WHY FUKUOKA? The Fastest Growing City in Japan
People are flocking here, and Fukuoka has the highest population growth rate of any Japanese city.
In fact, Fukuoka ranks No. 1 in terms of the growth rate of foreign residents among all the ordinance-designated cities. While the population grows, the prices in the city are still some of the most reasonable in Japan. This economy coupled with the startup incentives that the city provides make it an ideal place to found a new company.
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YOUNG RESIDENTS
Highest ratio of young residents
(15~29 years old)* -
FASTEST GROWING
Highest population grow rate
(2015~2020)* -
MULTI - CULTURAL
Highest growth rate of foreign residents
(2000~2020)*
WHY FUKUOKA?
We’re Located in the
Heart of East Asia
Conducting international and domestic business is simple with
many hubs located just a hop, skip and a jump away from Fukuoka.
Fukuoka is perfectly situated in the center of East Asia, making it simple to take a short direct flight to:
AND MORE!
The city also has great relationships with other startup communities across the globe,
giving you the chance to interact with other amazing companies.
WHY FUKUOKA?
You’ll Have Access
to the Best of the Best
Top talent is easy to find in Fukuoka because of the city’s numerous universities and R&D centers.
As a startup, you'll be eager to connect with innovators and leaders that can help take your business to the next level. Third only to Kyoto and Tokyo, Fukuoka has a plethora of higher education options that attract students from around the world. Major companies have clearly caught on, and have established their research and development center in the city to attract new graduates and experienced professionals.
Sources: Large cities comparison table 2021, National census (2020)
WHY FUKUOKA?
Fukuoka Is an
Incredible Place to Live
There’s a reason why 98% of Fukuoka’s residents think it’s a pleasant place to live.
Fukuoka is a unique blend of bustling city life, pristine parks, sandy beaches, traditional Japanese culture and modern living, all seamlessly blended together. Forget your visions of cramped and endless commutes. Fukuoka’s average weekday commute time is just over 30minutes. Businesses love it here: In a survey of business people, Fukuoka was voted the most livable city in Japan.
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COMFORTABLE LIVING
Fukuoka ranked first, as the most livable city in Japan.
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PREFERRED LOCATION
Fukuoka ranked second, as the preferred location to work in Japan.
GLOBAL BUSINESS SUPPORT
The GBS Offers Unparalleled
Business Support
At GBS you can get advice from people who don’t just speak your language, but also understand your concerns. Each member of the GBS staff is fluent in English and has good knowledge of domestic and international business. One or more GBS concierges will be available during opening hours to adeptly help you navigate the process of expanding or founding your business in Fukuoka. The staff understands how critical it is for you to receive seamless and comprehensive support when expanding or founding your business in a foreign country. They also get that sometimes the process can be a bit confusing. That’s why they’re here to help you with everything you need from answering questions to assisting with tougher tasks that require more dedicated support.
GLOBAL BUSINESS SUPPORT
One-Stop Support Center for
ForeignEntrepreneurs and
Financial Institution
Well experienced GBS concierges provide seamless and comprehensive support when founding your business in Fukuoka including:
- Assistance with procedures for starting a business in Fukuoka (applying for a startup visa, finding a place to live, opening a bank account, securing an office, etc.);
- Introduction to subsidies and support programs in Fukuoka;
- Assistance in obtaining financial licenses;
- Referral to specialists and related organizations, etc., depending on the content of the consultation;
- Help finding talented individuals to expand your local team;
- Other
Fukuoka City’s Global Startup Network Fukuoka City’s Global Startup Network
We have ties to communities across the world that are ready to help support Fukuoka’s startups. You can click on the images below to learn more about some of our global partners. Below the partner logos you will find more details on how both Fukuoka-based startups going abroad and international startups coming to Fukuoka will benefit from these partnerships.
Fukuoka City’s
Global Startup Network
These partnerships create strong
foundations for our startups who
wish to conduct business overseas.
Below are just a few of the benefits Fukuoka’s startups can access
as a result of these connections:
- Advice from local experts about founding a company in the region (often free of charge).
- Assistance in acquiring the appropriate residency status for a business owner in the country.
- Help locating local office space or desks in incubation facilities.
- Introductions to key industry contacts.
Fukuoka City’s
Global Startup Network
Entrepreneurs who come to
Fukuoka from one of our partner
regions will be able to receive
- Matching services with key companies in Fukuoka and introductions to those organizations.
- Useful information about how to found a company here, and how Fukuoka City can support your efforts.
- Assistance securing a space in local startup incubation facilities.
- Introductions to financial institutions that can help you to start your business.
- Introductions to academic institutions and industry contacts that can help you to expand your network.
- Help finding talented individuals to expand your local team.
Looking for potential business partners in Japan?
Visit our Match Up page to view a selection of Japanese companies eager to collaborate with international partners.
If you are interested in connecting, contact GBS, and let us be the bridge to your next partnership opportunity.
Startup Package
Fukuoka is rapidly becoming a leader in the startup world. Japan has awarded the city a
designation as a National Strategic Special Zone, meaning that there is now a simple pathway for
startups to bring their businesses to the city.
This designation has led to reduced regulations when it comes to employment, visas, and corporate
taxes, making Fukuoka and ideal place to establish your company.
Startup Package Startup Visa
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Fukuoka is the first city
in Japan to offer a Startup Visa for
foreign entrepreneurs.Obtaining a visa is now simpler than ever. If you are an entrepreneur interested in founding your business in Japan, the up to one-year Startup Visa will give you the opportunity to live in Fukuoka and have access to all of the incredible startup support the city provides. The Startup Visa will give you ample time to get a sense of the city, the culture, and the professional climate all while establishing your business.
