Fukuoka Startup Visa: Complete Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs & Companies | Expert Explanation

Introduction | Before You Read This Article

For foreign entrepreneurs and overseas companies considering starting or expanding a business in Japan,
choosing the right visa pathway is a critical decision that can determine the success or failure of the business.

In particular, if you:

• Do not yet have a company established in Japan

• Find it difficult to immediately meet the requirements for a Business Manager visa

• Nevertheless wish to launch a serious business venture in Japan (especially in Fukuoka)

the Fukuoka Startup Visa (Foreign Entrepreneurial Activity Promotion Program) may serve as a realistic and institutionally recognized option.

At the same time, the Startup Visa is not a visa that “anyone can obtain easily.”
Applying without a proper understanding of the system’s purpose can result in unnecessary loss of time and financial resources.

In this article, based on official information from Fukuoka City as well as practical professional experience, we provide a clear and in-depth explanation for foreign entrepreneurs and overseas companies, covering:

• The fundamental concept and purpose of the Fukuoka Startup Visa

• Key requirements, procedures, and points to note

• Strategic considerations for transitioning to the Business Manager visa

Who This Article Is For

This article is written for the following readers:

✔ Foreign entrepreneurs planning to start a business in Japan

• You have not yet established a company in Japan

• You wish to conduct market research and preparatory activities locally

• You aim to obtain a Business Manager visa in the future

✔ Executives or officers of foreign companies considering expansion into Japan

• You plan to establish a Japanese base for an overseas corporation

• You are considering an Asia regional headquarters or a Japanese branch/subsidiary

• You are planning a business scale with capital of JPY 30 million or more

✔ Those who are unsure about applying directly for a Business Manager visa

• You are uncertain whether you fully meet the requirements

• You want to proceed step by step while minimizing risk

• You want to understand how applications are evaluated by immigration authorities and local governments

✔ Those who want accurate information about Fukuoka’s startup environment and visa system

• You feel uneasy about fragmented or inconsistent information found online

• You want reliable information based on official government programs

• You want to understand the system from a practical, professional perspective

Note:
If you already fully meet the requirements for a Business Manager visa, or if your purpose is only a short-term stay in Japan, the Startup Visa may not be the most appropriate option.

What Is the Fukuoka Startup Visa?

The Fukuoka Startup Visa (officially known as the Foreign Entrepreneurial Activity Promotion Program) is a system that legally allows foreign entrepreneurs who have not yet established a company in Japan, as well as foreign companies prior to entering the Japanese market, to reside in Japan during the business preparation stage.

Normally, operating a business in Japan requires a Business Manager visa.
However, this visa generally demands a near “completed” business setup, including:

• Securing a physical office

• A certain scale of business operations

• Sufficient capital investment

• Employment of full-time staff

• A stable and sustainable business plan

In contrast, the Startup Visa is assessed based on a different standard:

Whether it is reasonably expected that the applicant will meet the requirements for a Business Manager visa within one year

In other words, the Startup Visa is
not a visa for “incomplete entrepreneurs,”
but rather a system designed to legally secure the time needed to reach a completed business structure.

Why the Fukuoka Startup Visa Is Chosen

① A Nationally Authorized Program (Not a Local-Only Initiative)

The Fukuoka Startup Visa is not an independent program created solely by the city.
It is an officially authorized national framework, implemented by Fukuoka City in accordance with systems established by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

This means the program is operated under clear national guidelines, ensuring institutional legitimacy and consistency with Japan’s immigration policies.

② Extensive Experience in Screening and Program Operation

Fukuoka City is one of the municipalities in Japan that began operating the Startup Visa program at an early stage.

As a result, the city has accumulated substantial experience in:

• Identifying which types of business activities are evaluated favorably

• Understanding common reasons applications are denied

• Knowing what is closely examined during renewals and transitions to the Business Manager visa

This does not mean that applications are “easily approved.”
Rather, it means that the evaluation criteria and key assessment points are relatively clear and predictable from an administrative perspective.

③ A Practical Option for Establishing a Japanese Base for Foreign Companies

The Fukuoka Startup Visa is also well suited to the strategic expansion of foreign companies into Japan, including:

• Entering the Japanese market as an overseas corporation

• Establishing an Asia regional headquarters

• Setting up a Japanese branch or subsidiary

• Conducting market testing in Japan

For foreign companies seeking a structured and legally sound entry into Japan, the Fukuoka Startup Visa offers a realistic and practical pathway.

