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Why isCompany Registration in Japan a Great Choice for You?

Thinking of company registration in Japan? Think of Corpbiz. Japan, home to global cities such as Tokyo and Yokohama, is a major trading hub, having international financial centres in the third-largest economy in the world. It further ensures maintaining a strong economic relationship with Asia, Latin America, and Europe through key partnership agreements, making it an attractive destination for global businesses.

At Corpbiz, we support foreign entrepreneurs looking for online company registration in Japan. However, Japan offers a stable economy, a business-friendly environment, advanced infrastructure, and a highly-skilled workforce, making it ideal conditions for business setup in Japan.

Japan, worldwide known for its technological advancement and innovations, is considered a heaven for modern-day sectors such as IT, healthcare, automation, etc. Contact Corpbiz team, well-versed with the local government policies and regulatory procedures, offering end-to-end professional guidance to both locals and foreign entrepreneurs seeking business setup in Japan. We help you understand the legal requirements for businesses in Japan.

Company Registration in Japan?

Benefits of Company Incorporation in Japan

Have a look at the following benefits of company incorporation in Japan, as follows:

Benefits of Business Setup in Japan
Favourable Tax Regime

Infrastructural Facilities

The robust and world-class infrastructure facilities to industries and global competitors carrying out business activity in Japan. It is one of the key benefits of business setup in Japan.

Political and Economic Stability

Double Taxation Treaty

Japan, which has entered into different forms of double taxation treaties, acts as an effective shield that directly minimises the amount of withholding tax. It is one of the key benefits of company registration in Japan.

Ease of Company Incorporation

Free-Trade Zones

Japan, having a free trade zone located in the cities of Tokyo, Nagasaki, and Niigata, offers help to streamline international trade, making it an attractive destination for foreign businesses.

Access to International Markets

Highly Competitive Workforce

Located in the strategic centre of Asia, Japan mainly focuses on innovation and education, leading a highly disciplined and educated workforce. It is one of the significant benefits of company incorporation in Japan.

Robust Financial Services Sector

Government Incentives

Japan offers diverse government incentives in terms of grants, tax exemptions, and subsidies for research and development, making it a favourable location for foreign companies. It’s one of the benefits of company registration in Japan one can’t ignore.

Attractive Residency Options

Robust Intellectual Property Protection

Japan, which boosts intellectual property laws, ensures the protection of business innovations, patents, and trademarks, allowing businesses to carry out business operations without misuse. It’s one of the benefits of company incorporation in Japan.

Requirements for Business Setup in Japan

Given below are the legal requirements for business setup in Japan-

Checklist to Start a Business in Japan

  • Must appoint at least 1 director
  • Must have a minimum of 1 shareholder (individual/corporate entity)
  • Must have a share capital of at least 1 Yen
  • Must freely decide its fiscal year
  • Appoint a local representative (no physical presence required)
  • Must have a registered local office in Japan
  • Must have a certificate of eligibility
Documents for Company Formation in Japan

Documents for Online Company Registration in Japan

The list of documents needed for online company registration in Japan is as follows:

  • Articles of Incorporation (AOA)
  • List of directors, shareholders, and their addresses
  • Address proof of all directors and partners
  • Proof of payment of registration fee
  • Details of the profit and loss statement
  • Affidavit from the parent company regarding the existence of the company
  • Corporate seal certificate (Inkan shomeisho) issued within 3 months
  • Information on appointment of executive members (Godo Kaisha)
  • Signature (or seal) of each investor and director
  • Tax payment certificate
  • Appointment letter of the branch representative in Japan
  • Notification to the Bank of Japan (if applicable)
  • Document certifying the company’s capital and assets
  • Details related to the activities of the company
  • Any other relevant document (if required)

Process for Online Company Registration in Japan

The process that assists foreign investors in online company registration in Japan is as discussed below:

Company Registration Process in Japan

Choose a Business Structure

The first step requires the applicant to choose an appropriate business structure based on the needs, goals, liability preferences, and capital investment of your business. We help you select the right business structure.

Reserve Business Name

In this step, we help you reserve a unique business or trade name for companies seeking online registration in Japan. However, this step requires a mandatory verification of name availability in advance.

Prepare Documentation

Here, we help you prepare documentation, including Articles of Association, partnership agreements, capital deposit certificates, and other translations of documents, if any.

