REGION · SENDAI
Subsidies in Sendai
仙台の補助金・支援On top of the national programs — what Sendai adds for foreign founders
Sendai, the largest city in Tohoku, offers a Startup Visa with a free consultation desk — and accepts documents in English if Japanese is difficult.
PR · This page contains affiliate links. How we earn
Startup Visa
Up to 2 yrs
Sendai City — up to 2 years
Run by
Sendai
Approved by METI
Minimum wage
Yearly
Revised every year — affects wage programs
National programs
Too
All national subsidies apply here
The Startup Visa in Sendai
Sendai 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 — up to 2 years — before you meet the full Business Manager requirements.
Fields covered
- Knowledge-creating industries such as semiconductors, software, content and robotics
- Health, medical, welfare and education
- Environment, energy and disaster prevention
- Trade and tourism, such as overseas sales of local products
How it works here
- Free consultations by email at the Sendai Startup Visa desk
- If writing in Japanese is difficult, the city can accept English — ask first
- After the certificate, apply at the Sendai Regional Immigration Services Bureau
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 Sendai
| Program | In Sendai |
|---|---|
| Sustainability Subsidy | Support letter from the Sendai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (仙台商工会議所), or the local 商工会 outside the city |
| Career-Up & Work Improvement | Miyagi Labour Bureau (宮城労働局) |
| Digitalization, Labor-Saving, Monozukuri | Online, nationwide |
New here? Start with Starting a business in Japan and Japan subsidies for foreigners.
Miyagi minimum wage
Miyagi’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 Sendai?
Yes. Sendai City 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 Sendai startup visa?
The program covers: Knowledge-creating industries such as semiconductors, software, content and robotics; Health, medical, welfare and education; Environment, energy and disaster prevention; Trade and tourism, such as overseas sales of local products. Check the official page for details.
Where do I apply for national subsidies in Sendai?
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 Miyagi Labour Bureau.
Sources
- Startup Visa (スタートアップビザについて) — Sendai City
- 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 Sendai — 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
PR · Affiliate links