Find my subsidy

REGION · KOBE

Subsidies in Kobe

神戸・兵庫の補助金・支援On top of the national programs — what Kobe adds for foreign founders

Hyogo Prefecture, home to Kobe, runs a Startup Visa with applications handled by JETRO Kobe.

PR · This page contains affiliate links. How we earn

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

Startup Visa

Up to 2 yrs

Hyogo Prefecture — up to 2 years (renewed after 1 year)

Run by

Hyogo

Approved by METI

Minimum wage

Yearly

Revised every year — affects wage programs

National programs

Too

All national subsidies apply here

The Startup Visa in Kobe

Hyogo Prefecture 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 — up to 2 years (renewed after 1 year) — before you meet the full Business Manager requirements.

Fields covered

  • New industries such as hydrogen and new energy, aviation and drones, robotics, and health and medical
  • AI, IoT and robotics that strengthen small businesses
  • Businesses that add value or spark innovation in existing industries

How it works here

  • Applications and questions go to the Hyogo Startup Visa desk at JETRO Kobe
  • The prefecture checks that your business plan is sound before immigration reviews it
  • Hyogo also runs SHINKA Hyogo, a prefecture-wide startup support base

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 Kobe

ProgramIn Kobe
Sustainability SubsidySupport letter from the Kobe Chamber of Commerce and Industry (神戸商工会議所), or the local 商工会 outside the city
Career-Up & Work ImprovementHyogo Labour Bureau (兵庫労働局)
Digitalization, Labor-Saving, MonozukuriOnline, nationwide

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

Hyogo minimum wage

Hyogo’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 Kobe?

Yes. Hyogo Prefecture runs the Startup Visa for foreign entrepreneurs. If it confirms your plan, immigration can grant a special status to prepare your business — up to 2 years (renewed after 1 year) — before meeting the Business Manager requirements.

Which businesses can use the Kobe startup visa?

The program covers: New industries such as hydrogen and new energy, aviation and drones, robotics, and health and medical; AI, IoT and robotics that strengthen small businesses; Businesses that add value or spark innovation in existing industries. Check the official page for details.

Where do I apply for national subsidies in Kobe?

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 Hyogo Labour Bureau.

Sources

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

Experts who work with foreign founders in Kobe — in English.

See experts →

PR · Paid listings

USEFUL TOOLS

PR · Affiliate links