Starting a Company in Japan
A plain-language overview of how a foreigner can set up and run a company in Japan — company types, the Business Manager visa, capital, and the registration process.
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Pick a company type
Foreigners can own 100% of a Japanese company. The two most common forms are the Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) — a joint-stock company, the most recognized form — and the Godo Kaisha (GK), an LLC-style entity that is cheaper and faster to set up.
Meet the Business Manager visa
To live in Japan and run the company yourself, you will usually need the Business Manager (経営・管理) residence status. It generally asks for real capital, a physical office, and a credible business plan.
The registration steps
- Choose a company type and decide the trade name.
- Draft the articles of incorporation and prepare capital.
- Register your personal seal (実印) and get a certificate of seal registration.
- File the registration at the Legal Affairs Bureau.
What to watch out for
- A registered office address is mandatory — a virtual address alone may not satisfy immigration.
- Corporate tax combines national, prefectural, and municipal layers.
- Keep clean books from day one; an accountant (税理士) is highly recommended.