#Business

Business Set-up

We offer personalized assistance for setting up your business, obtaining necessary licenses, and providing continuous legal support throughout your company’s operations.

Let your journey begin.

Are you prepared to take your business to new heights in Japan or set out on your entrepreneurial journey?

We offer comprehensive support throughout the entire business incorporation and licensing process, so you have a solid groundwork for building your business and can quickly move on to the exciting phase of getting your business moving.

Our Services

Get Started

Business Setup

From choosing the right type of companies for your business to assisting you in obtaining a visa, we will strategize your best next steps with you.

BE PREPARED

Licenses & Permits

Depending on your business activities, you may need to apply for licenses and permits before starting. Contact us first to discuss your planned business activities.

STAY ORGANIZED

Legal Admin

We assist in drafting stakeholder minutes and managing company transitions, working closely with Shihoshoshi Lawyers for prompt registration of necessary changes.

Starting a Business in Japan in 2024

Read our 2024 summary guide to starting a business in Japan

ACCESS

Starting a Business in Japan

Read our summary guide

ACCESS

Types of Operations for Foreign Company

If you already have a foreign company abroad, you can choose one of the following operation types:

Types of Companies

If you would like to shift from sole proprietorship to managing a company, or if you are a foreign company opting for a subsidiary company, you can choose from the following two types:

ADVANTAGES of business incorporation

Is Incorporation the Right Option for My Business?

Consider the following key advantages when deciding whether to incorporate your business as a corporation rather than operate as a sole proprietorship:

More credibility from your business partners and clients
Tax benefits
Easier access to loans

Disadvantages of business incorporation

Any drawbacks to keep in mind?

People choose to incorporate their business for different reasons, but potential drawbacks of incorporating your business include:

Initial set up cost (or you can think of it as an investment!)
Corporate residence tax obligation
Mandatory social security contributions

One step at a time, but make each one count

11 Steps to Business Incorporation in Japan

Here is a simplified timeline of business corporation process, indicating 11 steps you need to follow.
The process changes depending on the structure / type of business you choose.

Here is a simplified timeline of business corporation, indicating 11 steps you need to follow. The process changes depending on the structure / type of business you choose.

Step 1

Choose the right type of operation for your business

foreign company choosing the right operation type for their business

If you are a foreign enterprise seeking to expand your business into the Japanese market, first choose the right type of operation (Representative Office, Branch Office, Subsidiary Company) for your venture.

Step 2

Select the appropriate company structure

Entrepreneurs discussing business plan and strategy

If you are starting your business in Japan, the initial step is to choose between establishing a Godo Kaisha or Kabushiki Kaisha. For foreign enterprises, this step is only necessary if you decide to establish a subsidiary company.

Step 3

Secure an office

Image of a rental office for a representative office in Tokyo

Find the right office type for your business and secure the office address to register for your company.

Step 4

Get Articles of Incorporations notarized

Entrepreneur getting the articles of incorporation notarized

Article of Incorporation (Teikan) is like a rulebook of your company. Decide on factors like company name, business activities, registered address, capital, etc. Your Articles of Incorporation needs to be notarized at Notary Public Office but this procedure is not required for Godo Kaisha.

Step 5

Deposit capital

Entrepreneur making a deposit as a preparation for business incorporation in Japan

Transfer the initial capital to the personal bank account of one of the founders, since corporate bank account can only be opened after company registration is complete.

Step 6

Get paperwork ready

Gyoseishoshi Lawyer helping client with paperwork

As you can imagine, this is the most complicated part. In addition to the registration form, various documents, such as the Seal Certificate and Proof of Paid-in Capital, need to be prepared. The specific requirements vary depending on the type of business you choose.

Step 7

Complete company registration

You can apply for company registration at Legal Affairs Bureau (Houmukyoku) Only after the process is completed, you can open a corporate bank account.

Step 8

Obtain the Registry Certificate and Corporate Seal Certificate

entrepreneur getting registry certificate after company registration

You will be able to obtain a Registry Certificate and Corporate Seal Certificate.

Step 9

Submit notifications

entrepreneur starting business after completing all of the business incorporation process

Usually you will also need to report to tax office, pension office, labor standards inspection office, etc.

Step 10

Obtain business license / permits (If necessary)

This process is required only for companies that will be operating in the field that requires licenses such as travel agency, restaurants, second-hand dealership,etc.

Step 11

Open a corporate bank account

debit cards for the new corporate bank account

With corporate registration complete, you can apply to open a corporate bank account. However, opening a corporate bank account, in general, is getting more difficult in Japan, so we highly recommend you consult with the bank prior to the business incorporation process.

All done!

Congratulations! You are ready to embark on your journey.

Book a Discovery Call

If you are seeking personalized advice for your situation, you can book a 30-minute discovery call with us to strategize the best next step for you. We are currently offering calls on the business incorporation and visa application processes.

Resources

At Small Seasons & Co., we believe that knowledge is power. Even if you were to hire a professional to take care of things for you, it is best if you were also well-informed. Explore our resources to gain a general understanding of important topics.

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