Setting up a business in Japan

Our Expertise

With a track record of establishing hundreds of foreign-owned companies in Japan, our firm offers end-to-end support for international entrepreneurs. Our services encompass:

  • Company incorporation
  • Visa acquisition assistance
  • Guidance on obtaining necessary government permits
  • Referrals to experienced Japanese tax accountants for bookkeeping and tax filing

Comprehensive Guide to Company Incorporation in Japan for Foreign Investors

A. Company Incorporation Process

  1. Review our rough cost summary
  2. Execute a Service Agreement
  3. Determine the appropriate company structure
  4. Complete our detailed incorporation checklist
  5. Draft Articles of Incorporation (AOI) and collect Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) information
  6. Review the AOI and check the necessity of the preliminary permission by the Ministry of Finance.
  7. Facilitate capital contribution, document signing, and Affidavit preparation (if applicable)
  8. Notarize AOI (for Kabushiki Kaisha - KK)
  9. Submit incorporation registration application
  10. Submission of a report to the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Japan

Typical processing time: One month (subject to smooth progression)

B. Company Types

We specialize in setting up two popular business structures:

  1. Kabushiki Kaisha (KK): Allows separation of ownership and management
  2. Godo Kaisha (GK): Unified ownership and management structure

C. Comprehensive Support

Our services extend beyond registration to include:

  • Screening for Ministry of Finance (MOF) and Bank of Japan (BOJ) compliance*
  • Guidance on Preliminary Review applications or Subsequent Reports, as required*
  • Assessment of business-specific regulatory obligations

*For foreign entity founders, we conduct a thorough review of the AOI in compliance with the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act.

D. Costs

Our fee is based on an hourly charge.

For further information or to begin your company incorporation process, please contact us.

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