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REGION · KITAKYUSHU

Subsidies in Kitakyushu

北九州の補助金・支援On top of the national programs — what Kitakyushu adds for foreign founders

Kitakyushu, the industrial city at the north of Kyushu, joined the Startup Visa program in 2026 with a wide list of target fields.

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Updated October 26, 2026 · Checked against the official site by our editors

Startup Visa

Up to 2 yrs

Kitakyushu City — 1 year, extendable up to 2 years

Run by

Kitakyushu

Approved by METI

Minimum wage

Yearly

Revised every year — affects wage programs

National programs

Too

All national subsidies apply here

The Startup Visa in Kitakyushu

Kitakyushu City is approved by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to run the Startup Visa. If it confirms your plan, immigration can grant a special status to prepare your business — 1 year, extendable up to 2 years — before you meet the full Business Manager requirements.

Fields covered

  • Manufacturing
  • Environment and green transformation (GX)
  • Logistics
  • IT and DX
  • Future industries such as semiconductors, next-generation vehicles, batteries and space
  • Health and medical
  • Services, content and entertainment
  • Tourism and inbound travel

How it works here

  • The business must be new — using new technology or offering a novel service — and support the city’s industrial strategy
  • You need 1+ year of business management experience, or a relevant master’s, doctorate or professional degree
  • Documents must be written in Japanese

This site does not give visa advice. Check the official page and talk to the program desk or an immigration gyoseishoshi.

National programs — where to apply in Kitakyushu

ProgramIn Kitakyushu
Sustainability SubsidySupport letter from the Kitakyushu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (北九州商工会議所), or the local 商工会 outside the city
Career-Up & Work ImprovementFukuoka Labour Bureau (福岡労働局)
Digitalization, Labor-Saving, MonozukuriOnline, nationwide

New here? Start with Starting a business in Japan and Japan subsidies for foreigners.

Fukuoka minimum wage

Fukuoka’s minimum wage is revised every year. Several programs use it, such as the Work Improvement Grant. Check the current amount in the official minimum wage table.

FAQ

Is there a startup visa in Kitakyushu?

Yes. Kitakyushu City runs the Startup Visa for foreign entrepreneurs. If it confirms your plan, immigration can grant a special status to prepare your business — 1 year, extendable up to 2 years — before meeting the Business Manager requirements.

Which businesses can use the Kitakyushu startup visa?

The program covers: Manufacturing; Environment and green transformation (GX); Logistics; IT and DX; Future industries such as semiconductors, next-generation vehicles, batteries and space; Health and medical; Services, content and entertainment; Tourism and inbound travel. Check the official page for details.

Where do I apply for national subsidies in Kitakyushu?

Most national subsidies are applied for online. The Sustainability Subsidy needs a support letter from your local chamber of commerce, and employment grants go through the Fukuoka Labour Bureau.

Sources

This page is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. The official Japanese guidelines always take priority.

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