REGION · KYOTO
Subsidies in Kyoto
京都の補助金・支援On top of the national programs — what Kyoto adds for foreign founders
Kyoto pairs its Startup Visa with practical help — expert advice, setup support and free coworking — through the Kyoto Overseas Business Center.
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Startup Visa
Up to 2 yrs
Kyoto Prefecture — up to 2 years
Run by
Kyoto
Approved by METI
Minimum wage
Yearly
Revised every year — affects wage programs
National programs
Too
All national subsidies apply here
The Startup Visa in Kyoto
Kyoto 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 — before you meet the full Business Manager requirements.
Fields covered
- High-impact startups in Kyoto Prefecture, including manufacturing, life innovation and social business
How it works here
- Start with a “Pre-consultation” email to the Kyoto Overseas Business Center with a short outline of your business
- Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City and JETRO Kyoto support you together
- Support includes market advice by field, help from gyoseishoshi and shiho-shoshi when you incorporate, and free coworking space or rent support
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 Kyoto
| Program | In Kyoto |
|---|---|
| Sustainability Subsidy | Support letter from the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry (京都商工会議所), or the local 商工会 outside the city |
| Career-Up & Work Improvement | Kyoto Labour Bureau (京都労働局) |
| Digitalization, Labor-Saving, Monozukuri | Online, nationwide |
New here? Start with Starting a business in Japan and Japan subsidies for foreigners.
Kyoto minimum wage
Kyoto’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 Kyoto?
Yes. Kyoto 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 — before meeting the Business Manager requirements.
Which businesses can use the Kyoto startup visa?
The program covers: High-impact startups in Kyoto Prefecture, including manufacturing, life innovation and social business. Check the official page for details.
Where do I apply for national subsidies in Kyoto?
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 Kyoto Labour Bureau.
Sources
- Startup Visa in Kyoto — Kyoto Overseas Business Center
- Startup Visa — approved organizations — Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
- Minimum wages by prefecture — Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
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 Kyoto — in English.
See experts →PR · Paid listings
USEFUL TOOLS
- 0-en Sogyo-kun — company setup support ↗Japanese-language service
- Zeirishi.com — find a tax accountant (free enquiry) ↗Japanese-language service
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