Setting up a company in Japan involves several steps.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for the process:
Details in Japanese

Step 1: Choose the Business Structure Decide on the type of business structure you want to establish. The most common options in Japan are:

• Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) or Joint Stock Company: Similar to a corporation, with shareholders and a board of directors.
• Godo Kaisha (GK) or Limited Liability Company: Similar to an LLC, with more straightforward procedures and fewer requirements.

Step 2: Choose a Company Name Select a unique company name that complies with Japanese regulations. Ensure it is not already in use by another business in Japan.

Step 3: Appoint Directors and Shareholders As a foreigner, you can be a shareholder and director of the company. You’ll need to provide identification and other necessary documents. Shareholders’ capital invest Shareholder or director’s bank account in Japan. Do they have Japan bank account?.

Also if you need a Business Manager VISA, there are detailed regulations under the Immigration Law.

FYI: Hong Kong people/company, Taiwanee, Korean, Chinese

Step 4: Register Company Address Provide a physical address in Japan where the company will be located. This can be a physical office, But a co-working space -share office- and a virtual address are NOT acceptable for Business Manager VISA.
Learn More: Office requirement details

Step 5: Obtain a Company Seal (Inkan) In Japan, a company seal (hanko or inkan) is used for official purposes and is often required for bank accounts and legal documents. As a foreigner, you’ll need to obtain a personal seal certificate (Inkan Shomeisho) to create your company seal.

Step 6: Prepare Articles of Incorporation Prepare the Articles of Incorporation, which outline the company’s purpose, structure, shareholders, and other important details. This document must be notarized by a Japanese notary public.
Under Japanese law, some industries are required to be pre-assessed by the Bank of Japan.

Step 7: Submit the Registration Application Submit the necessary documents, including the Articles of Incorporation, to the Legal Affairs Bureau in the region where your company will be located. This is usually done with the help of a judicial scrivener (shiho-shoshi lawyer) who is experienced in company registrations.

Step 8: Register for Taxes and Social Insurance After the company is registered, you’ll need to apply for taxation and social insurance purposes. This includes registering for the corporation tax, consumption tax, and employee insurance.

Step 9: Obtain Business Licenses (if required) Depending on your business activities, you might need specific licenses or permits to operate legally. Check with the local government or relevant authorities to determine if any additional licenses are necessary.

Afetr all, you can apply Business Manager VISA. Applicant is you or your Japanese or PR status co-operator living in Japan.

Step 10: Establish a Corporate Bank Account With the company seal and other necessary documents, you can open a corporate bank account in Japan. Having a director with a Juminhyo (Japanese residential registration certificate) can ease the process. Continental will help your procedure.

It’s essential to note that Japanese corporate laws and regulations might change over time. Therefore, it’s recommended to consult with a local legal expert or a professional firm specializing in company registrations to ensure compliance with the latest requirements and procedures.

Professional

Masakazu Murai
Immigration consultant, Financial advisor
18 years experience in Investment Banking at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley. He had provided financial advisory more than 500 entrepreneurs and senior management.

Gyoseishoshi Immigration Lawyer
CMA(Japanese financial analyst license)
CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship(Hosei Business School)

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