If your company hires foreign employees, using government grants is a great way to cut recruitment costs and build a more stable, supportive work environment.
But with so many different programs out there, it can be hard to know which one is right for your company, right?
In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the most useful grants available for hiring foreign workers, explaining each one’s key points, how to make the most of them, and how to apply — all from the perspective of a certified labor and social security attorney.
We’ll cover practical programs like the Human Resources Securing Support Grant, the Career Up Grant, and the Human Resource Development Support Grant, packed with insights you can put to use right away.
Be sure to read until the end to make the most of these helpful grants!
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目次
1. What Are Grants Available for Hiring Foreign Workers?
When hiring foreign employees, making good use of government grant programs allows companies to reduce recruitment costs while creating a better, more supportive work environment.
In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the main types of grants related to foreign employment and explain why they are important for both employers and workers.
1-1. Benefits of Utilizing Grants
Hiring and training foreign workers often requires special considerations and additional costs compared to hiring Japanese employees.
That’s where government grants come in — programs specifically designed to support companies in creating fair and sustainable employment environments.
The biggest advantage of using grants is that the government covers part of your expenses.
When hiring foreign workers, companies may need to invest in training, workplace improvements, or employment management systems.
By using grants to cover some of these costs, employers can significantly reduce their financial burden while still providing proper support for their employees.
Benefits of Utilizing Grants
Reducing the Cost of Human Resource Development
The government provides financial support to cover part of the expenses for training programs, skill development, and certification courses for foreign employees. This lowers the psychological and financial barriers to investing in education, making it easier for companies to actively promote human resource development.
Offsetting Initial Costs for System and Workplace Setup
Grants can also help with initial setup costs related to employing foreign workers — such as preparing manuals, hiring interpreters, and developing multilingual communication systems. This support encourages companies to take early action instead of postponing important workplace improvements.
Supporting the Creation of Systems for Employment Retention
Activities that help foreign employees stay and thrive in the workplace, such as establishing consultation services or support desks, may also be covered by grants. These initiatives make it easier to implement concrete measures that reduce turnover and promote long-term employment stability.
By taking advantage of these grant programs and improving your workplace environment, you can create a setting that’s not only comfortable for foreign workers but also for Japanese employees. Such efforts help your organization evolve into a more inclusive and supportive workplace, ultimately leading to higher productivity and better employee retention across the entire team.
2. Detailed Overview of Each Grant
There are several types of grants that can be used to support the employment of foreign workers, depending on the purpose and the type of initiative your company plans to implement. To determine which grant best fits your organization, it’s important to first understand the outline and eligibility requirements of each program.
Here are the main grants we’ll cover in this section:
- Human Resources Securing Support Grant (Foreign Worker Employment Environment Improvement Course)
- Career Up Grant
- Human Resource Development Support Grant (Human Resource Training Course)
- Other Available Grants
2-1. Human Resources Securing Support Grant (Foreign Worker Employment Environment Improvement Course)
Foreign workers sometimes face challenges such as limited understanding of Japan’s labor laws and workplace customs or language barriers, which can lead to misunderstandings or disputes over working conditions and dismissals.
This grant provides financial support to employers who take active steps to create a fair and supportive work environment tailored to the needs of foreign employees. It helps cover part of the costs associated with improving workplace systems and communication. The main eligible expenses include:
- Interpreter Fees
- Expenses for Installing Translation Devices
Limited to the introduction of translation tools or equipment used for meetings and interviews with foreign employees. - Translation Costs
Expenses for translating internal manuals, workplace signs, and other materials into multiple languages. - Consultation or Outsourcing Fees for Professionals
Fees paid to experts such as lawyers or certified labor and social security attorneys for advice on creating or revising employment contracts, or improving the work environment. Note: Ongoing advisory fees or retainer contracts are not covered. - Costs for Installing or Renovating Internal Signage
Covered when multilingual workplace signs are created or updated by an external contractor.
To receive this grant, employers must meet all of the following required conditions, and in addition, implement at least one of the eligible workplace improvement measures listed below.
Required Conditions
- Conduct regular interviews with foreign employees
- Provide workplace rules and regulations (work regulations) in multiple languages
Examples of Eligible Measures
By introducing and implementing one or more of the following systems, employers can receive 200,000 yen per system, with a maximum of 4 systems (up to 800,000 yen in total) in financial support.
- Establishing a complaint and consultation system for foreign employees
- Introducing a special leave system to allow workers to temporarily return to their home country
- Translating company manuals, guidelines, and signage into multiple languages
- Assigning staff members responsible for daily life support for foreign employees
- Setting up a Japanese language education or training program within the company
Note: There are several options for system implementation, and the total grant amount varies depending on the combination of systems introduced.