Visa Status and Period of Stay Under the Startup Visa

Visa Status

The status of residence granted under the Fukuoka Startup Visa is:

• Designated Activities (Business Preparation Activities)

This status is specifically intended for preparatory activities prior to full-scale business operation.

Period of Stay

• Initial period: Generally 6 months or 1 year

• Extension: Up to a maximum total period of 2 years

Important:
The fundamental premise of the Startup Visa system is that within this period, the applicant will:

• Meet the requirements for a Business Manager visa, and

• Apply for a change of status of residence accordingly

The Startup Visa is therefore a temporary, preparatory status, designed to bridge the gap between planning and full business operation.

Eligibility Requirements for the Fukuoka Startup Visa

① Eligible Applicants

The following foreign nationals are eligible to apply for the Fukuoka Startup Visa:

• Foreign entrepreneurs who intend to start a new business within Fukuoka City

• Representatives or executive officers of foreign companies considering full-scale entry into the Japanese market

• Individuals who plan to transition to a Business Manager visa in the future

Note:
In some cases, applicants may consider changing status from a Student visa or Temporary Visitor status.
However, such cases require highly individualized assessment, and careful planning is essential.

② Business Activity Requirements

The Fukuoka Startup Visa is not a system that covers all industries or all types of business activities.

Fukuoka City clearly defines eligible business fields based on the premise that the proposed business must be reasonably expected to contribute to the enhancement of Fukuoka’s international industrial competitiveness and the expansion of employment.

Only business activities that align with these objectives are considered eligible under the Startup Visa program.

Eligible Business Categories Under the Fukuoka Startup Visa

Businesses eligible for the Fukuoka Startup Visa must fall under one or more of the following industrial categories designated by Fukuoka City.

■ Knowledge-Creation Industries

These industries are based on advanced knowledge, technology, and data, and are expected to generate high value-added outputs with strong international competitiveness.

Examples include:

• FinTech-related businesses

• Semiconductor-related industries

• Software development

• Content creation (including digital content)

• Robotics-related industries, among others

■ Health, Medical, and Welfare-Related Industries

These industries contribute to technological innovation and the resolution of social challenges in the fields of healthcare, medicine, and welfare.

Examples include:

• Pharmaceutical startups

• Research and development of medical technologies

• Regenerative medicine–related businesses

• Development of welfare and assistive devices, among others

■ Environment and Energy-Related Industries

These industries focus on reducing environmental impact and promoting the realization of a sustainable society.

Examples include:

• GreenTech businesses

• Clean energy development

• Next-generation energy storage technologies

• Geographic Information System (GIS)–related businesses, among others

■ Logistics-Related Businesses

These businesses contribute to the advancement and optimization of domestic and international logistics infrastructure and supply chains.

Examples include:

• Global Supply Chain Management (SCM) services

• Third-Party Logistics (3PL) services

• International courier and delivery services

• Research and development of drone-based logistics solutions, among others

■ Trade-Related Businesses

These businesses leverage Fukuoka City’s geographical advantages, including Hakata Port and Fukuoka Airport, to promote international trade and the global expansion of local industries.

Examples include:

• Businesses that contribute to the development of overseas markets for products made by companies based in Fukuoka

• International trade operations utilizing the functions of Hakata Port and Fukuoka Airport, among others

Important Note:
For trade-related businesses, simple import–export operations alone are not sufficient.
The proposed business must demonstrate either:

• Innovative elements, or

• A significant contribution to the growth of local businesses in Fukuoka City

Important Notes: Business Types Likely to Be Deemed Ineligible

The following types of cases are considered inconsistent with the purpose of the Startup Visa and are therefore clearly disadvantageous in the evaluation process:

• Shell or paper companies with no substantive business activities

• Businesses whose primary objective is merely the formal establishment of a company

• Business plans that fail to demonstrate market viability or growth potential

• Businesses with an extremely weak or unclear connection to Fukuoka City

Key Point:
The Startup Visa is not a system designed simply to allow residence in Japan.
Rather, it is a system intended to create new industries and economic value within Fukuoka City.

