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As of October 16, 2025, due to the revision of the requirements for the Business Manager Visa (linking to an external site), the requirements for the Startup Visa have also been revised.
About the Program
The Startup Visa is a visa that allows foreign nationals to prepare for starting a business in Japan.
Normally, when a foreign national wishes to establish a company in Japan, they must obtain the Business Manager status of residence. However, various preparations are required before entering the country, making it difficult to start a business alone.
Under Hokkaido’s Startup Visa program, if Hokkaido reviews and confirms the applicant’s business plan, an exceptional status of residence, Designated Activities, may be granted for a period of one year or six months.
During this period, the prospective entrepreneur can carry out the necessary preparations after entering Japan in order to obtain the Business Manager status of residence.
Eligibility
Foreign nationals who plan to start a new business in Hokkaido
Eligible Businesses
Businesses that aim to commercialize within a short period based on advanced technologies or innovative ideas, and are expected to contribute to strengthening the international competitiveness of Hokkaido’s industries and to establishing a hub for economic activities, including the following types of businesses:
- Businesses which promote growth and industrialization in the fields of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, which support local communities
- Businesses which promote the development of food-related industries that utilize regional resources
- Businesses which promote Hokkaido tourism, and help to elevate tourism in Hokkaido to that of an advanced region in the tourism industry
- Businesses which promote developing manufacturing industries which generate added high values
- Businesses which promote the creation of industries that correspond to market size and shifts in market needs
- Other businesses deemed necessary by the governor
Application Acceptance
1. Preliminary Entry
Foreign nationals who wish to start a business in Hokkaido can submit a preliminary entry here. Our staff will contact you to discuss your business plan, funding plan, and other details.
(Please allow approximately 1–2 weeks for our response.)
2. Full Application
After reviewing your business details through the preliminary entry, our staff will send you the URL for the main application. Please submit your application using the online form.
3. Issuance of Certificate for Startup Preparation Activities
Once your application documents are reviewed and deemed to meet the requirements, Hokkaido will issue a Certificate for Startup Preparation Activities.
Please note that it generally takes approximately 2–4 months to issue the certificate.
Documents to Be Submitted
Those who wish to apply for a New Business Implementation Confirmation shall create, prepare and submit all the documents below.
All documents must be completed in either Japanese or English.
（1）New Applications
- Documents that verify the applicant’s address for the one year after arrival in Japan or change of status of residence (e.g., copy of a rental agreement or copy of a rental application form)
- Documents that verify the applicant’s expenses for staying in Japan for the one year after arrival in Japan or change of status of residence (e.g., copy of applicant’s bankbook)
- When applying, if the applicant falls under any category listed under the Notification, rticle 5:6(1)(v) Sections I, RO, HA, or NI, verifying documents are required to bepresented.(e.g., certificate of graduation, certificate of employment)
- If the applicant has a record of utilizing the Foreign Entrepreneurial Activity Promotion (Startup Visa) Program, a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility or a copy of the Certificate of Confirmation of Entrepreneurial Activities issued by the municipality.
- Photocopy of applicant’s passport (the page containing applicant’s photo and passport number)
- Other documents deemed necessary by the governor
（2）Renewals
- Documents that verify the applicant’s address for the six months after you renew period of stay (e.g., copy of a rental agreement or copy of a rental application form)
- Documents that verify the applicant’s expenses for staying in Japan for the six months after you renew period of stay (e.g., copy of applicant’s bankbook)
- Other documents deemed necessary by the governor
Links
Contucts us
〒060-8588 Kita 3-jo,Nishi 6-chome,Chuo-ku,Sapporo
Small and Medium Enterprise Division, Bureau of Regional Economy, Department of Economic Affairs, Hokkaido Government
