A common question among foreign entrepreneurs: "Can I apply for subsidies as a foreigner?" Short answer: the owner's nationality is not what matters. What counts is where and how the business exists and operates.
What the IT program call says
Under the デジタル化・AI導入補助金2026 call, eligible applicants are:
- Corporations (法人) registered in Japan, doing business in Japan, with HQ and project site in Japan.
- Sole proprietors (個人事業主) with a project site in Japan.
You must also fall within the program's SME size. Firms controlled by a large company (みなし大企業), including foreign ones, are excluded.
In practice for foreigners
- Company set up in Japan (KK or GK) by a foreigner: generally eligible if the above is met.
- Foreign sole proprietor with a 開業届 and business in Japan: generally eligible.
- Branch or subsidiary of a large overseas company: generally not, due to large-company ties.
Extra care
- GビズIDプライム: the representative must be able to obtain it (online with My Number Card or by documents).
- Language: applications, systems and calls are in Japanese; misreadings are common.
- Taxes in order: programs ask for tax documents.
Exact rules differ by program; read each call.
Note: rules, amounts and deadlines change every round. Always check the latest official call (公募要領) before applying.
How KGA IT helps
KGA IT serves foreign business owners in Portuguese, English, Vietnamese, Filipino and more. We explain the call in your language, choose and configure the tools, and organize the technical side of the application with you and the registered vendor.
KGA IT is not a registered firm that files applications on your behalf, but it handles the whole IT side: choosing the right tool, preparing clear quotes, organizing the technical details of the application, then installing and configuring everything after approval. Services: digital consulting from ¥30,000, security diagnosis from ¥15,000, backup setup from ¥8,000, automation from ¥49,800, websites from ¥49,800 (or the ¥5,000/month web plan) and Business IT from ¥49,800/month. See pricing and services.
The first consultation and quote are free, in English, Japanese and 7 more languages, via LINE, WhatsApp or phone (080-9732-1062). Contact KGA IT now and get your project ready before the next round.