Practical Key Points

In the Business Preparation Activity Plan, it is essential to clearly articulate the following points in a manner consistent with the official framework of the Startup Visa system:

• Which designated industrial category your business falls under

• Why it is meaningful and appropriate for this business to be conducted in Fukuoka City

• How the business will contribute to local industry development and employment creation in Fukuoka

If these points are unclear or insufficiently explained,
the application will not be favorably evaluated,
regardless of the applicant’s financial strength or professional background.

③ Business Preparation Activity Plan (Most Critical Document)

The single most important document in a Startup Visa application is the Business Preparation Activity Plan.

At a minimum, this plan must clearly address the following points:

• An overall picture of the business
  (what you will do, for whom, and how)

• Why the business should be conducted in Japan, and specifically why in Fukuoka City

• What preparations will be completed within one year, presented in a clear timeline

• A concrete plan for securing a business office

• A realistic funding and investment plan

• A reasonable explanation demonstrating that a transition to a Business Manager visa will be feasible

Critical Note:
This document is not a general business plan.
It is a plan prepared specifically for evaluation by immigration authorities and the local government.

Understanding and addressing this distinction is essential to a successful application.

Application Process: From Submission to Status of Residence

STEP 1：Preliminary Consultation (Recommended)

Before filing an application, it is strongly recommended to conduct a preliminary consultation, either with Fukuoka City or with a qualified professional such as a certified administrative scrivener.

At this stage, the focus is on:

• Confirming whether the proposed business is compatible with the Startup Visa system

• Organizing and refining the business concept and overall strategy

STEP 2：Application Submission to Fukuoka City

The applicant submits the Business Preparation Activity Plan along with all required supporting documents to Fukuoka City.

Important notes:

• Applications must, in principle, be submitted by the applicant personally

• Administrative scriveners may provide support with document preparation, content review, and process management, but cannot submit the application on the applicant’s behalf

STEP 3：Review by Fukuoka City

Fukuoka City conducts a review of the submitted application, which includes:

• A document-based examination

• Additional inquiries or requests for clarification, if deemed necessary

STEP 4：Issuance of the Business Preparation Activity Confirmation Certificate

Issuance of the Confirmation Certificate

Once Fukuoka City completes the review and confirms the business preparation activities (or approves a renewal confirmation), a Business Preparation Activity Confirmation Certificate will be issued to the eligible foreign entrepreneur.

How to Receive the Confirmation Certificate

After the review is completed, a city official from Fukuoka City will contact the applicant using the contact information provided in the application.

On the designated date and time, the applicant must visit the following office in person to receive the certificate:

• Fukuoka City Hall (14th Floor)
  Economic, Tourism and Cultural Affairs Bureau
  Global Startup Promotion Division

The certificate is not mailed and must be collected directly at City Hall.

Issuance Fee

To receive the confirmation certificate, an issuance fee of JPY 300 per certificate is required.

Details regarding the payment method and procedures will be provided by Fukuoka City after the business preparation activity confirmation has been approved.

Practical Point

This Confirmation Certificate is an essential document required when applying for the status of residence “Designated Activities (Startup Visa)”.

Once the certificate has been received, the applicant should promptly proceed with the application for status of residence at the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

STEP 5：Application for Status of Residence at the Immigration Services Agency

Following the issuance of the confirmation certificate, the applicant applies to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

If approved, the applicant will be granted the status of residence:

• Designated Activities (Startup Visa)

Required Documents (Fukuoka Startup Visa)

Under the Fukuoka Startup Visa program, applicants must submit either:

• an Application for Business Preparation Activity Confirmation (new application), or

• an Application for Business Preparation Activity Renewal Confirmation (renewal)

to Fukuoka City.

All required documents must be prepared in Japanese.

Main Documents Required for a New Application

When applying for Business Preparation Activity Confirmation for the first time, applicants are generally required to submit the following documents:

• Application for Business Preparation Activity Confirmation
  (prescribed form designated by Fukuoka City)

• Business Preparation Activity Plan
  (prescribed form designated by Fukuoka City)

• Resume / Curriculum Vitae
  (prescribed form designated by Fukuoka City)

• Documents demonstrating the applicant’s planned place of residence for one year
  (e.g., copy of a lease agreement, copy of a housing application, etc.)

• Documents demonstrating the applicant’s financial capacity to cover living expenses for one year
  (e.g., copy of a bank passbook, bank balance certificate, etc.)

