Quick Answer
Fukuoka City Hall is located at 〒810-8620 福岡市中央区天神1-8-1, a 3-minute walk from Tenjin Station. Fukuoka has 7 wards, each with its own ward office. The Fukuoka International Exchange Foundation (FCIF) at Tenjin provides free multilingual support. Fukuoka is a National Strategic Special Zone for startups and has a growing international community of about 40,000 foreign residents.
Key Offices
| Office | Address | Phone | Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fukuoka City Hall (福岡市役所) | Tenjin 1-8-1, Chuo-ku | 092-711-4111 | Central admin (not for resident registration) |
| Hakata Ward Office (博多区役所) | Hakata-eki-mae 2-9-3 | 092-441-2131 | Resident registration, NHI (Hakata Station area) |
| FCIF (Kokusai Hiroba) | Tenjin 1-1-1 (ACROS Fukuoka 3F) | 092-733-2220 | Multilingual consultation, visa help, events |
Ward Office System
Fukuoka has 7 wards: Chuo-ku (Tenjin area), Hakata-ku (Hakata Station/Canal City), Higashi-ku, Minami-ku, Nishi-ku, Jonan-ku, and Sawara-ku. Visit your local ward office for address registration, NHI, tax, and child services. Chuo-ku and Hakata-ku are most popular with foreign residents.
Startup City
Fukuoka is designated as a National Strategic Special Zone for startups, offering special visa categories for foreign entrepreneurs. The Startup Cafe in Tenjin provides free consultation for entrepreneurs. Fukuoka's lower cost of living, proximity to Asia (closer to Seoul and Shanghai than to Tokyo), and compact city design attract a growing tech community.
FAQ
Q: Which ward office do I go to in Fukuoka?
A: Visit the ward office for the ward where you live. If you live near Hakata Station, go to Hakata Ward Office. Near Tenjin, go to Chuo Ward Office.
Q: What is the startup visa in Fukuoka?
A: Fukuoka offers a special startup visa allowing foreign entrepreneurs to stay for 6 months to prepare their business. After that, you can apply for a regular business manager visa. Contact the Startup Cafe for details.
Disclaimer
Office hours and services may change. Contact your local ward office or FCIF for current information.
Last updated: April 2026.