Q&A on the Foreign Business Startup Activity Promotion Program (Startup Visa)

1　The Foreign Business Startup Activity Promotion Program (Startup Visa)

Q1　Who is eligible to use this program? I cannot speak Japanese, but can I still participate?

（Answer）

　This program is implemented by muncipalities and other organizations certified by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry regarding management support plans (hereinafter referred to as Foreign Business Startup Promotion Implementing Organizations) with the aim of expanding the acceptance of foreign entrepreneurs and promoting business startups.

　In principle, it is available to foreigners who plan to start a new business in Kumamoto City within one year (up to a maximum of two years). In addition, the Foreign Entrepreneur Specialized Consultation Desk (hereinafter, Consultation Desk), which provides advisory services, is able to offer consultations in English.

　In addition, foreigners who are already residing in Japan under other residence statuses (*) may also use this program.

　*This program is intended for those residing in Japan under the following residence statuses: “Student,” “Professor,” “Researcher,” or “Designated Activities” for international students who have graduated from a Japanese university and are continuing job-hunting activities after graduation. For other residence statuses, please contact the Fukuoka Immigration Bureau, Kumamoto Branch Office at 096-362-1721.

Q2　What are the benefits of this program? How does it differ from the regular residence statuses granted by the Immigration Services Agency?

（Answer）

　This program was established as a special measure for the “Business Manager” residence status. Normally, for a foreign national to start or establish a business in Japan, they must obtain the “Business Manager” residence status. To acquire this status, applicants are generally required, at the time of application to the Immigration Services Agency, to meet the following conditions:

　1.Employ two or more full-time staff, or

　2.Have a capital or investment amount of 5 million yen or more, and

　3.Establish an office.

　Under this program, foreign nationals who are highly likely to meet the standard requirements within one year, and whose business startup preparation activities are deemed appropriate for strengthening international competitiveness and establishing a base for international economic activity, and whose business plans are recognized as proper and feasible, may be granted the “Designated Activities” residence status for up to two years (renewable every six months) as a period for preparing to start their business.

　Normally, the recognition of a residence status is conducted by the Immigration Services Agency, but under this program, a two-step process is required: first, the Business Startup Preparation Activity Plan must be reviewed and confirmed by Kumamoto City, and then the application is submitted to the Fukuoka Immigration Services Bureau using the confirmation certificate issued by Kumamoto City along with other required documents.

　If you believe that you already meet the requirements for the “Business Manager” residence status, it is recommended that you apply directly to the Fukuoka Immigration Bureau for certification. However, if you are considering starting a business in Kumamoto City in the near future and expect to complete the necessary preparations within one year (up to a maximum of two years), you may use this program to engage in business startup preparation activities in Kumamoto City.

Q3　If I receive a Business Startup Preparation Activity Plan Confirmation Certificate from Kumamoto City, does that guarantee that I will be granted the “Business Manager” residence status?

（Answer）

　The Business Startup Preparation Activity Plan Confirmation Certificate issued by Kumamoto City will be beneficial in the residence status certification process conducted by the Fukuoka Immigration Services Bureau; however, having the certificate does not necessarily guarantee that certification will be granted.

Q4　What aspects of the Business Startup Preparation Activity Plan are reviewed? Is it possible that I might not receive a Business Startup Preparation Activity Plan Confirmation Certificate?

（Answer）

　The submitted Business Startup Preparation Activity Plan and related documents will be evaluated from the perspective of whether there is a high likelihood that, after the preparation period of up to one year (maximum of two years), you will be able to obtain recognition for the regular “Business Manager” status of residence. If it is determined that the likelihood is sufficient, the Business Startup Preparation Activity Plan will be confirmed, and a Business Startup Preparation Activity Plan Confirmation Certificate will be issued. To this end, the submitted Business Startup Preparation Activity Plan and supporting documents must clearly include the following information.

　・What kind of business will you conduct? [Business Content]

　・Where will you conduct the business? [Business Implementation Area]

　・Through what kind of preparations and activities will you start the business? [Specific Plan up to Business Commencement]

　・How much funding will be required before starting the business (business startup preparation activities), and how will you procure it?[Business Startup Preparation Activity Funding and Procurement Method]

　・Where and approximately when will you establish the business office? [Establishment Timing and Location]

　・(In the case of establishing a company) Who will serve as the company executives and what roles will they undertake? [Company Executives]

　・What will be the scale of the business? [Business Scale]

　・During the period prior to starting the business (business startup preparation activities), is housing secured? Is there sufficient funding for living expenses? [Residence, Living Expenses]

　If it is determined from the submitted documents that there is insufficient likelihood of success, confirmation of the Business Startup Preparation Activity Plan and the issuance of the Business Startup Preparation Activity Plan Confirmation Certificate cannot be granted.

