[2026 Complete Guide – Kumamoto] Starting a Company in Japan as a Foreigner

Business Manager Visa, Company Formation, and Local Licensing in Kumamoto

1. Overview

Foreign nationals who wish to start a business in Kumamoto, Japan must complete three key steps:

Company incorporation under Japanese law
Immigration approval (Business Manager Visa)
Industry-specific licenses (if applicable)

In Kumamoto, procedures involve coordination with:

Kumamoto Legal Affairs Bureau (company registration)
Immigration Services Agency (visa)
Kumamoto Prefecture / City offices (licenses)

2. Business Manager Visa Requirements (2026)

As of 2026:

Capital: Minimum JPY 30 million
Full-time employee: At least 1 (social insurance required)
Office: Independent physical office in Kumamoto
Japanese ability: JLPT N2 level (applicant or employee)
Business plan: Verified by CPA or certified consultant

⚠️ Applications without real business substance are strictly rejected.

3. Company Formation Process in Kumamoto

Typical flow:

Apply for 4-month startup visa (if overseas)
Enter Japan and register address
Open bank account (may require local support)
Lease office in Kumamoto (important for visa approval)
Prepare Articles of Incorporation
Notarization at Kumamoto Notary Office
Capital deposit
Company registration at Kumamoto Legal Affairs Bureau
Tax and social insurance registration
Apply for Business Manager Visa

⏱ Timeline:

Company setup: 2–4 weeks
Visa review: 3–6 months

4. Industry-Specific Licenses in Kumamoto

■ Real Estate Company (Real Estate Brokerage License)

Authority: Kumamoto Prefecture

Requirements:

Licensed Real Estate Transaction Agent
Office meeting local standards
Security deposit or guarantee association membership

👉 Prior consultation with prefectural office is recommended.

■ Construction Company (Construction Business License)

Authority: Kumamoto Prefecture

Requirements:

Qualified business manager
Technical engineer
Financial requirements (e.g., JPY 5 million net assets)

👉 Local experience or Japanese staff is often necessary.

■ Travel Agency

Authority: Kumamoto Prefecture

Requirements:

Certified Travel Services Manager
Financial base
Business office

5. Key Practical Points (Kumamoto-Specific)

Office leasing for foreigners may be difficult → use local agents
Bank account opening is stricter for non-residents
Local government consultation (prefecture/city) is highly recommended before applying

6. Common Risks

Using virtual office → visa rejection
No qualified staff → license denial
Poor business plan → visa rejection
Mismatch between visa and business license

7. Estimated Costs

Company formation: JPY 200,000–400,000
Visa application: JPY 300,000–600,000
Licensing: JPY 100,000+

8. Conclusion

Starting a business in Kumamoto requires:

Immigration compliance
Proper company setup
Local licensing coordination

👉 Early planning with professionals is essential.