[Sapporo City]Expanded Functions of the Sapporo Transnational Expansion and Partnership (STEP)
The City of Sapporo established the Sapporo Transnational Expansion and Partnership (STEP) in October 2024 to support foreign companies in both business and daily life, providing services in English and actively promoting foreign direct investment.
Recently, all five participating banks under the framework of the Financial Services Agency’s Support Network for Foreign Customers Opening Bank Accounts have officially begun offering services.
This initiative supports foreign companies by facilitating collaboration between STEP and partner banks. Using English-language documents provided by the banks, STEP offers advance explanations about account opening procedures and required documents, supports online applications, and accompanies clients to in-person appointments as needed.
In Sapporo, services began ahead of the rest of the country in February 2025 with Hokuyo Bank and Hokuhoku Financial Group (Hokkaido Bank). As of May 29, Mitsubishi UFJ Bank, Mizuho Bank, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC)-Japan’s three major megabanks-have also begun providing services.
In conjunction with other support services already available for overseas companies, The City of Sapporo will continue to actively pursue investment promotion.
About Sapporo Transnational Expansion and Partnership (STEP)
(1) Location
2nd Floor, Hokkaido Economic Center Building
Kita 1-jo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
(2) Consultation Hours (In-person)
9:00-17:00 (by appointment only)
Closed on weekends, public holidays, and New Year holidays
(3) Contact for Consultations
info@sapporo-step.global
(4) Website & Social Media
● STEP Official Website（City of Sapporo Website)
● STEP LinkedIn
(5) Functions of STEP
STEP is more than a consultation desk. As a free, English-language one-stop service
center, it provides practical,hands-on support, including application assistance, expert
referrals, and business matching. Services include:
● Market research and planning for entering the Sapporo market
● Business matching with local companies
● Visa applications and residence status renewals
● Legal and tax procedures for company incorporation
● Office/home rental search and lease contracts
● Employee recruitment and PR strategy
● Advice on business expansion
(6) Special Support Services Realized Through Special Zones
1. Administrative Procedure Support in English
English-language support is available for applications and changes in the following
administrative processes:
● Company registration
● Articles of incorporation certification
● Employee pension insurance
● Health insurance
● Employment insurance
● Workers’ accident compensation insurance
2. Support Network for Foreign Customers Opening Bank Accounts
STEP provides advance explanations in English regarding account opening
procedures and required documents, as well as support for online applications and
in-person visits (including interpretation and accompaniment).
