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REGION · OKINAWA

Subsidies in Okinawa

沖縄の補助金・支援On top of the national programs — what Okinawa adds for foreign founders

Okinawa wants to be a hub for foreign startups entering Japan — with a bilingual support center that helps from the first question to the Business Manager visa.

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

Startup Visa

Up to 2 yrs

Okinawa Prefecture — up to 2 years

Run by

Okinawa

Approved by METI

Minimum wage

Yearly

Revised every year — affects wage programs

National programs

Too

All national subsidies apply here

The Startup Visa in Okinawa

Okinawa 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

  • Foreign entrepreneurs and the people setting up an Okinawa company for an overseas startup

How it works here

  • The Okinawa Global Support Centre answers questions in Japanese and English, online on weekdays and in person about twice a month
  • It helps polish your business plan and prepare the Japanese documents — using it is required before you submit
  • Help continues after approval: offices and housing, bank accounts, partners and the move to Business Manager

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 Okinawa

ProgramIn Okinawa
Sustainability SubsidySupport letter from the Naha Chamber of Commerce and Industry (那覇商工会議所), or the local 商工会 outside the city
Career-Up & Work ImprovementOkinawa Labour Bureau (沖縄労働局)
Digitalization, Labor-Saving, MonozukuriOnline, nationwide

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

Okinawa minimum wage

Okinawa’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 Okinawa?

Yes. Okinawa 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 Okinawa startup visa?

The program covers: Foreign entrepreneurs and the people setting up an Okinawa company for an overseas startup. Check the official page for details.

Where do I apply for national subsidies in Okinawa?

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 Okinawa Labour Bureau.

Sources

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

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