Apply for Company Registration in Japan

The applicants are further required to appoint a representative or legal proxy to apply for company registration with the Japanese Trade Register from overseas.

Receive Certificate of Incorporation

Once approved, you will receive a certificate of incorporation from the Legal Affairs Bureau, officially recognizing your company as a legal entity in Japan.

Types of Tax-Efficient Business Setup in Japan

Given below are the significant types of tax-efficient business setup in Japan-

Global Business Company (GBC)

Sole Proprietorship (KJ)

A sole proprietorship, known as Kojin Jigyo (KJ) in Japan, is one of the simplest and most straightforward business structures owned and operated by a single individual. Moreover, it does not have a separate legal identity from its owners.

Authorized Company

Limited Liability Company (GK)

A limited liability company, commonly known as Godo Kaisha (GK), is the most common type of tax-efficient business setup in Japan. The LLC, having a minimum capital requirement of 1 million yen, is responsible for all the debts and obligations.

Domestic Company

Joint Stock Company (KK)

A joint stock company, which stands for Kabushiki Kaisha, i.e., KK in Japan, is a separate legal structure from its shareholders. This structure offers a minimum capital of 1 million yen, along with limited liability.

Branch of a Foreign Company

General Partnership (GMK)

A general partnership, also known as Gomei Kaisha, GMK in Japan, is a partnership owned by two or more individuals. However, this form of partnership, having no minimum capital required, is held responsible for unlimited business debts and obligations.

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

Limited Partnership (TSK)

A limited partnership, which stands for Teikan Seiho Kaisha, i.e., TSK in Japan, is a business structure that includes both general and limited partners, personally responsible for all forms of business debts and vice versa.

Sole Proprietorship

Simple Partnership (YK)

Simple partnership, also known as Yugen Kaisha, i.e., YK in Japan, is one of the most popular business structures, now replaced by the Godo Kaisha (GK) since the 2006 Companies Act reform.

Freeport Company

Representative Office (CJ)

A representative office, commonly known as Chuzaiin Jimusha, i.e., CJ, is a supplementary of a foreign company that enables conducting market surveys, collecting information, and promoting your foreign parent company’s business.

Freeport Company

Branch Office (Shiten)

A branch office, which stands for Shiten is officially registered as a legal entity which is an extension of your parent company conducting business activities in Japan. It remains fully liable for its operations,

Freeport Company

Subsidiary Company

A subsidiary company in Japan is a separately incorporated entity that is wholly or partially owned by a foreign parent company. However, it operates independently under Japanese law, making it ideal for companies looking for long-term presence and credibility in the Japanese market.

Post-Japan Corporate Formation Services

Congratulations on successfully registering your dream company in Japan. However, the post-Japan corporate formation services, which ensure staying compliant with operational and other legal formalities, are discussed below:

  • Open a Corporate Bank Account
    Upon company registration in Japan, the applicants must open a permanent corporate bank account for daily transactions.
  • Maintain Company Seal
    All firms registered in Japan are required to maintain an official company seal, also known as an inkan or hanko, used for signing contracts, legal documents, and other official transactions.
  • Secure Business Visa
    The companies registered in Japan must secure a valid business manager visa, also known as a startup visa, essential for legally residing and conducting business activities in Japan.
  • Apply for Tax Registration
    After the successful company registration in Japan, the entities must apply for tax registration, including corporate tax, consumption tax, and social insurance.
  • Secure Compliance
    The registered entities in Japan must secure compliance with labour laws, employment agreements, payroll maintenance, social insurance, and other environmental regulations regarding emission control or waste management.
  • Conduct AGM
    The companies registered in Japan must conduct an annual general meeting for shareholders within 3 months from the fiscal year-end. However, it entails reporting the annual business and seeking shareholder approval for the financial statement.
  • File Financial Statement
    Businesses in Japan must prepare and file a financial statement at the end of their fiscal year. Moreover, the version of an externally audited financial statement must be further released for the purpose of public notification.
  • Publish Balance Sheet
    The registered entities are required to publish a balance sheet, securing transparency under Japanese law, and arrange for release through an approved media.
Japan Corporate Formation

Incentives After Company Incorporation in Japan

The entrepreneurs applying for company incorporation in Japan have access to the following government incentives and grants, as provided below:

  • Japan External Trade Organization Support (JETRO)
  • Subsidies for Business Innovative Projects
  • Local & Regional Government Grants
  • Special Economic Zones
  • Industry-Specific Government Schemes
  • J-Startup Pavilion at CSE 2024
  • Startup Visa Program
  • Deep Tech Startup Support Program

Why Opt for Corpbiz for Online Company Registration in Japan?

