Introduction

Hamamatsu City has developed its manufacturing industry as the birthplace of world-renowned automobile and motorcycle companies such as Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha. In recent years, Hamamatsu is rapidly expanding initiatives for innovation in the region. As a part of its initiatives, Hamamatsu offers the Startup Visa program to support foreign entrepreneurs to start new businesses in Hamamatsu City. 

The Startup Visa program streamlines foreign entrepreneurs’ immigration process by offering various supportive initiatives. This article introduces the Startup Visa program in Hamamatsu, launched in 2022 as the first program in Shizuoka Prefecture, including the eligibility, application process, and other necessary information. 

Overview

Startup Visa is a scheme that the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) offers to support startups in Japan by foreign entrepreneurs. This scheme provides an exceptional chance to start a business in Japanese cities with extensive support from local governments. The significant advantage of this program is that approved entrepreneurs can obtain residency status for up to one year. This Startup Visa program system makes it much easier for foreign entrepreneurs to start new businesses in Japan.

Now, Startup Visa is available in the following regions:

Hamamatsu City, an approved municipality, offers the Startup Visa program and other support measures, such as financial aid for housing support for moving into incubation facilities and financing programs for entrepreneurs.

Hamamatsu Entrepreneurs’ Cafe will lead the support for Startup Visa holders, providing entrepreneurial seminars and assistance with subsidies. In addition, the Multicultural Society General Consultation One-Stop Center and Hamamatsu Foundation for International Communication and Exchange (HICE) provide livelihood support. The details are as follows:

• General Coordination
  • Matching with local support organizations
  • Support for moving into incubation facilities
  • Provision of trial offices
  • Financing programs for entrepreneurs
  • Next innovator fostering project
• Support for Starting Business
  • General consultation service
  • Entrepreneurship seminars
  • Entrepreneurship salon
  • Subsidies and other support
• Livelihood Support
  • One-stop multilingual consultation service

Also, Hamamatsu Entrepreneurs’ Cafe provides several serviced offices and coworking spaces. The following facilities are listed on the Cafe’s website:

• Hi-Cube (Hamamatsu Innovation Cube)
• Hamamatsu Miyakoda Incubate Center
• Hamamatsu City Maisaka Satelite Office
• Dexi
• BIZcomfort Hamamatsu
• Share Office “Tsunagaru-Kan”
• Regus
• Coworking Space “Any”
• itolier
• Tenryu Trial Office
• Co-startup & Community “FUSE”

Hamamatsu City has a large population of Japanese-Brazilians and Brazilian immigrants, mainly due to its thriving industry. In 2001, the city hosted the first Conference of Cities Attracting Foreign Residents and has made great progress in promoting multicultural coexistence. Hamamatsu City’s friendly approach to foreign workers and their cultures makes it an ideal environment for foreign entrepreneurs seeking to start a business in Japan.

Eligibility

Any foreign residents living in Hamamatsu who wish to start new businesses are eligible for the Startup Visa program. However, new businesses must fall under the seven following fields that were in the 2nd Vision for Hamamatsu Industry Innovation:

• (1) Cutting-edge Shipping Carriers/Device
• (2) Health, Medical Care
• (3) Neo Agriculture
• (4) Environment, Energy
• (5) Light, Electronics
• (6) Digitalization (DX)
• (7) Robotics

In addition, businesses that aim to grow through innovative technologies and services and businesses in other areas approved by the mayor are also eligible.

Application Procedure

1. Application for Receiving a Certificate of Confirmation for Startup Activities      Prepare all the following required documents in Japanese and hand them over to the Startup Promotion Division, Industry Department, Hamamatsu City (Address: Hamamatsu City Hall 6F, 103-2 Motoshiro-cho, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture) directly. 

1-1. Application for confirmation of the business plan

1-2. The business plan for the startup

1-3. The applicant’s resume

1-4. Contract for the business

1-5. A document that clearly shows the address of the applicant for the one year after landing in Japan/having a change of visa status

1-6. A document that clearly shows your living expenses for the one year after landing in Japan/having a change of visa status

1-7. A copy of the applicant’s graduation certificate or certificate of employment

1-8. A copy of the applicant’s passport

1-9. Other documents as required

The application materials must be submitted by the following persons:

a) The applicant
b) A lawyer or an administrative scrivener who has notified the Director of the Regional Immigration Bureau via the bar association or administrative scrivener association to which he/she belongs
c) A staff member of the office of the business that the applicant will manage
d) A person who is entrusted by the applicant to establish a business office in Japan

If persons falling under 2 to 4 bring the application, please submit documents that show their relationship with the applicant and documents that prove their positions.

