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Two "Fatal Flaws" Lurking in Kyoto Prefecture's Startup Visa Support Program

スタートアップビザ 京都府 Management visa
京都　スタートアップビザ支援
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The 'Information and Strategy Gap' Lurking Beneath Comprehensive Support

While Kyoto Prefecture's startup visa support features a comprehensive hands-on assistance system aimed at economic growth, it concurrently faces two significant structural and strategic challenges that threaten the sustainability of the historic city of Kyoto and the ultimate certainty of success for the applicants.

Challenge 1: Lack of Recognition for 'Landscape and Order Preservation,' the Foundation of a Historic City

Structural Limitation 1-1: Restricted by Standardized National Metrics

The Startup Visa program implemented by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) possesses a fatal structural flaw: a uniform overemphasis on 'economic growth and job creation,' which fails to consider unique regional circumstances. Consequently, Kyoto Prefecture is in a difficult position where it is challenging to strictly enforce 'landscape preservation.

1-2. Lack of Strategic Leadership in Administration

Even with structural constraints, the Kyoto Prefectural government is deficient in strategic leadership.

  • ❌ Flaw: The support system fails to explicitly incorporate landscape ordinances, urban planning, and consideration for the living environment as top-priority guidance and screening criteria from the initial stages of support.
  • ✅ Required Action: A concrete checklist and guidance concerning 'harmony with the landscape' are essential in concierge support and monthly interviews.

Overall Assessment: The administration is neglecting Kyoto's greatest asset, "scenic preservation," as it is swayed by central government metrics that prioritize "growth."

Challenge 2: Insufficient Awareness of the Final Goal—The 'Business Manager' Visa Requirements

2-1. Fatal Negligence in Fulfilling the Responsibility of Information Provision

There is insufficient communication regarding the latest and stricter legal requirements that will eventually be applied for transitioning to the 'Business Manager' visa, which is the ultimate goal of the comprehensive support.

Missing the latest essential requirementsRisk
Japanese language proficiency requirement (e.g., equivalent to N2 level or higher)If this requirement is not met, a visa change will be impossible even after the support period concludes.
Extension of business management experience (3 years of experience or more)A critical change that fundamentally overturns the judgment of applicant qualifications.
Mandatory expert confirmation of the business planDirectly impacts the procedural costs and certainty of success during the final application

2-2. The Risk of Administrative Efforts Being Wasted

Despite the administration investing vast resources (concierge services, monthly interviews, etc.), the lack of up-to-date information regarding the crucial 'conditions for success' contains the greatest risk of failure, ultimately leading to applicants being denied permission.

📌 Important Notice to Applicants Considering a Startup Visa in Kyoto 📢

Entrepreneurship in Kyoto holds great appeal, but understanding its unique characteristics is the key to success. Separately from the administrative support, please take the initiative to proactively prepare and confirm the following two points yourself.

1. Be Prepared to Adopt a 'Landscape-First' Stance

Protecting the townscape and culture of Kyoto is a civic responsibility equal to, or even more important than, economic growth.

  • 🏢 Points for Office Location Selection:** Once you decide on a potential office location, be sure to check Kyoto City's Landscape Ordinance and District Plans in advance. There are strict restrictions on sign sizes, colors, building heights, and exterior materials that are not found in other cities.
  • 🤝 Harmony with Residents:** Create a business plan that maximizes consideration for the impact of your business activities (e.g., foot traffic, deliveries, noise, waste disposal) on the surrounding living environment, and prioritizes harmony with local residents.

2. Confirm the Latest 'Business Manager' Visa Requirements at Your Own Risk

Even if the information on the Kyoto Prefecture website has not been updated, the latest rules under the Immigration Control Act will be applied without exception.

  • 🗣️ Securing Japanese Language Proficiency:** Begin preparations from the initial stage of your plan so that you or a full-time employee can achieve the Japanese language proficiency requirement (e.g., equivalent to JLPT N2 level or higher), which will be enforced starting October 2025 or later
  • ⚖️ Confirmation of Latest Rules:** Before submitting your final visa application, be sure to confirm the latest requirements two or three times via the Ministry of Justice website or a reliable immigration lawyer (Gyoseishoshi specializing in immigration affairs), and adjust your plan accordingly.

Administrative support is merely a supplement. Please strongly recognize that the final visa acquisition depends on the applicant's own compliance with legal requirements and their adaptation to Kyoto as a unique city.

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スタートアップビザ 京都府 Management visa
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