Provided by Fukuoka Prefecture Tourism Association（福岡県観光連盟）

Introduction

Fukuoka City, a vibrant metropolis in southern Japan, is rapidly emerging as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Known for its friendly atmosphere, affordable cost of living, and proximity to Asia, Fukuoka City offers a unique blend of traditional culture and modern technology. In recent years, the city has implemented various initiatives to attract startups and foreign entrepreneurs, including the introduction of a startup visa program.

This article introduces the Startup Visa program in Fukuoka, which started from 2015 as the first program in the entire Japan, including the eligibility, application process, and other necessary information.

Overview

Startup Visa is a scheme that the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) offers to support startups in Japan by foreign entrepreneurs. This scheme provides an exceptional chance to start a business in Japanese cities with extensive support from local governments. The significant advantage of this program is that approved entrepreneurs can obtain residency status for up to one year. This startup visa system makes it much easier for foreign entrepreneurs to start new businesses in Japan.

Now, Startup Visa is available in the following regions:

Fukuoka city, one of the approved municipalities, offers the startup visa system and other support measures, such as financial aid for renting residences and business offices, and national tax reduction. 

In addition, the Global Business Support (GBS) and Startup Cafe offer the following support measures for the participants of the Startup Visa program.

• Consultation in multiple languages (English, Korean, French, German, and Arabic)
• Human resource matching support (English)
• Legal and tax support by experts
• Introduction to subsidies/ grants in Fukuoka city
• Referral to specialists and related organizations
• Matching services with local companies 
• Fundraising support
• Networking events

The following coworking spaces certified by Fukuoka City can be used as a business space under the new relaxed requirements for visa renewal.

・Fukuoka Growth Next
・Wissquare Fukuoka
・Share Office SALT
・The Company Canal City Hakata Mae
・The Company　Fukuoka　PARCO
・WeWork　Daimyo
・WeWork　Gates　Fukuoka
・G’s BASE FUKUOKA
・Q
・CREATIVE ROOM  fukuoka-daimyo
・Servcorp NMF Hakata Ekimae Building
・Servcorp Fukuoka Tenjin Fukoku Seimei Building
・The Company　Mina Tenjin
・CO-WORKING-SALON/CAFE-LOUNGE　SHIKINOIRO

Eligibility

Any foreign nationals wishing to start a business in Fukuoka City are eligible for the Startup Visa program.

The Startup Visa program in Fukuoka aims to improve Fukuoka City’s industrial competitiveness at the international level or expand employment opportunities. 

Therefore, new businesses must fall under the following sectors:

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

*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.

Provided by Fukuoka Prefecture Tourism Association（福岡県観光連盟）

Application Procedure

1. Issuing the Confirmation Letter of NBIP (New Business Implementation Plan)Prepare all the following required documents in Japanese, and submit to Global Business Support (Address: Fukuoka Growth Next 1F, 2-6-11 Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka) directly or by email (info@global-fgn.com).  a. New Business Implementation Confirmation Application  

   b. New Business Implementation Plan   

   c. Resume

   d. Copy of your passport (pages containing applicant’s photo, name, and  signature)

   e. Documentation detailing your place of residence for six-months after arriving in Japan (copy of rental contract, or application for rental contract, etc.)

   f. Documentation detailing your bank account balance (copy of your bank book)

   g. Supporting materials related to business scope and experience

   After the confirmation process has been completed, Fukuoka City will contact the applicant. Then visit Fukuoka City Hall to receive your Confirmation Letter. The applicant will be required to purchase 300 yen in revenue stamps to issue the Letter.

2. Issuance of “Certificate of Confirmation of Business Startup Activities”Successful applicants who receive a Confirmation Letter of NBIP must apply for the Business Manager residential status at the Fukuoka Immigration Bureau.*Fukuoka city’s system is unique in that the applicants can obtain Business Manager status from the first point, whereas in other cities applicants can obtain “Designated Activity visa”. 

   For details on the application for status of residence, contact Fukuoka Immigration Bureau.

   ・Fukuoka Immigration Bureau, Status Department

   ・Telephone: 092-717-7596

3. Reviewing the Progress of Entrepreneur Activities

After getting the Business manager residential status, Fukuoka City will conduct a review on the progress of the entrepreneurial activities during the permitted six-month period. 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.

Renewing the Residential Status

1. This residency status is valid for six months. Within this period, either of the following requirements must be fulfilled: hire two or more full-time employees or have a capital investment exceeding 5 million yen. 
2. Once the requirement is fulfilled, the status can be renewed for an additional year by submitting the required documents to the Fukuoka Immigration Bureau.
3. For further renewal, you must have established a physical office within the city.

Provided by Fukuoka Prefecture Tourism Association（福岡県観光連盟）

Conclusion

Fukuoka City’s startup visa presents a compelling opportunity for foreign entrepreneurs seeking to establish their businesses in Japan’s dynamic southern region. Beyond providing a streamlined path to residency, the visa offers a range of supportive measures designed to foster entrepreneurial success. By leveraging these resources, entrepreneurs can navigate the Japanese market with greater ease and potential for growth. Fukuoka City welcomes innovative minds and looks forward to the contributions of new startups to its vibrant community.

About EXPACT

EXPACT provides a variety of operational support to domestic and international startups. 

EXPACT offers market entry strategy advisory for international businesses looking to establish a presence in Japan. Our services are as follows:

– Advice for visas and programs: Providing guidance on suitable visas and government programs for foreign entrepreneurs (e.g., Startup visa).

– Market research assistance: Evaluating the potential market size and demand for the product or service. 

– Geographical evaluation based on the company’s target: Carrying out a location analysis to determine the most suitable region, prefecture, and city according to the startup’s specific needs. 

– Support for applying financial aid programs: Sourcing and supporting the application process for applicable government grants and subsidies. 

– Assistance for forming partnerships: Serving as a liaison to help the startup establish connections with local partners, investors, and government institutions. 

– Advice for a business plan: Offering a business plan review with insights from a Japanese perspective. 

– Translation services: Providing translation services for in-person meetings, virtual discussions, and document preparation.

Additionally, the company also offers One-Stop support from Startup advisory to Finance, PR, Recruitment and EXIT.

1. Finance and Fundraising: Advisory on the financial health of startups and proposing an optimal fundraising plan by applying for government grants and facilitating investor introductions. Activities include drafting a pitch deck, forming a business plan and/or cap table.
2. Promotion: Publishing press releases, building media relations, branding.
3. Startup Advisory: Business ideation, researching, conducting interviews, MVP analysis, investment access.
4. Human Resources: Personnel strategy, hiring support, institution building.
5. EXIT: IPO support, M&A support, exit system design.

For assistance or additional information, please contact us at info@expact.jp for inquiries.

Inquiries on market entry strategies can be directed to pramod@expact.jp
Written by Pramod Sharma & Momo Kisuna

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Reference:

https://www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/keizai/g-startup/business/startupviza_english.html

https://growth-next.com/startupcafe/en

https://fukuoka.startup-city.jp/

https://www.crossroadfukuoka.jp/en/photo