Hokkaido Startup Visa
Where Innovations Thrive.
Get started in English
Apply online via one-stop digital forms
Why Hokkaido?
Hokkaido is one of few cities that provide its own Startup Visa, and below are few of many reasons why we attract foreign founders from across the world.
1
to numerous Tech innovations
Hokkaido has supported a number of Tech startups and founders from all over the world.
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AgriTech
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FoodTech
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BioTech
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HealthTech
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SpaceTech
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AI
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TravelTech
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CleanTech
2
Our inter-connected, collaborative ecosystem is ready to support you in all stages.
3
Together with our community, we’ve built the perfect test ground for Seed-stage startups.
4
We have the perfect test ground for Seed-stage startups.
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Up to 2.5 million JPY
grant for newly established startups
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100% Covered
of company registration fee
Normally 175,000 JPY for Stock Company (KK) & 80,000 JPY for Limited Liability Company (GK)
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PoC + 500,000JPY
activity fee
You can enjoy the majestic nature and all kinds of outdoor activities in Hokkaido!
How to Apply
Get started by simply clicking on the “Apply” button at the bottom right. Our team will get in touch with you to set up a casual call to better understand your business and see how we can support you.
focus on building below 3 documents first:
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MVP
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Business Plan
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3-Year Financial Forecast
- Graduation certificate
- CV
- Employment certificate
- Housing
- Bank book
- Pitch deck ← We can help you out with this one!
- Reason(s) to start a business and future prospects = Why Hokkaido?
- List your qualifications, work experience, special skills, valid licenses
- Outline of your business (planned products and services)
- Products or Services to be provided
- Please list your competitors (name, Website URL, etc.)
- Reasons why your business is capable of making profits
- Outline of sales plan, and plan for providing products and services
- Details of your expected supplier, partners, cost ratio and cost breakdown
- Necessary management resources
Application Roadmap
Once you feel prepared, go ahead and get started on the application process!
Application will ONLY take about 1.5 months, and after landing in Japan,
it will take 10-11 months to settle in, and additional 6 months to incorporate your business.
We’re Here to Help You.
OThroughout the application process, you can always count on our team to support you.
You’re not alone in this!
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Ayano Sugita
Startup Visa Lead
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Miho Tanaka
Head of Internationalization at STARTUP HOKKAIDO