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REGION · KUMAMOTO

Subsidies in Kumamoto

熊本の補助金・支援On top of the national programs — what Kumamoto adds for foreign founders

Kumamoto, at the center of Kyushu’s semiconductor boom, runs a Startup Visa with a dedicated desk for foreign founders at XOSS POINT.

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

Startup Visa

Up to 2 yrs

Kumamoto City — 1 year, up to 2 years

Run by

Kumamoto

Approved by METI

Minimum wage

Yearly

Revised every year — affects wage programs

National programs

Too

All national subsidies apply here

The Startup Visa in Kumamoto

Kumamoto 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, up to 2 years — before you meet the full Business Manager requirements.

Fields covered

  • Semiconductors, AI, IoT and ICT
  • Life science and wellness
  • Agriculture, forestry, fisheries and food tech
  • Traditional and advanced manufacturing
  • Culture, art and content
  • Environment and energy
  • Social business
  • Tourism

How it works here

  • Get help writing your plan at the foreign entrepreneur desk at XOSS POINT before applying
  • You can also use it if you already live in Japan on another status
  • Flyers are available in English, Korean and Chinese

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 Kumamoto

ProgramIn Kumamoto
Sustainability SubsidySupport letter from the Kumamoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry (熊本商工会議所), or the local 商工会 outside the city
Career-Up & Work ImprovementKumamoto Labour Bureau (熊本労働局)
Digitalization, Labor-Saving, MonozukuriOnline, nationwide

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

Kumamoto minimum wage

Kumamoto’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 Kumamoto?

Yes. Kumamoto 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, up to 2 years — before meeting the Business Manager requirements.

Which businesses can use the Kumamoto startup visa?

The program covers: Semiconductors, AI, IoT and ICT; Life science and wellness; Agriculture, forestry, fisheries and food tech; Traditional and advanced manufacturing; Culture, art and content; Environment and energy; Social business; Tourism. Check the official page for details.

Where do I apply for national subsidies in Kumamoto?

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 Kumamoto Labour Bureau.

Sources

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

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