Checked against the official page on 2026-10-20. Part of Oak’s directory of Japanese business grants.
Before you apply
- The money is not up front. You pay for the whole project yourself. The grant reimburses a share of it (often half to two-thirds) after a completion report has been checked, typically 6 to 18 months after applying.
- Do not spend before approval. Costs ordered, contracted or paid before the official grant decision (交付決定) are usually not eligible.
- Competitive and strict. Business plans are scored against other applicants and many are rejected. Eligibility rules on company size, ownership and tax compliance are applied to the letter.
- Obligations continue after payment. Reports for up to five years, inspections, and targets in your plan. Missing them can mean repaying part or all of the grant.
| Japanese name | 外国・外資系企業等ステップアップ賃料補助 |
|---|---|
| Level | City · Kobe |
| Administered by | 神戸市 経済観光局 企業立地課 |
| Type | foreign company attraction |
| Subsidy rate | not stated (secondary: 1/2, 1,500 yen/m2, 10M/yr) |
| Who can apply | Foreign firms moving from Kobe coworking or a small office to a larger office |
| Support organisation | No |
| How to apply | No |
| Rounds and deadlines | Used for a Jun 2026 relocation |
| Adoption rate | n/a |
Can a foreign-owned company apply?
Targeted
Points to note
Kobe also has HQ relocation and startup rent subsidies
Grant rules, amounts and deadlines change every round. Always work from the current application guidelines (公募要領) on the official page. This page is general information, not advice on your eligibility.
How Oak can help
Oak is a licensed gyoseishoshi (administrative scrivener) firm. We check eligibility before you spend time on an application, help set up the GビズID Prime account most programmes require, prepare and organise the supporting documents within the programme's rules, and handle the reporting that follows an award.