GUIDE · WEBSITE
Can a subsidy pay for your website?
ホームページと補助金The Sustainability Subsidy and the 1/4 rule
Yes — but only as part of a bigger sales plan. Website costs are capped at a quarter of the subsidy, and a plan that is only a website is not accepted.
Cap
1/4
Of the subsidy amount
Alone
No
Website-only plans are not accepted
Rate
2/3
Sustainability Subsidy (standard)
Buy
After
The grant decision
How the 1/4 rule works
In the Sustainability Subsidy, website and online sales costs (ウェブサイト関連費) can be at most a quarter of the subsidy you receive.
| If your subsidy is | Website costs covered up to |
|---|---|
| ¥500,000 | ¥125,000 of subsidy |
| ¥1,000,000 | ¥250,000 of subsidy |
| ¥2,000,000 | ¥500,000 of subsidy |
Limits and rates change by round. Check the guidelines (公募要領) for the round you apply to.
Build the plan around customers
Works well
- New English website + flyers for hotels nearby + a new sign
- Online shop + packaging and photos + an event booth
- Booking page + shop renovation for a new service
Not accepted
- A plan that is only a website
- Website costs above the 1/4 cap
- A site ordered before the grant decision
- Ongoing ad spend with no clear link to the plan
What about other subsidies?
The Digitalization & AI Subsidy covers registered software tools, such as booking or ordering systems. Website design and building a new online shop are generally not covered — check the official IT tool search. For a website, the Sustainability Subsidy is usually the fit.
Keep the paperwork
Whoever builds the site, get a quote before applying, order after the grant decision, pay from the business account and keep the contract, invoice and proof of payment for the report.
FAQ
Can I use a Japanese subsidy to build a website?
Yes, with the Sustainability Subsidy, as part of a wider sales plan. Website costs are capped at 1/4 of the subsidy, and a plan made only of website costs is not accepted.
Does the Digitalization & AI Subsidy cover website design?
Generally no. It covers registered software tools, such as booking or ordering systems, bought through a registered IT vendor. Website design and building a new online shop are generally outside it.
Can I start building the website before I apply?
No. Costs ordered or paid before the grant decision are not covered.
Sources
- Sustainability Subsidy — about the subsidy (持続化補助金とは)
- Sustainability Subsidy — Chamber of Commerce areas (商工会議所地区事務局)
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
Gyoseishoshi and certified advisors who plan Sustainability Subsidy applications with a website — in English.
See experts →PR · Paid listings
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
- Website builders
- Online shop platforms
- Booking pages