Q5　I currently live abroad. I am planning to come to Japan in the future, but can I apply?

（Answer）

It is possible to apply. In principle, the person described belowshould bring the documents to the submission office.

After submitting the application, a face-to-face interview with theapplicant will generally be conducted during the review process (Englishsupport is available).

 【Eligible Applicants】

A lawyer or administrative scrivener who has submitted anotification to the Director of the Immigration Services Bureau havingjurisdiction over their office through the bar association or administrativescrivener association to which they belong. (However, if the applicant iscurrently abroad, the person must be entrusted by the applicant to handle theestablishment of a business office in Japan; in the case of a corporation, thisperson must be an employee.)

*Please submit documents that show your relationship with theforeign applicant and proof of your position.

Q6　I currently live outside Kumamoto City (butwithin Japan). Can I apply for this program? I currently live in Kumamoto Citybut plan to move outside the city soon. Can I still apply?

（Answer）

There are no restrictions on the applicant’s current address.However, the one-year business startup preparation activities must be carriedout within Kumamoto City, and any new business office must also be establishedin Kumamoto City. If you live in an area unsuitable for conducting businessstartup preparation activities within the city, it may be difficult to obtainconfirmation of your Business Startup Preparation Activity Plan.

Q7　I live in Kumamoto City, but I plan toestablish my business office outside the city. Can I use this program?

（Answer）

This program is intended for foreign nationals who will carry outbusiness startup preparation activities within Kumamoto City and eventuallyestablish a business office there. You cannot use this program if establishinga business office outside the city.

Q8　I am currently staying at a hotel for ashort period. What should I enter as my address on the application form?

（Answer）

For the address on the application form, please enter a locationwhere you can be reached during the one-year stay period. If you need to changeyour address after submitting the application, be sure to inform theconsultation desk of your new contact information and make sure you can bereached at any time.

Q9　I do not plan to start or be involved in abusiness myself, but a family member (relative) plans to start a business inKumamoto City. Can I also apply?

（Answer）

This program is intended for those who will start a new businessthemselves (such as business owners or senior managers), so other familymembers cannot apply. Even if a family member plans to work as an employee,they are not eligible. However, it may be possible to qualify under a differentresidence status, so we recommend consulting the Fukuoka Immigration Bureau,Kumamoto Branch Office (096-362-1721).

Q10　I plan to take over and manage a companyrun by an acquaintance. Am I also eligible to use this program?

（Answer）

This program is intended for foreign nationals who are starting anew business, so you would not be eligible. However, it may be possible toqualify under a different residence status, so we recommend consulting theFukuoka Immigration Bureau, Kumamoto Branch Office (096-362-1721).

Q11　We plan to start a business jointly with two or more people. How should we submit the application?

（Answer）

　Residence status certification is conducted on an individual basis. Each person must prepare and submit their own application documents.

　In the case of starting a business jointly with two or more people, sections such as “2. Business Overview” through “4. Funding Plan at Business Commencement” in the Business Startup Preparation Activity Plan may contain the same content for all applicants. However, each participant is still required to prepare and submit their own application documents.

Q12　We plan to start a business with two or more people, but I will be the only one involved in management while the others will work as employees. How should we submit the application?

（Answer）

　This program is intended for foreign nationals who will start a business themselves (as business owners); employees and other staff are not eligible. Whether a person is considered “involved in management” is determined substantively based on factors such as their investment share and role in the business.

Q13　Does the Business Startup Preparation Activity Plan Confirmation Certificate have a validity period?

（Answer）

　The certificate is valid for three months. Please submit the certificate within this period, along with the required supporting documents, to the Fukuoka Regional Immigration Services Bureau to apply for residence status certification.

2　Application Procedures

Q14　Where can I obtain the application form?

（Answer）

　The application form can be downloaded from the Kumamoto City website.

　（Kumamoto City website：https://www.city.kumamoto.jp/kiji00364527/index.html）

Q15　Where should I submit the application form?

（Answer）

　Please first receive support at the Consultation Desk for preparing your Business Startup Preparation Activity Plan (in-person, by phone, email, or online). Then, submit the required documents, including the Business Startup Preparation Activity Plan, to the Consultation Desk.

