If you want to start a business in Japan but are not yet ready to meet the full requirements for the Business Manager visa, Kitakyushu City now offers a structured pathway through Japan’s nationwide Startup Visa program (Foreign Entrepreneurial Activity Promotion Program).

As of April 15, 2026, Kitakyushu City has officially launched its new framework under this national system.

This article explains the system in detail—eligibility, target industries, application process, required documents, timelines, and compliance requirements.

What is the “Startup Visa” in Kitakyushu City?

Foreign entrepreneurs who wish to run a business in Japan must normally obtain the Business Manager visa, which requires meeting strict conditions such as:

• Securing a business office
• Hiring at least one full-time employee
• Capital of at least 30 million yen
• Relevant academic background or business experience

These requirements create a high barrier at the initial stage.

Kitakyushu City’s Startup Visa solves this problem by allowing applicants to:

→ Stay in Japan under Designated Activities (Startup Preparation)
→ Prepare their business while working toward these requirements

If approved:

• Initial stay: 6 months
• Extendable: up to 1 year
• Maximum total period: 2 years

Important:
“Startup Visa” is not a visa status itself.
The actual status granted is Designated Activities (特定活動).

Two-Step Process

Kitakyushu City follows the standard nationwide structure:

1) City Review (Plan Confirmation)

You submit your Startup Preparation Activity Plan.

Kitakyushu City:

• Reviews your plan with expert input
• Evaluates feasibility and compliance with program requirements

If approved, you receive a:

Startup Preparation Activity Confirmation Certificate

2) Immigration Review

With the certificate, you apply to Immigration.

If approved, you receive:

Designated Activities (Startup Preparation)

Important:
The city certificate does NOT guarantee visa approval.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet at least one of the following:

• At least 1 year of experience in business management, or
• A Master’s, Doctoral, or professional degree in:
  • Business management, OR
  • A field related to the planned business

Target Business Fields in Kitakyushu City

Unlike many municipalities, Kitakyushu clearly defines its target sectors.

Eligible businesses must:

1) Meet ALL general conditions:

• Have novelty or innovation (new technology or new services)
• Contribute to the Kitakyushu Industrial Development Strategy

2) Fall into one of these sectors:

• Manufacturing
• Environment / GX (Green Transformation)
• Logistics
• IT / DX
• Future industries (semiconductors, EVs, batteries, space, etc.)
• Healthcare / medical
• Service industries
• Content / entertainment
• Tourism / inbound
• Other fields approved by the mayor

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.

Application Flow

Step 1 – Prepare your business plan

You must prepare:

• Startup Preparation Plan
• Activity schedule
• Financial plan
• Proof of feasibility

Step 2 – Submit to Kitakyushu City

Submit to:

KKJ Business Support Center
(Industrial & Economic Affairs Bureau)

• Email or prior contact required
• Submission by:
  • Applicant
  • Gyoseishoshi (行政書士)
  • Lawyer
  • Authorized representative

Step 3 – Review and Screening

Kitakyushu City:

• Reviews documents
• May request additional materials

Step 4 – Certificate Issuance

If approved:

→ You receive the confirmation certificate
→ Must apply to Immigration afterward

Step 5 – Immigration Application

Apply at:

Fukuoka Immigration (Kitakyushu Branch)

Required Documents

New Application

• Application form
• Startup Preparation Plan
• Activity schedule
• Resume
• Proof of residence (1 year)
• Proof of funds (business + living + return cost)
• Proof of eligibility (experience or degree)
• Passport copy
• Additional documents if required

Renewal Application

• Updated plan
• Updated schedule
• Proof of residence (6 months)
• Proof of funds (6 months)

After Approval (Critical Compliance)

1) Landing Report

Must submit immediately after arrival:

• Landing report
• Residence card copy

2) Monthly Monitoring (STRICT)

• At least 1 interview per month
• Must show progress:
  • Office setup
  • Hiring
  • Financial status

3) Risk of Cancellation

The city may cancel approval if:

• False documents are found
• No real startup activity
• No cooperation with reporting
• Plan no longer meets requirements

Key Compliance Points

• You must actively work toward Business Manager requirements
• Passive “waiting” is not acceptable
• Financial preparation must be realistic
• Monthly reporting is mandatory
• The city reports your progress to:
  • METI
  • Immigration

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

Kitakyushu’s Startup Visa is not just a document process.

It is a feasibility evaluation system.

Trust Administrative Scrivener Office supports:

• Business plan creation (high approval probability design)
• Document preparation (no omissions)
• Immigration strategy (Startup → Business Manager)
• Ongoing compliance support

Especially in Kitakyushu, local knowledge significantly increases success probability.

📩 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

Starting a business in Japan doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Let us help you navigate the process smoothly and successfully!