• If applicable, supplementary documents such as a certificate of enrollment or certificate of employment

• Copy of the applicant’s passport

Note:
Depending on the content of the submitted documents, Fukuoka City may request additional materials during the review process.

Main Documents Required for a Renewal Application

When applying for a renewal of Business Preparation Activity Confirmation, the following points differ from a new application:

• Documents demonstrating the applicant’s planned place of residence for the six-month period following renewal

• Documents demonstrating the applicant’s financial capacity to cover living expenses for the six-month period following renewal

All other required documents—such as the application form, Business Preparation Activity Plan, and resume—are generally the same as those required for a new application.

Application Destination and Submission Method

Application Destination (Submission Office)

Applications for Business Preparation Activity Confirmation are handled by the following department of Fukuoka City:

Fukuoka City
Economic, Tourism and Cultural Affairs Bureau
Global Startup Promotion Division

Note:
Details of the application procedure must be coordinated in advance by email with the relevant department.

Important Notes Regarding the Application Method

• Applications must, in principle, be submitted by the applicant personally

• Certified administrative scriveners may assist with preparing documents, reviewing content, and managing the overall process, but cannot submit the application on the applicant’s behalf

• After submission, requests for clarification or additional documents may be made during the review process

Practical Considerations

Under the Fukuoka Startup Visa program, the substance of the application is valued more highly than whether the documents are merely complete.

In particular, if the following points are not clearly and convincingly explained:

• Consistency between the Business Preparation Activity Plan and the funding/financial plan

• The realism of the planned residence and living expenses

• A reasonable and credible explanation showing that a transition to a Business Manager visa within one year is feasible

there are cases where approval is not granted, even if all required documents have been formally submitted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Is revenue required during the Startup Visa period?

A.
Revenue is not strictly required during the Startup Visa period.
However, a situation in which no meaningful progress can be demonstrated at all may be viewed unfavorably when applying for renewal or transition to a Business Manager visa.

Q. Can family members accompany the applicant under the Startup Visa?

A. Yes, it is possible.
Under the Fukuoka Startup Visa program (status of residence: Designated Activities), a spouse and children may accompany the applicant if certain conditions are met.

In such cases, accompanying family members are not granted a “Dependent” status.
Instead, they are issued the same “Designated Activities” status of residence as the principal applicant.

Family Accompaniment Is Reviewed by Immigration, Not Fukuoka City

An important point to understand is that Fukuoka City does not determine whether family members may accompany the applicant.

The responsibilities are divided as follows:

• Confirmation and renewal of business preparation activities
  → Conducted by Fukuoka City

• Permission for the status of residence (“Designated Activities”) for the applicant and accompanying family members
  → Reviewed and decided by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan

Therefore, even if Fukuoka City approves the business preparation activity,
this does not automatically guarantee approval of family accompaniment.

The final decision regarding family members’ residence status rests solely with immigration authorities.

Key Factors Considered by Immigration for Family Accompaniment

When reviewing applications for family accompaniment, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan places particular emphasis on the following points:

• Whether the applicant has sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses during the business preparation period

• Whether adequate funds are available to support accompanying family members, including living expenses for at least several months

• The feasibility and clarity of the planned residence in Japan

• The number and composition of accompanying family members

Because the Startup Visa period often involves no business income during the preparation stage,
immigration authorities tend to place particular weight on clear evidence of sufficient personal funds.

Relationship with the Business Preparation Activity Plan (Practical Notes)

If family accompaniment is planned from the outset, it is advisable to clearly organize and align the following points in a manner consistent with the Business Preparation Activity Plan:

• Family composition

• Estimated living expenses

• Plans for securing housing in Japan

However, it is important to note that including these details in the plan does not guarantee approval of family accompaniment.
The final decision is made solely by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

Professional Insight

Under the Startup Visa system, the statuses of residence are structured as follows:

• Principal applicant: Designated Activities (business preparation activities)

• Accompanying family members: Designated Activities (accompaniment)

There is a considerable amount of misinformation describing this arrangement as a “Dependent visa”, which is incorrect.
Accurate understanding of the system is therefore critically important.

In particular, when accompanying family members are involved, the application strategy must address not only the business plan but also the overall living plan in Japan.

Q. Is it possible to obtain a Startup Visa without speaking Japanese?

A. Yes. Japanese language ability is not a formal requirement under the system.

For the Fukuoka Startup Visa (status of residence: Designated Activities),
there are no mandatory Japanese language requirements, such as the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).