(Overview of the Consultation Desk)

　Operating Days: Every Tuesday (9時00分 AM– 12時00分 PM)　*If Tuesday is a public holiday, the desk will be open the following day.

　Location: Kumamoto Shintoshin Plaza 2F, within the Business Support Facility XOSS POINT.

　Consultation Methods: In-person, by phone (JETRO Kumamoto: 096-354-4211), online, etc.

　Consultation Application Form: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfrQEGNyCXxs1WHm21YAXamc0xsiiHYGLuvL9ysmFRFXSl-oA/viewform?usp=sharing （外部リンク）（External link）

　*Please note that consultation requires prior reservation.

Q16　How long does it take from submitting the application to the issuance of the Business Startup Preparation Activity Plan Confirmation Certificate?

（Answer）

　If all required documents are complete and in order, a face-to-face interview with the applicant will be conducted after submission, and a response can generally be expected within about two to three weeks.

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

　In addition, to obtain a residence status, you must submit the required documents along with the Business Startup Preparation Activity Plan Confirmation Certificate issued by Kumamoto City to the Fukuoka Regional Immigration Services Bureau and complete the prescribed procedures.

Q17　After submitting my application, I decided to change my address (or contact information) and the details of my business. What should I do?

（Answer）

　For changes to your address (or contact information), you must submit a Notification of Changes form. Please contact the Consultation Desk or report the change during the monthly progress review meeting. For changes to your business details, please provide an explanation during the monthly progress review meeting.

Q18　How will I receive the Business Startup Preparation Activity Plan Confirmation Certificate? Is there a fee? Also, if the certificate cannot be issued, can you explain the reason?

（Answer）

　The Business Startup Preparation Activity Plan Confirmation Certificate will, in principle, be issued by email or other electronic means. There is no fee for the certificate.

　If, upon reviewing the Business Startup Preparation Activity Plan, the issuance of the Business Startup Preparation Activity Plan Confirmation Certificate is not approved, the reason will be provided in the Confirmation of the Business Startup Preparation Activity Notification of Results, which will be sent by email or other electronic means.

3　Completing the Business Startup Preparation Activity Plan and Related Documents

Q19　I am not sure how to fill out the forms. Where can I go for instructions?

（Answer）

　Support via email is available at the Consultation Desk. Please include [Foreign Business Startup Activity Consultation] in the email subject line and send it to KUM@jetro.go.jp. (If any documents that are not in Japanese are attached, please also include a Japanese translation.)

(Overview of the Consultation Desk)

　Operating Days: Every Tuesday (9時00分 AM– 12時00分 PM)　*If Tuesday is a public holiday, the desk will be open the following day.

　Location: Kumamoto Shintoshin Plaza 2F, within the Business Support Facility XOSS POINT.

　Consultation Methods: In-person, by phone (JETRO Kumamoto: 096-354-4211), online, etc.

　Consultation Application Form: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfrQEGNyCXxs1WHm21YAXamc0xsiiHYGLuvL9ysmFRFXSl-oA/viewform?usp=sharing（外部リンク） （External link）

　*Please note that consultation requires prior reservation.

Q20　The downloaded forms do not provide enough space to fill in all the information. What should I do?

（Answer）

　You may increase the space by inserting additional lines as needed.

Q21　Can I fill out the forms in my own language? If the attached (original) documents are not in Japanese, do I need to provide a Japanese translation?

（Answer）

　Application forms are also available in English, so please use these.

　Please note that applications cannot be submitted in languages other than Japanese orEnglish.

　If you submit documents in a language other than Japanese (such as copies of certificates), please attach a Japanese translation.

Q22　I have not yet finalized the overall plan for my business. Is it acceptable to leave sections blank if I cannot fill them in?

（Answer）

　In the Business Startup Preparation Activity Plan, you should provide content that, based on a reasonable level of evidence, can realistically be implemented and carried out in the future.

　Do not include items that are not feasible or have a low likelihood of success. If there are sections that you absolutely cannot fill in, leaving them blank is acceptable; however, the plan will be assessed based on the plausibility of the content provided. If many sections would remain blank, it is recommended that you take time to carefully consider your business plan before submitting your application.

　Additionally, if too many sections are left blank, the review cannot be conducted, so please ensure the plan is thoroughly completed before submission.

Q23　What should I write in section “1. Applicant Overview (2) Applicant’s Position and Role in the Business”?

（Answer）

　If you are essentially starting the business on your own (for example, with 100% investment), you would typically write descriptions such as “Representative Director,” “Overall Management,” or “Oversees the entire business as the representative.”