Expert Business Structure Guidance

Experienced Business Consultants

Corpbiz has a network of 10,000+ experienced business consultants and legal professionals, well-versed in online company registration in Japan.

Documentation Support

10+ Years of Experience

Corpbiz, holding 10+ Years of hands-on industrial experience, is one of the trusted global brands providing hassle-free services for business setup in Japan.

Saved 20 Lakh+ Hours of Entrepreneurs

Saved 50 Lakh+ Hours of Entrepreneurs

At Corpbiz, we have saved more than 50 lakh hours of global entrepreneurs seeking online company registration in Japan and help them with timely business setup.

200+ Business Consultants in Japan

Payroll Management Solutions

Corpbiz offers end-to-end payroll management services, which help you maintain legal compliance with day-to-day HR operations in Japan.

10X Company Registration Process

Business Visa Services in Japan

We at Corpbiz guide you through business visa services in Japan, ensuring fast-track and hassle-free company registration within just one working day.

Bank Account Opening Assistance

Lifetime 24/7 Support

We offer lifetime 24/7 customer support and assistance to streamline the entrepreneurial journey of businesses seeking company registration in Japan.

Full Tax and Compliance Setup

Virtual Office Services

Our services at Corpbiz ensure obtaining a virtual office address in Tokyo, Osaka, or Yokohama, providing security to non-resident customers of Japan.

Post-Incorporation Support Services

Customized Package

We provide customized packages to foreign investors looking for company registration in the dynamic and growing economy of Japan.

99% Client Retention Rate

Flexible Pricing

Connect Corpbiz to get the benefit of flexible pricing packages, automatically renewing at the end of every billing cycle unless duly terminated.

FAQs on Japan Corporate Formation Services

Company incorporation for foreign investors in Japan allows business entities to establish and obtain a legal business entity under Japanese law. This process also involves obtaining necessary visas, complying with Japanese regulations, and several other steps.

The process to register a company in Japan incorporates the following steps, as provided below:
  • Step 1: Choose a Business Structure
  • Step 2: Reserve Business Name
  • Step 3: Prepare Documentation
  • Step 4: Apply for Registration
  • Step 5: Receive Certificate of Incorporation

Yes, a foreigner can formally open and run a company in Japan. However, it actively encourages foreign investment and entrepreneurship, preventing foreigners from becoming shareholders or directors of a company in Japan.

Yes, an Indian individual is eligible to start a business in Japan. However, it requires obtaining the necessary visas and permits and securing the right visa for business management or investment.

Entrepreneurs go for company registration in Japan due to its dynamic economy, skilled workforce, and supportive business environment.

Generally, a permanent, long-term or any other citizen of Japan is eligible to work in Japan. However, foreign nationals working in Japan are granted a visa based on the type of work or other external factors.

Yes, many Japanese companies reporting record earnings are considered profitable. Some companies, particularly in the financial and AI sectors, seek strong growth and profit records in Japan.

The different types of companies for business setup in Japan are as follows:
  • Sole Proprietorship (KJ)
  • Limited Liability Company (GK)
  • Joint Stock Company (KK)
  • General Partnership (GMK)
  • Limited Partnership (TSK)
  • Simple Partnership (YK)
  • Representative Office (CJ)
  • Branch Office (Shiten)
  • Subsidiary Company

Yes, non-resident foreigners are required to pay taxes on Japan-source earnings at a flat rate of 20.42%.

No, Japan’s sales tax, referred to as the consumption tax, functions similarly to VAT or GST in other countries. Moreover, it applies to most goods and services, providing a significant source of revenue for the government.

Authors

Written by Aarya Pokharel. Last updated on Nov 11 2025, 09:56 PM

Aarya Pokharel brings 3 years of solid experience in legal research and compliance. Her expertise spans tax filing, secretarial compliances, and advisory services, with a strong focus on delivering precise legal research and strategic advisory support.

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