Entrepreneurial support to turn despair into "success" after 2 years

March 29, 2026

Foreign entrepreneurs who dream of starting a business in Kyoto are currently facing an unprecedented "invisible barrier": the October 2025 amendment to the law dramatically raised the hurdles to move from a start-up visa to a "management and administration" visa, requiring capital of at least 30 million yen, full-time employment, and a high level of Japanese language N2 level of Japanese language proficiency.

While many municipalities and support organizations emphasize the "ease of starting a business," they do not adequately convey the risk of the "precipice" that comes at the time of renewal after two years.

The firm is committed to theFilling the "information vacuum" and protecting the lives of entrepreneurs, we go beyond the traditional framework of administrative scriveners and practice "support that works backwards from the exit (goal)"..

Four Survival Strategies

1. "Pre-screening" without discovery

We are not a firm that merely prepares documents. For those who are attracted to the "Kyoto brand" and wish to start a business, we first conduct a cold-bloodedly realistic simulation.

Can you accumulate 30 million yen within 2 years?
Is the company profitable enough to hire and retain Japanese staff? If you do not have a clear basis for this question, we dare to advise you that you should not apply now. This is the only way to protect entrepreneurs from the tragedy of forced return.

2. an "ironclad business plan" by a group of experts

A professional evaluation document is mandatory under the revised law. At our firm, we do not view this as a mere "formality for permission. In collaboration with certified public accountants and small and medium-sized enterprise diagnosticians, we formulate a "management roadmap to ensure that you will cross the ¥30 million barrier in two years. In particular, we will build a cash-flow simulation based on practical business practices, taking into account in advance the strict landscape ordinances and land rent costs unique to Kyoto City.

3. support for community reconciliation based on the knowledge of "35 years of former Kyoto Prefecture staff

For business success in Kyoto, "harmony with the community" is essential, not just legal requirements. As a Kyoto Prefecture official for 35 years, I have seen this city from inside the administration. Our unique strength is our ability to provide advice on both administrative rules and Kyoto's business customs, from selecting a business location to building bridges to the local community.

4. "Honest Disclosure" to Support Permit Rate 100%

We don't hide inconvenient truths. We tell you the risk that "a start-up visa can be a one-way ticket," along with the latest statistics. We will not lure you with sweet words, but will do our best to support only those entrepreneurs who correctly understand the risks and are prepared to overcome them.

Kyoto to the World" will not end up as an illusion.

The passion of foreign entrepreneurs to preserve traditional culture and create new value is Kyoto's treasure. However, it is too bad that this passion will be swallowed up by the wave of legal reform and crushed in two years.

Gyoseishoshi Lawyer Alex International Office is,The entrepreneur's "protector"As,Providing the warmest support from the most demanding perspectivesContinue to do so.Don't let your dreams become "memories" that end in two years.That is what we are proud of.

◎Checklist to confirm survival for transition to "management and administration" after 2 years

A start-up visa is not a "preparatory period for starting a business",Countdown to meet the $30 million and employment requirements.".
If you have even one of the following concerns, you should carefully reconsider your application in Kyoto.

Certainty" of funding

30 million yen barrier: Do you have a clear plan to secure at least 30 million yen in capital (own funds, remittance from your home country, or a commitment of investment from a VC) by the time of renewal after two years?

　 Working capital capacity: Apart from capital, does the company have enough cash to sustain average office rent and labor costs in Kyoto for at least one year?

Human Resources and the "Language Barrier

Commitment to full-time employment: Is there a specific recruitment route to hire "at least one full-time staff member" such as a Japanese national or permanent resident in the first year, or by the start of the second year at the latest?

　N2 level ability: Can you prove that the manager himself/herself or a full-time employee he/she employs has the ability equivalent to or higher than "JLPT N2" (a key requirement of the revised ministerial ordinance)?

Profitability and continuity" of the business

Expert's Drumbeat: Is there a prospect of obtaining an evaluation document from a certified public accountant or a small business consultant that states, "With this plan, the company will not become insolvent two years from now and will be able to continue its business?

　Kyoto-specific costs: Are the costs of complying with landscape ordinances and cooperating with traditional local rules included in the project plan?

Compliance and "Location

Securing an "independent office": Do you have an "independent business space" in Kyoto Prefecture that is recognized by the Immigration Bureau, not a virtual office or a residence?

　Check for duplicate permits: Are you aware of all administrative permit requirements other than visas, such as food and beverage, travel, antique dealer, etc.?

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