2. Issuance of “Certificate of Confirmation of Business Startup Activities” 

Those applying for a Certificate of Confirmation for their startups must consult with an SME Management Consultant and receive their feedback. Following this consultation, they will receive a Certificate for Confirmation of Startup Activities.

3. Application for Residence Status at the Immigration Bureau

After receiving the Certificate of Confirmation for Startup Activities, the applicant must apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for “Specified Activities” at the Nagoya Regional Immigration Bureau within three months.

4. Immigration, Startup Activities

After the applicant is granted the “Specified Activities” residency status, they are allowed to stay in Japan and carry out various startup-related activities for up to one year (with a renewal required after six months). Upon arriving in Japan, Hamamatsu City will conduct monthly checks on the progress of the applicant’s startup activities and the development of their business plan.

Renewing the Residential Status

The Startup Visa is valid for six months and can be extended for another six months by applying for renewal. To renew the residential status, the applicant must submit the following documents:

1. Application for Confirmation of the Business Plan (for renewal)
2. The Business Plan for the Startup
3. A document showing the address of the applicant for the one year after landing in Japan
4. A document that clearly shows your living expenses for the one year after landing in Japan
5. Other documents as required

Once the renewal application is approved, the successful applicant will receive a “Renewal Certificate for Confirmation of Startup Activities.” Then, the applicant must apply for a COE (Certificate of Eligibility) for “Specified Activities” at the Nagoya Regional Immigration Bureau again.

Conclusion

The Startup Visa program in Hamamatsu presents an alluring opportunity for foreign entrepreneurs to start new businesses in Japan. The Startup Visa not only grants residency status for preparing a startup but also simplifies the process of launching a new business by providing various forms of support. This program allows you to explore new business ventures more easily with dependable assistance. Hamamatsu City is eagerly awaiting foreign entrepreneurs who can make an impact on the local community.

About EXPACT

EXPACT provides a variety of operational support to domestic and international startups. 

EXPACT offers market entry strategy advisory for international businesses looking to establish a presence in Japan. Our services are as follows:

– Advice for visas and programs: Providing guidance on suitable visas and government programs for foreign entrepreneurs (e.g., Startup Visa).

– Market research assistance: Evaluating the potential market size and demand for the product or service. 

– Geographical evaluation based on the company’s target: Carrying out a location analysis to determine the most suitable region, prefecture, and city according to the startup’s specific needs. 

– Support for applying for financial aid programs: Sourcing and supporting the application process for applicable government grants and subsidies. 

– Assistance for forming partnerships: Serving as a liaison to help the startup establish connections with local partners, investors, and government institutions. 

– Advice for a business plan: Offering a business plan review with insights from a Japanese perspective. 

– Translation services: Providing translation services for in-person meetings, virtual discussions, and document preparation.

Additionally, the company also offers One-Stop support from Startup advisory to Finance, PR, Recruitment and EXIT.

1. Finance and Fundraising: Advisory on the financial health of startups and proposing an optimal fundraising plan by applying for government grants and facilitating investor introductions. Activities include drafting a pitch deck, and forming a business plan and/or cap table.
2. Promotion: Publishing press releases, building media relations, branding.
3. Startup Advisory: Business ideation, researching, conducting interviews, MVP analysis, investment access.
4. Human Resources: Personnel strategy, hiring support, institution building.
5. EXIT: IPO support, M&A support, exit system design.

For assistance or additional information, please contact us at info@expact.jp for inquiries.

Inquiries on market entry strategies can be directed to pramod@expact.jp

Written by Pramod Sharma & Yuji Ishiyama

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Reference:

https://www.city.hamamatsu.shizuoka.jp/hamact/support/startup-visa.html

https://www.hamamatsu-startup.com/

https://www.hi-hice.jp/ja/organization-overview/about-us/hice/

https://www.meti.go.jp/policy/newbusiness/startupvisa/index.html