Setting Up Business

In Japan, the system for establishing a company has been made simple and straightforward. A business can be registered with as little as 1 yen in capital, and minimum setup costs can be kept at around 15 million yen, so setting up is more accessible than you might expect. The procedures involved can be carried out online, and plenty of support is available for visa applications.​

On this page, we provide a flowchart outlining the basic steps involved in establishing a base in Japan. You can also find a detailed explanation of each step, cost estimation, an overview of the laws, regulations and procedures related to setting up business, and more.​

Laws and Regulations on Setting Up Business in Japan Pamphlet

The pamphlet "Laws & Regulations" is available in PDF, and outlines basic information about laws, regulations and procedures related to setting up a business in Japan. It is available in 8 languages (Japanese, English, German, French, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Korean and Vietnamese).
You can download via the "Request Form" button below.

Steps of Setting Up Business

Flowchart

*Click on “Preliminary Preparation” “Business Setup” “Visa Acquisition” “Office Setup” “Personnel-related Matter” “Residence Setup” “Establishment of Factory” to open the detailed page.

A flowchart illustrating the main steps required to establish a business presence and start operations in Japan. The preliminary preparation stage includes determining the form of entry into Japan, appointing a local representative in Japan, searching for a temporary office, conducting market research and related studies, and finding long-term accommodation for the local representative. The process then proceeds through several categories: setting up a business, setting up an office, personnel-related matters, and setting up a place of residence. For business establishment, steps include preparation for registration, prior notification under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act, registration of business establishment, tax notices, opening a bank account, post notification under the same act, and obtaining business-related licenses and permits. The procedures for obtaining visas and residence status include obtaining a certificate of eligibility, applying for a visa, and receiving a residence card. Office setup includes searching for office real estate agents, establishing a permanent office, arranging office fit-out and setup, and enrolling in liability insurance. Personnel-related steps include understanding human resource systems in Japan, hiring staff, and submitting social insurance notices. Residential arrangements include searching for real estate agents and securing permanent housing. After completing these procedures, business operations commence, and factory establishment or website launch may take place if applicable. Preliminary Preparation Business Setup Visa Acquisition Office Setup Personnel-related Matter Residence Setup Establishment of Factory

Develop a Plan to Enter the Japanese Market

Laws and Regulations on Setting Up Business in Japan

JETRO provides basic information about the laws and various procedures related to setting up a business in Japan (incorporating business/visas and status of residence/taxes in Japan/human resource management/trademark and design protection systems).
Please click here for documents businesses are required to submit to authorities.
Information about trademarks and design protection matters in setting up business in Japan is available on the Japan Patent Office websiteExternal site: a new window will open.
You can also find professionals to assist at Experts Finder.

Laws & Regulations on Setting Up Business in Japan
(as of November 2023)

Based on legal revision during the 2023 fiscal year, all of the items of Section1 - 4 have been updated.

Documents required to submit to authorities

JETRO provides list of documents required to submit to authorities related to setting up a business in Japan (incorporating business/visas and status of residence/taxes in Japan/human resource).

See the most frequently asked questions and answers about setting up business in Japan.

Contact Us

Investing in and collaborating with Japan

We will do our very best to support your business expansion into and within Japan as well as business collaboration with Japanese companies. Please feel free to contact us via the form below for any inquiries.

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Our network covers over 50 countries worldwide. You can contact us at one of our local offices near you for consultation.

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