STARTUPHOKKAIDO

JPEN
For Foreign Founders

Hokkaido Startup Visa

Cultivate Your Business in Hokkaido,
Where Innovations Thrive.
Apply for Hokkaido Startup Visa

Get started in English

Apply online via one-stop digital forms

Many Reasons

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

Hokkaido has been home
to numerous Tech innovations

Hokkaido has supported a number of Tech startups and founders from all over the world.

  • AgriTech

  • FoodTech

  • BioTech

  • HealthTech

  • SpaceTech

  • AI

  • TravelTech

  • CleanTech

2

Ecosystem driven by startup mindset

Our inter-connected, collaborative ecosystem is ready to support you in all stages.

3

Plenty of PoC opportunities

Together with our community, we’ve built the perfect test ground for Seed-stage startups.

4

Chance to get funded from the get-go

We have the perfect test ground for Seed-stage startups.

  • Up to 2.5 million JPY

    grant for newly established startups

  • 100% Covered

    of company registration fee

    Normally 175,000 JPY for Stock Company (KK) & 80,000 JPY for Limited Liability Company (GK)

  • PoC + 500,000JPY

    activity fee

Last but not least...

You can enjoy the majestic nature and all kinds of outdoor activities in Hokkaido!

So Simply

How to Apply

Start Your Journey Today!!

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.

To get the process started,
focus on building below 3 documents first:

  • MVP

  • Business Plan

  • 3-Year Financial Forecast

Later on, you will be asked to provide additional documents below:
  • Graduation certificate
  • CV
  • Employment certificate
  • Housing
  • Bank book
  • Pitch deck ← We can help you out with this one!
Also prepare to answer the following:
  • 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
Quickly Application

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.

Member

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!

  • Ayano Sugita

    Startup Visa Lead

  • Miho Tanaka

    Head of Internationalization at STARTUP HOKKAIDO

Ready to Take a Leap?
Apply Now!

Apply for Hokkaido Startup Visa