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REGION · YOKOHAMA

Subsidies in Yokohama

横浜市の補助金・支援On top of the national programs — what Yokohama adds for foreign founders

Yokohama, next to Tokyo, runs its own Startup Visa for innovative businesses — with a required consultation before you apply.

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

Startup Visa

Up to 2 yrs

Yokohama City — up to 2 years

Run by

Yokohama

Approved by METI

Minimum wage

Yearly

Revised every year — affects wage programs

National programs

Too

All national subsidies apply here

The Startup Visa in Yokohama

Yokohama 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

  • Businesses using innovative technology such as AI and DX
  • Health and medical
  • Knowledge-intensive, high value-added businesses
  • Other businesses creating new products, services or business models

How it works here

  • A consultation with the city’s Startup Visa desk is required before applying (booking needed)
  • General wholesale, retail, trading, restaurants, lodging and similar services are not covered
  • Application documents must be in Japanese (attach Japanese translations)
  • You can also use it if you already live in Japan on another status

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 Yokohama

ProgramIn Yokohama
Sustainability SubsidySupport letter from the Yokohama Chamber of Commerce and Industry (横浜商工会議所), or the local 商工会 outside the city
Career-Up & Work ImprovementKanagawa Labour Bureau (神奈川労働局)
Digitalization, Labor-Saving, MonozukuriOnline, nationwide

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

Kanagawa minimum wage

Kanagawa’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 Yokohama?

Yes. Yokohama 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 Yokohama startup visa?

The program covers: Businesses using innovative technology such as AI and DX; Health and medical; Knowledge-intensive, high value-added businesses; Other businesses creating new products, services or business models. Check the official page for details.

Where do I apply for national subsidies in Yokohama?

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 Kanagawa Labour Bureau.

Sources

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

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