended to seek professional assistance to ensure that your application is complete and accurate.

How Our Office Can Help

Because Kitakyushu City’s new framework is not yet finalized, strategic preparation is critical.

Trust Administrative Scrivener Office provides:

• Eligibility analysis once official intake rules are released

• Business plan structuring aligned with nationwide standards

• Immigration application strategy (Designated Activities → Business Manager)

• Ongoing compliance and renewal support

We recommend waiting for official announcement before submitting documents.

📩 Contact (General Inquiries & Communication)

For updates on an ongoing case, document submission, or other general inquiries, you may contact us through the tools below.

⚠️ Please note that we do not answer visa, residency status, licensing, apostille, or other consultation-related questions through this Contact section.
If you would like to receive advice or guidance, please apply through our paid consultation page.

👉 Click here to book a consultation (Consultation Page)

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Office Name: Trust Administrative Scrivener Office
Email: info@trust-gyosei.com

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