JFC Startup Loan Document Checklist for Foreign Founders

Everything you need to prepare before applying for a Japan Finance Corporation (JFC) startup loan, with the Japanese document names you will need at the ward office, bank, or JFC branch.

By HAKATAYA Inc. | Updated September 2026

Related: JFC Startup Loan GuideCan Foreigners Get a Business Loan in Japan?

How to Use This Checklist

  • Tip: print this page or bookmark it on your phone. You can show the Japanese document names directly to staff.
  • = document to prepareRequired= needed in almost every caseIf applicable= depends on your situation
  • Japanese names are shown in brackets. Show them to staff when requesting a document.
  • Official certificates (住民票, 登記簿, 印鑑証明 etc.) should generally be issued within the last 3 months.
  • All documents written in a foreign language need a Japanese translation.
  • Keep copies of everything you submit. JFC does not return documents.

Part 1: Application Documents (JFC Forms)

〔借入申込書〕Required
Available from the JFC website or apply online.
〔創業計画書〕Required
JFC's official format, written in Japanese. A more detailed supplementary plan (e.g. 5–10 pages with monthly cash flow) strengthens your application.
〔設備資金の見積書〕If applicable
Required if you are borrowing for equipment, renovation, vehicles, or fit-out. Must be issued by the actual supplier, addressed to you or your company.
〔売上計画・資金繰り表〕Recommended
Shows the basis for your sales forecast (customers × price × frequency).

Part 2: Identity and Residence Documents

〔在留カード〕 (front and back)Required
Check that your status and period of stay are current. A short remaining period can limit your loan term.
〔パスポート〕Recommended
〔住民票の写し〕Often requested
Request the version that includes nationality, residence status, and period of stay 〔国籍・在留資格・在留期間の記載あり〕. Obtain from your city/ward office.
〔印鑑登録証明書〕Required at contract stage
You will need a registered personal seal (実印) to sign the loan agreement. If you don't have one, register it at your ward office early.

Part 3: Proof of Own Funds

This is where many foreign founders' applications fail. Prepare this section carefully.

〔預金通帳(原本)〕Required
Covering at least the last 6–12 months, for all accounts holding your startup funds. Loan officers check that savings were built gradually.
〔海外口座の取引明細〕If applicable
Covering the same period, with Japanese translation of key entries.
〔海外送金の記録〕If applicable
Proof of transfer from your overseas account to your Japanese account. Keep the bank's remittance advice.
〔まとまった入金の説明資料〕If applicable
For any large or one-off deposit: gift agreements, property sale contracts, severance pay statements, etc.
〔支払済みの領収書〕If applicable
Receipts for deposits, equipment, or rent already paid from your own funds. These count as part of your investment.

Note: Money borrowed from family or friends is not treated as your own funds in the loan review. If such funds exist, be ready to explain them honestly, with a loan agreement and repayment schedule.

Not sure your savings will be accepted?

Proof of own funds is the most common problem for foreign founders, especially with money held overseas. Book a free 30-minute check →

Part 4: Experience and Income Records

Resume / Career History

〔履歴書・職務経歴書〕

Recommended

Emphasise experience in the same industry, in Japan or overseas.

Employment Certificates

〔在職証明書・退職証明書〕

Recommended

Especially for overseas experience (with Japanese translation).

Withholding Tax Slip or Tax Return

〔源泉徴収票・確定申告書〕

Often requested

Most recent year. Shows your income and tax compliance in Japan.

Qualifications and Licenses

〔資格証明書〕

If applicable

Professional qualifications relevant to your business.

Part 5: Proof of Good Payment Record

Loan officers may check whether you pay bills and taxes on time. Clear any unpaid amounts before applying.

Residence Tax Payment Proof

〔住民税の納税証明書・課税証明書〕

Often requested

Utility Bill Receipts / Bank Debit Records

〔公共料金の領収書・引落記録〕

Often requested

Electricity, gas, water, phone. Usually the last few months.

Rent Payment Records

〔家賃の支払記録〕

Often requested

For your home and/or business premises.

Repayment Schedules for Existing Loans

〔既存借入の返済予定表〕

If applicable

Car loans, card loans, smartphone installments, student loans, etc.

Part 6: Company and Business Premises Documents

Certificate of Registered Matters

〔履歴事項全部証明書(登記簿謄本)〕

If incorporated

Obtain from the Legal Affairs Bureau.

Articles of Incorporation

〔定款〕

If incorporated

Company Seal Registration Certificate

〔法人の印鑑証明書〕

If incorporated, at contract stage

Lease Agreement for Business Premises

〔店舗・事務所の賃貸借契約書〕

If applicable

A draft or letter of intent is acceptable if the lease is not yet signed.

Business Licenses and Permits

〔許認可証の写し〕

If applicable

Examples: restaurant (飲食店営業許可), real estate (宅建業免許), travel agency, used goods dealer (古物商許可), staffing, construction. If not yet issued, show the application status.

Recommendation Letter for Hygiene-Related Businesses

〔生活衛生同業組合等の推薦書〕

If applicable

Required for certain loans to restaurants, beauty salons, hotels, and other hygiene-related businesses. Issued by the prefectural Seikatsu Eisei Center.

Part 7: Supporting Evidence for Your Sales Forecast

These are not always required, but they are the strongest way to prove your plan is realistic.

Letters of intent, contracts, or purchase orders from customers〔取引予定先の意向書・契約書〕
Supplier agreements〔仕入先との契約書〕
Market research, competitor analysis, location data
Photos, website, product samples, portfolio

Part 8: Visa-Related Documents (Business Manager Visa Holders)

Business Manager visa approval documents / latest renewal

〔在留資格許可関係書類〕

Recommended

Professional Review of Business Plan

〔専門家による事業計画書の確認書〕

If applying/renewing under 2025 rules
Since October 16, 2025, Business Manager visa applications require a business plan reviewed by an SME Management Consultant (中小企業診断士), CPA, or Certified Tax Accountant. Make sure the numbers match your loan application.

Proof of Capital Contribution

〔資本金の払込証明〕

If incorporated

Before You Submit: Final Check

All certificates issued within the last 3 months
All foreign-language documents translated into Japanese
Figures are consistent across the business plan, quotes, bank statements, and visa documents
No unpaid taxes, social insurance, pension, or bills
Your remaining period of stay is long enough for the repayment term you want
You can explain your plan and numbers in the interview (in Japanese or with an interpreter)
A Japanese bank account (corporate account, if incorporated) is ready to receive funds.

Need Help Preparing Your Application?

HAKATAYA is led by a Japanese government-certified SME Management Consultant (Chusho Kigyo Shindanshi). We help foreign founders:

  • Review documents and spot problems before JFC sees them
  • Write a bilingual business plan in JFC's format
  • Organise proof of own funds, including overseas savings
  • Prepare for the loan interview in Japanese

Book a free 30-minute consultation in English: hakataya.xyz/contact

Book a Free Consultationor email consulting@hakataya.xyz

This checklist is for general guidance only. JFC reviews each application individually and may request different or additional documents. It is not financial, legal, or immigration advice. Information as of September 2026.

HAKATAYA

HAKATAYA acts as your English-speaking concierge in Japan, bridging foreign founders with trusted accounting and legal experts.

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