In short, by adopting one or more of these systems, your company can receive 200,000 yen per system (up to 800,000 yen in total) in government funding.
Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare — “Human Resources Securing Support Grant (Foreign Worker Employment Environment Improvement Course)”
2-2. Career Up Grant
The Career Up Grant is a program designed to support the career development of non-regular employees, such as fixed-term contract workers, part-time workers, and temporary staff. This Grant is not limited to Japanese workers — it also applies to foreign employees, helping companies improve working conditions, promote stable employment, and support long-term career growth.
The main types of Grant courses are as follows:
| Course Name | Description | Grant Amount (for SMEs) |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Employment Conversion Course | If the company converts a fixed-term contract worker into a regular (permanent) employee | The company can receive a Grant of up to 800,000 yen per employee (or 600,000 yen for large companies). |
| Wage Regulation Revision Course | When the company raises the base salary by 3% or more. | The company can receive up to 70,000 yen per employee. For large companies, the maximum Grant amount is 46,000 yen per employee. |
| Wage Regulation Standardization Course | When the company applies the same wage regulations to non-regular employees as to regular employees. | The company can receive up to 600,000 yen per workplace. For large companies, the maximum Grant amount is 450,000 yen per workplace. |
| Bonus and Retirement Allowance Scheme Introduction Course | When the company introduces and implements a new bonus or retirement allowance system. | The company can receive up to 568,000 yen per workplace. For large companies, the maximum Grant amount is 426,000 yen per workplace. |
| Social Insurance Coverage and Treatment Improvement Course | When the company improves working conditions or income at the same time as enrolling employees in social insurance. | The company can receive up to 500,000 yen per employee. For large companies, the maximum Grant amount is 375,000 yen per employee. |
By taking advantage of these Grant programs, companies can reduce the financial burden that comes with converting foreign workers to regular (permanent) employees. For the workers themselves, improved working conditions also lead to higher motivation and greater productivity, creating benefits for both sides.
Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare — “Career Up Grant”
2-3. Human Resource Development Support Grant (Human Resource Training Course)
The Human Resource Development Support Grant is a program that provides financial assistance to companies that offer vocational training to their employees in order to help them acquire the specialized knowledge and skills needed for their jobs. It covers part of the training expenses and wages paid during the training period.
Among its several programs, the Human Resource Training Course focuses on supporting companies that systematically provide OFF-JT (Off-the-Job Training) or OJT (On-the-Job Training) aimed at promoting permanent employment and enhancing employee skills. (Note: The OJT program must meet specific requirements to qualify.)
To be eligible, the training content must be directly related to the employee’s actual job duties. General education programs or trainings with little connection to workplace tasks are not covered under this Grant.
For foreign employees, the following types of training are more likely to qualify for this Grant.
Certification and Qualification Programs
Training related to essential workplace communication, such as business Japanese, customer service terminology, or safety and hygiene vocabulary, may be eligible. (However, general language learning programs that are not directly job-related are not covered.)
Job Skill Training
Programs that focus on practical, job-specific skills are eligible — for example, IT skills used in daily operations (such as Excel tasks or POS register operation), caregiving techniques, customer service manners, or training based on company operation manuals.
To qualify, training must include at least 10 hours of OFF-JT (Off-the-Job Training), or be a combination of OFF-JT and OJT (On-the-Job Training) aimed at converting fixed-term contract workers into regular employees.
| Category | Definition of SME (Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise) | Training Cost Subsidy Rate | Wage Subsidy (Maximum) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMEs | Manufacturing Capital of 300 million yen or less, and 300 or fewer regular employees. Wholesale Capital of 100 million yen or less, and 100 or fewer regular employees. Service Industry Capital of 50 million yen or less, and 100 or fewer regular employees. Retail Capital of 50 million yen or less, and 50 or fewer regular employees. | 45～85% | Up to 800–1,000 yen per person per hour |
| Large Companies (non-SMEs) | Companies not falling under the above SME criteria. | 30~85％ | Up to 400–500 yen per person per hour |
Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare — “Human Resource Development Support Grant”
2-4. Other Available Grants
In addition to the programs introduced above, there are several other Grants that can be used to support the employment of foreign workers. Here are some of the main examples:
Work-Family Balance Support Grant
This Grant is provided to companies that create a work environment where employees can balance work with childcare or nursing care responsibilities. It can also be used to establish systems that support the family needs of foreign employees.
Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare — “Work-Family Balance Support Grant”
Trial Employment Grant
This Grant supports companies that hire job seekers with little work experience on a trial basis. It can be used when offering trial employment opportunities to foreign workers.
Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare — “Trial Employment Grant”
Special Job Seeker Employment Development Grant
This Grant is available to companies that hire individuals who face particular difficulties finding employment, such as elderly workers or persons with disabilities. It can also apply to foreign workers who meet specific conditions defined under this program.
Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare — “Special Job Seeker Employment Development Grant”
Each Grant program has different eligibility requirements and payment amounts, so it’s important to select the one that best fits your company’s needs and employment management goals.
3. How to Apply for Grants
Applying for a Grant involves several key steps, from planning and implementation to reporting. Since there are many required documents and important details to keep in mind, it’s essential to understand the entire process in advance and prepare carefully to avoid missing anything.
In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the application procedures, required documents, and key points for applying to Grants related to the employment of foreign workers.
3-1. Application Process
The application process for Grants generally follows the steps below.
① Create and Submit a Plan
As a requirement for receiving the grant, you must prepare a plan for the training and workplace improvement activities in advance and submit it to the Prefectural Labour Bureau.
② Prepare Application Documents
Each Grant has its own required forms and documentation. Be sure to check the specific requirements and prepare all necessary documents carefully to avoid any errors or missing information.
③ Implement the Plan
Carry out the training or workplace improvement activities as outlined in the plan.
If the actual implementation differs from the approved plan, the Grant may not be awarded, so it’s important to follow the plan accurately.
④ Submit the Application Documents
Once the plan is completed, submit the prepared documents to the Prefectural Labour Bureau within the designated application period. Applications can be submitted by mail or online. For online submissions, you’ll first need to obtain a G Biz ID.
What is a G Biz ID?
The G Biz ID is a unified authentication system available to all business operators in Japan.
Once you create an account, you can use a single ID and password to access multiple government services — such as Grant applications, social insurance filings, and other electronic submissions.
After your identity is verified once during account creation, you don’t need to resubmit identification documents for future applications.
The account has no expiration date or annual renewal requirement, and only one account per business is needed.
⑤ Review and Grant Decision
The review process typically takes around six months or longer before a decision on payment is made.
3-2. Required Documents
When applying for a Grant, you’ll need to prepare several documents. The exact requirements depend on the type of Grant and your application details, but generally, the following are required:
Application Form
This is the main document for submitting your Grant application. You can download it from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s official website.
Employment Contract
A document that proves the terms of employment with the foreign worker, including working conditions and salary details.
Work Rules
Submit your company’s work rules. Authorities will check whether they include provisions related to the working conditions of foreign workers.
Payroll Ledger
A record proving the payment of wages to foreign workers. It should include details such as salaries and social insurance contributions.
Attendance Record
Used to confirm actual working hours and attendance during the training period.
Other Documents
These may include the company’s registration certificate, training guides, and copies of invoices or receipts related to training expenses.
If any required documents are missing, your application may not be accepted or the approval process could take much longer than usual.
If you’re unsure about how to prepare or collect the necessary documents, it’s recommended to consult a labor and social security attorney or contact your local Labour Bureau for guidance.
3-3. Key Points and Cautions
There are a few important things to be aware of when applying for a Grant.
Strict Application Deadlines
Each Grant has a specific application period. Once the deadline passes, your application will no longer be accepted. Make sure to confirm the submission period in advance and prepare your documents with plenty of time to spare.
Check the Eligibility Requirements
Every Grant has its own set of eligibility conditions. It’s essential to confirm ahead of time whether your company meets all of them. If you don’t meet the requirements, your application will not be approved—even if you submit it.
No False or Improper Claims
Submitting false information or receiving a Grant through dishonest means can result in severe penalties. If a fraudulent claim is discovered, you may face the following consequences:
- Repayment of the full Grant amount
- Additional penalty payment equal to 20% of the Grant
- Suspension of Grant eligibility for five years
- Public disclosure of your company’s name
- Possible criminal charges (such as fraud)
- Loss of corporate credibility and business relationships
Grants are meant to be used properly and responsibly. As a business owner, make sure your company handles them appropriately and promotes a strong culture of compliance within your organization.
4. Summary
We hope this article has helped you better understand how Grants can support companies employing foreign workers. By making good use of these Grants, you can reduce recruitment costs and ease the financial burden on your business.
We sincerely hope this column will be useful for companies considering hiring foreign employees. Take advantage of available Grants and make your foreign employment initiatives a success.
Our firm, Daiichi Sogo Labor and Social Security Attorney Corporation, also provides consultation services on various types of Grants. When you reach out to us, our dedicated team will work together to offer thorough and practical support.