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Startup Visa Requirements
You will need to submit a business plan to Fukuoka City to review. They will determine the feasibility of you meeting the standard Residential Status of Business Manager requirements within the up to one-year Startup Visa timeframe. Please note that you must meet the Residential Status of Business Manager requirements in order to renew your visa after the Startup Visa expires.
Startup Package
Financial Aid for
Renting Residential
& Office Spaces
Foreign entrepreneurs with a promising business plan may be eligible to receive financial aid to be used towards renting residential or office space within Fukuoka City.
In addition, assistance will be provided in finding residential or office space, and entrepreneurs will be given priority entry into Fukuoka City’s incubation facilities.
| Rate & Monthly Limit | To Be Used For | Duration of Aid | |
|---|---|---|---|
| RESIDENCE | 50% (up to ￥70,000) | private rental residences | One year |
| BUSINESS OFFICE | 50% (up to ￥50,000) | Private sector incubation facilities and rental offices |
One year |
Startup Package National Tax Reductions
The city government understands that taxes are a big consideration when deciding where to found your company. If you establish your business in Fukuoka, you might qualify for a reduction in national tax.
* Available after relevant laws have been enacted and enforced.
** Applicable Industries: Medical, IoT, Advanced IT
Startup Package
Financial Assistance and
Funding Opportunities
Bringing your business to Fukuoka will give you access to
countless funding sources.
The city also awards some new businesses financial incentives
to help make establishing a company in the city more worthwhile.
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STARTUP FUNDING
The city provides loans to entrepreneurs who have established a business in Fukuoka during the past two years.
These entrepreneurs will need to undergo a screening process to qualify for this loan, and can be awarded a maximum of 35 million yen with 1.3% interest.MAXIMUM LOAN
￥35,000,000
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1.3％
GUARANTEE
COMMISSION -
0
INTEREST
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STEP UP SUBSIDY
Fukuoka City holds a yearly Business Plan Contest, and contest winners may be eligible for the Set Up Subsidy with a maximum prize of 1 million yen.
FIRST PRIZE
￥1,000,000
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￥700,000
INTEREST
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￥100,000
INCENTIVE PRICE
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SUPPORT PROGRMAS FOR ESTABLISHING YOUR BUSINESS
Startup Package Business Support
Fukuoka City provides a wide range of support options for founders who want to grow their businesses in this thriving city.
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BUSINESS CONSULTATIONS
Fukuoka Growth Next (FGN) is the ideal space for you to learn everything you need to know about establishing a business in Fukuoka. There are English speaking consultants available to help give you the advice and perspective you need to ensure your business is a success. Lawyers, accountants, financial experts, and government representatives are just a few of the specialists that you will be able to work with at the FGN.
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FUKUOKA CITY CERTIFICATION
Some products and services may receive certification from the city. If your business is awarded certification, the city will assist you in promoting your products in catalogues and exhibitions.This certification may also give entrepreneurs access to business contracts that are not subject to an open bidding process at the request of Fukuoka City.
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RESIDENTIAL AND OFFICE SPACE RENTAL
Fukuoka city staff members are available to help you find the right office space and living space to suit your needs. If you have an outstanding business plan, you might even qualify for financial aid from the city to put towards renting spaces in Fukuoka.There are also several incubation facilities located across the city that have spaces just waiting to accommodate high-quality startups.
INCUBATION FACILITY Fukuoka Growth Next
Fukuoka City has been designated as a special district by the Japanese government, offering various support measures for startups. FGN collaborates with Fukuoka City, and provides various supports and chances for startups to accelerate growth and develop business.
INCUBATION FACILITY OFFICE
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Team Room
Our private office spaces can accommodate teams of up to seven members. These offices make it easy for teams to communicate with each other and also concentrate on their work.
Room
Approx. $340-
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Shared Office
Our variety of shared offices creates a unique atmosphere that keeps you motivated and around others while also allowing you to concentrate.
Fixed seat
Approx. $170-
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Coworking Space
Choose whichever desk you want each day - no reservation required! We offer a Single Plan for individuals or a Multi-Plan that you can share with other members for an additional fee. This space gives you plenty of chances to meet other innovators and expand your network.
Free seat
Approx. $100-
(USD-JPY:160)
JOIN US
Are you an entrepreneur looking to establish your business in Fukuoka? Or, are you a financial institution looking to expand your business to Fukuoka? First of all, may we say you’ve made a great choice! Fukuoka City has everything you need to establish your company or expand your business and get on the road to success. We look forward to working with you in Fukuoka!
Contact Us
Excited about starting your business in Fukuoka or expanding your business to Fukuoka, but don’t know where to start? All you need to do is to take the necessary steps to make it work! If you are coming to the city from abroad, this process probably leaves you with a lot of questions. Never fear. Fukuoka City understands your concerns and has created an easy way for you to get the answers you need. Fukuoka’s newly launched Global Business Support is here to make your transition to Fukuoka as easy as possible.
News and Blog
Dive into the dynamic world of innovation. Please find herein spotlights from exclusive interviews with international entrepreneurs based in Fukuoka City to comprehensive reports on the latest trends from startup events worldwide.
Join the vibrant Fukuoka international startup community!
Stay updated on the latest events by following us for:
- Insights from global startup events
- Stories from Fukuoka’s startup visa holders
- Upcoming events in Fukuoka City
- Programs and subsidies from Fukuoka City