　If you are starting the business/applying jointly with other foreign nationals, or if there are other Japanese business owners, please describe your specific role in the business. For example:

　•“Vice President in charge of sales, responsible for sales in XX region”

　•“Director, overseeing planning, development, and production of XX project”

　•“CFO, responsible for funding, financial management, and business planning”

Q24　Under “1. Applicant Overview (5) Business Startup Plan – e. Capital / Total Investment (or Personal Funds),” I plan to start my business without establishing a company. What should I enter under “Capital / Total Investment (or Personal Funds)”?

（Answer）

　In general, when a business is operated as a corporation such as a joint-stock company, the date of corporate registration is considered the start date of the business. If the business is started as a sole proprietorship without forming a corporation, the date on which the notification of business opening is submitted to the tax office is considered the start date. The date on which the first sales are recorded may also be recognized as the start date.

　In the case of a sole proprietorship, please enter the amount of funds specifically prepared to start the business as “Personal Funds” rather than “Capital.”

Q25　Since I have only recently arrived in Japan, I am unable to come up with specific details or figures (such as sales destinations, unit prices, and cost breakdowns) requested in “2. Business Overview.” How should I proceed?

（Answer）

　When starting a new business, a significant amount of capital and effort is required, and the risk of failure is by no means small. We recommend that you first gain sufficient expertise in your area of strength and develop a concrete image of your business before submitting your application.

Q26　Regarding “2. Business Overview (5) Reasons the business will generate profit and factors differentiating it from competitors in the Kumamoto City market,” I do not intend to run the business for profit, so I cannot think of an answer. How should I proceed?

（Answer）

　Even if the business does not generate profit, it may still be eligible for confirmation of a Business Startup Preparation Plan if it contributes to strengthening Kumamoto City’s international competitiveness and promoting international economic activities. However, in general, if there is no reasonable likelihood of generating sufficient profit to sustain the business at a certain scale, the Business Startup Preparation Plan is unlikely to be confirmed.

　If you are considering a non-profit business, we recommend consulting the Fukuoka Regional Immigration Services Bureau, Kumamoto Branch Office (Tel: 096-362-1721) in regards to application for other types of residence status.

Q27　I am unsure how much sales will be generated in the future and how much expenses will be incurred. How should I prepare “3. Profit Plan”? Also, what items should be included in the breakdown of sales and expenses?

（Answer）

　It may be difficult to predict how much sales will be generated in the future or how much expenses will be incurred. However, such estimates are essential for assessing the sustainability of your business and for checking the items required for the “confirmation of the Business Startup Preparation Plan” mentioned in Q4. Therefore, please enter figures based on a reasonable basis that reflects the nature of your planned business and its customers (for example, average unit price and number of customers).

　For the breakdown of sales and expenses, please include the representative items (such as those with large amounts or those that reflect the characteristics of your business); all other items can be summarized under “Other.”

Q28　The “Form No. 3: Business Startup Activity Schedule” is vague, and I am not sure what to write. What are the key points to keep in mind when filling it out?

（Answer）

　Please organize and describe, step by step, the tasks that need to be completed before starting your business, such as: administrative procedures for establishing a corporation (preparing articles of incorporation, paying in capital, registering the company, obtaining permits and licenses, etc.); hiring executives and employees; preparing products or services; building relationships with customers and business partners; and arranging funding. Be sure to keep in mind the points for the “confirmation of Business Startup Preparation Plan” mentioned in Q4.

Q29　I plan to start my business immediately. In that case, do I still need to write a 12-month schedule in “Form No. 3: Business Startup Activity Timeline”?

（Answer）

　In this case, for the period after opening the business, please provide details on how the business will be developed (such as sales activities, production activities, etc.), as well as your plans for revenue and financing.

Q30　I intend to work in Japan during the one year permitted under this system (up to a maximum of two years if renewed) in order to save the funds necessary to start my business. In this case, do I still have to provide a description of financing, etc.?

（Answer）

　The period of stay of one year permitted under this system (up to a maximum of two years if renewed) is intended for the purpose of engaging in business startup preparation activities, and as a rule, employment (activities outside the scope of status of residence) is not permitted. 

　If the funds necessary to cover living expenses and business startup preparation activities for the two-year period are not secured in advance, it may be difficult to obtain confirmation of the Business Startup Preparation Activity Plan.

4　Other

　For detailed information on the program, please refer to the following article on the Kumamoto City website.

The Foreign Business Startup Activity Promotion Program (Startup Visa) Has Officially Launched!