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REGION · SAPPORO

Subsidies in Sapporo & Hokkaido

札幌・北海道の補助金・支援On top of the national programs — what Sapporo & Hokkaido adds for foreign founders

Hokkaido’s Startup Visa targets food, tourism, agriculture and manufacturing — with an online pre-entry and applications in English or Japanese.

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Updated October 26, 2026 · Checked against the official site by our editors

Startup Visa

1 yr / 6 mo

Hokkaido — 1 year or 6 months at a time

Run by

Hokkaido

Approved by METI

Minimum wage

Yearly

Revised every year — affects wage programs

National programs

Too

All national subsidies apply here

The Startup Visa in Sapporo & Hokkaido

Hokkaido is approved by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to run the Startup Visa. If it confirms your plan, immigration can grant a special status to prepare your business — 1 year or 6 months at a time — before you meet the full Business Manager requirements.

Fields covered

  • Agriculture, forestry and fisheries
  • Food businesses using local resources
  • Tourism
  • High value-added manufacturing
  • New industries responding to market changes

How it works here

  • Start with an online pre-entry; Hokkaido’s team contacts you within one to two weeks
  • Applications can be written in Japanese or English
  • Issuing the confirmation certificate takes about two to four months

This site does not give visa advice. Check the official page and talk to the program desk or an immigration gyoseishoshi.

National programs — where to apply in Sapporo & Hokkaido

ProgramIn Sapporo & Hokkaido
Sustainability SubsidySupport letter from the Sapporo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (札幌商工会議所), or the local 商工会 outside the city
Career-Up & Work ImprovementHokkaido Labour Bureau (北海道労働局)
Digitalization, Labor-Saving, MonozukuriOnline, nationwide

New here? Start with Starting a business in Japan and Japan subsidies for foreigners.

Hokkaido minimum wage

Hokkaido’s minimum wage is revised every year. Several programs use it, such as the Work Improvement Grant. Check the current amount in the official minimum wage table.

FAQ

Is there a startup visa in Sapporo & Hokkaido?

Yes. Hokkaido runs the Startup Visa for foreign entrepreneurs. If it confirms your plan, immigration can grant a special status to prepare your business — 1 year or 6 months at a time — before meeting the Business Manager requirements.

Which businesses can use the Sapporo & Hokkaido startup visa?

The program covers: Agriculture, forestry and fisheries; Food businesses using local resources; Tourism; High value-added manufacturing; New industries responding to market changes. Check the official page for details.

Where do I apply for national subsidies in Sapporo & Hokkaido?

Most national subsidies are applied for online. The Sustainability Subsidy needs a support letter from your local chamber of commerce, and employment grants go through the Hokkaido Labour Bureau.

Sources

This page is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. The official Japanese guidelines always take priority.

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