FAQ

Sapporo City operates STEP (Sapporo Transnational Expansion & Partnership), a one-stop support desk for foreign companies.

 

STEP provides free, integrated support including market information, visa assistance, company setup, office search, and business matching.

 

Learn more: How we can support

Yes. STEP offers bilingual support in Japanese and English.

Key growth sectors include IT, renewable energy, semiconductors, food industries, and biotechnology.

Sapporo also offers strong collaboration opportunities with universities and research institutions, making it suitable for R&D and pilot projects.

 

Learn more: Strategic Industries

Compared to Tokyo and Osaka, Sapporo offers substantially lower operating costs—office rents are approximately half of those in central Tokyo—while maintaining a high quality of life and strong urban infrastructure.

 

In addition, backed by one of Japan’s most abundant renewable energy supplies, Sapporo has been officially designated by the national government as part of the Hokkaido–Sapporo GX (Green Transformation) Financial and Asset Management Special Zone.

 

This designation positions the city as a growing hub for GX-related industries, renewable energy, and advanced technologies, creating a favorable environment for sustainable and future-oriented investment.

 

Learn more: Business Environment

Company establishment in Sapporo follows standard procedures used throughout Japan, including selecting a corporate structure, registration, capital requirements, and office registration.

STEP supports this process by guiding administrative procedures and introducing professional advisors.

Learn more: How to Establish a Company in Japan

After incorporation, companies typically proceed with opening a bank account, obtaining visas, securing office space, and hiring staff.

 

STEP provides support at each stage.

Learn more: Business Set-up Guide

Yes. Many preparations, including business planning, visa consultation, and coordination with professionals, can be done remotely.

Yes. Sapporo provides a range of support programs depending on the business stage and sector, including assistance for site visits, office setup, and business development in areas such as IT and biotechnology.

 

In addition, companies operating in GX-related and finance-related fields may be eligible for specialized support measures under national and local initiatives, including those linked to the GX (Green Transformation) policy framework.

 

Details vary by program and project scope.

 

Learn more: Incentives & Benefits

Foreign companies are subject to Japan’s standard tax system, including corporate tax (effective rate approx. 30%) and consumption tax (10%).

 

Learn more: National Tax Agency (Corporate Tax)

Yes. STEP can introduce English-speaking lawyers, judicial scriveners, and administrative specialists.

 

Sapporo has a strong talent pool, particularly in IT and engineering.

 

STEP supports recruitment through connections with universities and recruitment agencies.

 

Learn more: Human Capital

Sapporo is a safe city surrounded by nature, with low living costs and short commuting times.

International schools and English-speaking medical facilities are also available.

 

Learn more: Living in Sapporo