Warning: Is Kyoto Prefecture's "start-up visa" no longer a "trap"?

Behind the scenes, Kyoto Prefecture continues to claim to "welcome foreign entrepreneurs," a cruel reality is unfolding: the "drastic change (tightening) of business management visa requirements" that was implemented on October 16, 2025. Based on this premise, the current guide page published by Kyoto Prefecture (*Kyoto Prefecture "Start-up Visa Kyoto Application Procedure Guide")https://www.kyoto-obc.jp/startupvisa/kigyou/) is no longer "dishonest" but rather "irresponsible.

 We do not recommend the use of the "Start-up Visa Kyoto" from the standpoint of effectiveness after the October 16, 2025 tightening of the requirements for the Management and Administration Visa.

As a former employee of Kyoto Prefecture, I would like to ask the Kyoto prefectural government harsh questions from the following four perspectives.

1. lure them in with the "precipice" hidden two years later?

The grace period under the start-up visa is up to two years. Previously, only 5 million yen was needed for preparation, but under the new requirements, "30 million yen in capital" and "hiring a full-time employee" are required. 30 million yen in two years. What part of the system that forces such rapid growth "lowers the hurdles to starting a business"? Kyoto Prefecture's publicity is tantamount to selling a "one-way ticket" that lures challengers to the despair of a forced return home after two years.

2. gateway to entrepreneurs who support "Kyoto-ness

Kyoto Prefecture has set "culture and art" and "social business" as its targets. But how many companies in these highly aspirational fields can accumulate 30 million yen in two years of business? The new standards only seek the "rich" and the "IT elite. The prefectural government itself is trying to destroy the cultural diversity that Kyoto prides itself on with its institutional barriers.

3. lack of critical information on "Japanese language requirement (N2)

In principle, the new requirements call for a high level of Japanese language proficiency (equivalent to N2). The more the prefectural office provides "gentle support in English," the more entrepreneurs will mistakenly believe that they do not need to have Japanese language skills. However, what awaits them at the screening after two years is a ruthless pronouncement: "If you can't speak Japanese, get out. Not explaining this gap is "false hospitality" by the government.

4. challengers who are victims of the government's "achievement building

Don't you just want a number that says, "We attracted 00 entrepreneurs"? Now that the national government has taken this extreme "selective" approach, what Kyoto Prefecture should do is not to maintain a nouveau solicitation page. It is either a request for relaxation to the government or an extraordinary financial support to make them break through the 30 million yen barrier.

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As it is now, Kyoto will become a "graveyard of entrepreneurs" rather than a "capital of entrepreneurship.

We strongly urge Kyoto Prefecture to immediately revise the contents of kyoto-obc.jp and clearly state at the top the existence of this "30 million yen, employment and language requirement" precipice.

# Kyoto Prefectural Government # Start-up Visa # Business Management Visa # Foreign Entrepreneurs # Kyoto # Stricter Visa Requirements # Administrative Responsibility