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Japan subsidies for foreigners: the complete guide
外国人経営者のための日本の補助金・助成金ガイドEverything on this site, in one page
Yes — foreign-owned businesses in Japan can get the same subsidies as anyone else. This page explains how the system works, which program fits which goal, and the order to do things in.
Nationality
Not a rule
Programs look at your business in Japan
National programs
6
Explained in English on this site
Paid
Later
After you buy, finish and report
Applications
Japanese
A vendor or licensed expert can help
Can foreigners get subsidies in Japan?
Yes. Japanese subsidies are for businesses operating in Japan. The rules look at your company or sole proprietorship — where it is registered, its size, its plan — not the owner’s nationality or visa type. Read the details in Can foreigners apply?
- A company or sole proprietorship registered and operating in Japan
- Within the SME size limits for your industry
- A gBizID Prime account for online applications
- A plan written in Japanese — usually with help from a vendor or licensed expert
The Business Manager visa is a separate question
From October 16, 2025, new applications for the Business Manager visa need ¥30 million in capital and other conditions. Subsidies do not help you meet visa rules. See Setting up a company.
Two kinds of money: hojokin and joseikin
| Subsidies (hojokin) | Employment grants (joseikin) | |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | 補助金 | 助成金 |
| Run by | METI, SME Agency, local governments | Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare |
| How you get it | Competitive — your plan is scored | Meet the conditions and you receive it |
| Who can prepare it for a fee | Gyoseishoshi | Sharoshi |
| Examples | Digitalization & AI, Sustainability, Monozukuri, Labor-Saving | Career-Up, Work Improvement |
More in Subsidy vs. grant.
The national programs
Digitalization & AI Subsidy
Up to ¥4.5Mデジタル化・AI導入補助金
Software and AI tools from a registered IT vendor — accounting, POS, booking, HR, security.
- Software
- Registers & tablets (Invoice track)
Sustainability Subsidy
Up to ¥2.5M小規模事業者持続化補助金
For very small businesses winning new customers — renovation, flyers, websites (≤ 1/4).
- Shop renovation
- Promotion
- Website
Labor-Saving Subsidy
Up to ¥100M中小企業省力化投資補助金
Machines that save staff time — from an official catalog any time, or custom automation in rounds.
- Serving robots
- Self-checkouts
- Welding robots
New Business & Monozukuri
Up to ¥90M新事業進出・ものづくり補助金
Big investments in a new product, service or market, with a 3–5 year plan.
- Machinery & systems
- New facilities
Work Improvement Grant
Up to ¥6M業務改善助成金
Raise your lowest wage and get up to 4/5 of equipment costs back.
- Equipment
- Consulting
Career-Up Grant
¥800K / personキャリアアップ助成金
Convert part-time or contract staff to regular employees. All year round.
- Part-time → regular
Find yours by goal, industry or city
| You want to | Start with |
|---|---|
| Buy software or AI tools | Digitalization & AI |
| Buy a machine that saves staff time | Labor-Saving (catalog) |
| Win new customers (very small business) | Sustainability |
| Launch a new product, service or market | New Business & Monozukuri |
| Hire or raise wages | Career-Up · Work Improvement |
| Start a business in Tokyo | Tokyo Startup Grant |
By industry: Restaurants · Hotels & minpaku · Retail · Workshops & makers · IT & startups
By city: Tokyo · Osaka · Fukuoka
The order to do things in
- 01
Set up the business properly 会社・口座
Register the company and open a business bank account. Company setup · Bank account
- 02
Get gBizID Prime GビズID
Same day online with a My Number card, up to a month by post. How to get it
- 03
Pick the program and a partner 制度・相手
A registered vendor or seller applies with you; licensed experts can write the plan. Experts
- 04
Apply before the deadline 申請
Online — on Jgrants or the program’s own system. Check the round dates on the official site. Jgrants
- 05
Buy only after the grant decision, then report 交付決定・報告
You pay in full first; the money comes after your report. Plan your cash flow
The mistakes that cost foreign owners their grant
- Buying before the grant decision. Those costs are never covered.
- Counting on the money arriving early. It is a refund, months later.
- Paying in cash or from a personal account. Pay from the business account and keep proof.
- Letting an unlicensed consultant write the application for a fee. Only gyoseishoshi (subsidies) and sharoshi (grants) may.
- Anyone who promises approval or a “refund of your share”. Walk away.
FAQ
Can foreigners get business subsidies in Japan?
Yes. Subsidies are for businesses registered and operating in Japan. The rules look at the business — its registration, size and plan — not the owner’s nationality or visa type.
What is the easiest subsidy for a small foreign-owned business?
For a machine that saves staff time, the Labor-Saving Subsidy catalog type accepts applications at any time through a registered seller. For software, the Digitalization & AI Subsidy is applied for together with a registered IT vendor.
Do I have to write the application in Japanese?
Yes, applications are in Japanese. Registered vendors and sellers apply with you, and licensed gyoseishoshi or sharoshi can prepare documents for a fee.
When do I receive the money?
After you have bought everything, finished the project and your report has been checked — usually several months after the grant decision.
Sources
- Digitalization & AI Subsidy — schedule (事業スケジュール)
- Sustainability Subsidy — official site (商工会地区)
- New Business & Monozukuri — official site
- Labor-Saving Investment Subsidy — official site
- Business Manager status — changes from Oct 16, 2025 — Immigration Services Agency
This page is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. The official Japanese guidelines always take priority.
NEED HELP IN ENGLISH?
Talk to an English-speaking expert
English-speaking gyoseishoshi, sharoshi and registered vendors who help foreign-owned businesses apply.
See experts →PR · Paid listings
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
- Company setup
- Accounting software
- POS & payments