Therefore, even if the applicant does not speak Japanese,
it is still possible to apply for and obtain a Startup Visa provided that the Business Preparation Activity Plan is appropriate and well-prepared.

However, from the perspective of actually operating a business in Japan, Japanese language ability is extremely important.

In practice, many aspects of business and administration in Japan are conducted primarily in Japanese, including:

• Communication with government and administrative offices

• Various notifications and license or permit applications

• Interactions with banks and business partners

• Employment matters and contractual relationships

For this reason, while Japanese proficiency is not legally required to obtain the Startup Visa,
it plays a significant role in smooth and sustainable business operations in Japan.

Relationship with the New Requirements for the Business Manager Visa

The ultimate goal of the Startup Visa is to transition to the status of residence “Business Manager.”

Under recent immigration policy and practical examination standards,
Japanese language proficiency has become an important evaluation factor for the Business Manager visa.

Specifically, a level of Japanese equivalent to CEFR B2 or JLPT N2 is expected to be demonstrated by either:

• The Business Manager visa applicant themselves, or

• A full-time employee who is engaged in the business operations

In other words, at least one of the above must possess Japanese language ability at the B2 (N2) level or higher in order to meet current evaluation expectations.

Practical Considerations During the Startup Visa Period

Because the Startup Visa is intended as a business preparation period, it is not uncommon for applicants not to hire employees immediately during this stage.

In such situations, it is very common to face circumstances such as:

• Not yet having employees who can communicate effectively in Japanese

• Feeling uncertain about administrative procedures or understanding Japan’s regulatory systems

At this stage, utilizing ongoing professional support—such as that provided by a certified administrative scrivener—can help applicants move forward with preparation while minimizing institutional and procedural risks.

Such support may include:

• Monitoring the progress of business preparation activities

• Acting as a point of contact with administrative authorities

• Organizing license applications and required notifications

• Providing ongoing advice with future visa renewal or status change in mind

By leveraging professional assistance during the Startup Visa period, applicants can build a more stable foundation for a successful transition to the next stage of their business in Japan.

Our Office’s Support Services

If you have concerns about Japanese-language communication or navigating Japan’s regulatory systems, our office offers ongoing support through a retainer-based advisory arrangement.

Our support may include:

• Serving as a point of contact with government and administrative authorities

• Managing license applications and required notifications

• Providing ongoing advice in preparation for visa renewal or transition

• Organizing and explaining practical considerations for operating a business in Japan

Through this continuous support, we are able to assist clients from the Startup Visa stage through to a smooth transition to the Business Manager visa, with a clear focus on long-term business viability.

Transition from the Startup Visa to the Business Manager Visa

The ultimate objective of the Startup Visa is a change of status of residence to “Business Manager.”

At the time of this transition, immigration authorities will closely examine whether:

• Business preparation has actually progressed as planned

• There is no significant discrepancy between the original plan and the current business reality

• Requirements regarding the office, capital investment, and actual business operations are satisfied

• The business demonstrates continuity and long-term sustainability

Key Point:
It is essential to design and execute the Startup Visa application from the outset with the transition to the Business Manager visa in mind.

Failing to plan for this transition early can create serious obstacles at the change-of-status stage.

What Our Office Can Do for Foreign Entrepreneurs and Overseas Companies

Our services are designed not merely to obtain a visa, but to help you establish and operate a viable business in Japan.

Based on this approach, we provide the following support:

✔ Startup Visa Application Support

• Structuring and refining the Startup Activity Plan

• Designing the application from Fukuoka City’s review perspective

• Adapting English-language business materials to meet Japanese administrative and review standards

✔ Immigration and Status Procedures

• Application for the Designated Activities (Startup Visa)

• Strategic guidance for renewals and transition to the Business Manager visa

✔ Support for Market Entry into Japan

• Company incorporation in Japan

• Clarification and structuring of office requirements

• Designing Japan-side operational and administrative frameworks

Consultation

A Startup Visa is not approved simply because you understand the system.

Key questions such as:

• Which visa route is the most appropriate

• Where and how the preparation should begin

• Whether a Startup Visa is truly necessary in your case

all depend heavily on your individual circumstances.

Because the correct approach varies from case to case, general answers are often misleading.

👉 For details, please contact us via the Contact page or apply through our Paid Consultation page.

📩 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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