【Expand to Kumamoto】Startup Visa Guide for Taiwanese Entrepreneurs

Streamlining Company Formation and Business Launch in Japan

With the arrival of TSMC (JASM), Kumamoto has rapidly transformed into a global business hub. For investors and entrepreneurs from Taiwan, Kumamoto currently offers unprecedented opportunities.

However, obtaining a standard “Business Manager” visa immediately can be difficult due to high entry barriers, such as the requirement for a 5 million JPY investment and a physical office before entry. The “Startup Visa” (Designated Activities No. 44) solves this by granting up to one year of residency specifically for business preparation.

Shionaga Gyoseishoshi Law Office, located in Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, provides expert legal bridge-building for Taiwanese founders entering the Kumamoto market.

1. Benefits of the Startup Visa for Taiwanese Founders

When applying for a “Business Manager” visa directly from Taiwan, you often face a “Catch-22”: you cannot easily open a bank account or lease an office without a Japanese residency status.

Entry First, Preparation Later: Enter Japan and obtain your Residence Card first. This makes negotiating with banks and real estate agencies significantly smoother.
Relaxed Initial Requirements: You do not need the 5 million JPY investment or a finalized lease at the time of application, provided your business plan is approved.
One-Year Runway: You receive an initial 6-month stay, renewable once, giving you a full year to set up your corporate structure and transition to a permanent “Business Manager” status.

2. The Application Flow: Two-Stage Screening

Step 1: Local Government Confirmation (Kumamoto City, etc.) You submit an “Entrepreneurial Activity Plan” to the municipality. They evaluate the feasibility of your business (e.g., semiconductor supply chain, Taiwan-Japan trade, F&B, or IT) and your financial proof for living expenses.
Step 2: Immigration Bureau Application With the certificate from the city, we apply to the Immigration Bureau for your Designated Activities No. 44 status.

3. Key Considerations for Taiwanese Investors

In our experience, the Japanese authorities focus on these points for Taiwanese applicants:

Transparency of Funds: You must clearly document the source of your investment capital and the path of remittance from Taiwan.
Local Contribution: How your business leverages the Taiwan-Kumamoto network or contributes to the local economy.
Licensing Readiness: Demonstrating a clear plan to obtain necessary licenses (e.g., Food Service, Construction, or Second-hand Dealer licenses) during the one-year preparation period.

4. How Shionaga Law Office Bridges Taiwan and Kumamoto

As a Certified Management Innovation Support Provider, we offer more than just visa processing; we offer business integration.

Full Visa Representation: From negotiating with the Kumamoto City government to filing with Immigration, we handle the entire process.
Incorporation & Financing: We assist with company registration and securing startup loans from the Japan Finance Corporation (JFC) during your preparation year.
TSMC Ecosystem Insights: As local experts, we provide advice based on the latest industrial trends and land availability in the “Silicon Island” of Kumamoto.
Professional Network: We collaborate with Tax Accountants and Judicial Scriveners familiar with Taiwan-Japan cross-border tax issues and remittances.

Take Your First Step in Kumamoto with a Trusted Partner

The distance between Taiwan and Kumamoto has never been shorter. We serve as the primary gateway for Taiwanese entrepreneurs to integrate into the Kumamoto community and achieve long-term success.

Shionaga Gyoseishoshi Law Office 📍 Location: Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Japan 📞 Phone: +81-96-385-9002 📩 Email: info@shionagaoffice.jp

We accept pre-consultations via video call (Zoom/Google Meet) for clients currently in Taiwan.