Ask the Experts Company Registration and Visas

Description: "JETRO" logo is displayed at the upper right corner of the screen. The title appears. The letters "Ask the Experts" appear one by one. In the background, two women and two men appear who are talking. The small blue text "Company Registration and Visas" appears under the text "Ask the Experts." There is a moving geometric pattern in the background. A short-haired woman in a white shirt and black pants appears facing the camera.

Caption: MAAYA KONISHI/MC

MC: Hello everyone, this is "Ask the Experts." When starting a full-fledged business in Japan, it is very important to establish a company in Japan as a base for localization and business development.

Description: The screen changes to show the MC from the chest up, viewed from the front right.

MC: For establishing the base, you need to proceed in accordance with Japanese laws and regulations.

Description: The MC is talking facing the camera.

MC: In this video series, experts in the field of incorporation will explain the advantageous information that foreign companies need to know when incorporating in Japan.

Description: The screen changes to show the MC, viewed from the front right.

MC: Before getting into the main topic, I would like to briefly review the flow of setting up business in Japan.

Description: The MC is talking facing the camera.

MC: In general, starting a business in Japan requires preparation in five main categories. Setting up a business, obtaining visas, setting up an office, personnel related matter, and setting up a place for residence.

Description: The MC opens her left palm while talking. She closes the palm and raises her index finger, synchronously with which a blue arrow with the text "Setting up a Business" appears at the top of the screen. Likewise, as she raises her middle, ring and little fingers, and her thumb, blue arrows appear with the text "Obtaining visas," "Setting up an office," "Personnel-related matter," and "Setting up a place for residence."

MC: In the process of setting up a business, after deciding on the form of the company such as branch, joint stock company, etc., all the necessary preparations need to be completed according to the company form and then the company is registered as a corporation. Once it is registered, tax and other relevant filings are made, a bank account is opened and the business in Japan is launched. In addition, if there are people coming to Japan from their home country to conduct business, they will need to obtain visas. To do this, first determine the representative in Japan, and once the company is registered, apply for a certificate of eligibility and a visa. And then the person can obtain eligibility to reside and work in Japan after entry. Furthermore, depending on the nature and scale of the business, it is also necessary to select and secure personnel to work at the Japanese base. When concluding employment contracts with these workers, social insurance related notifications will be required as well. In many cases, other preparations are also necessary to start a business in Japan, such as setting up an office and a place of residence.

Description: The screen changes. The blue box pops up with the text "Setting up a business." An arrow extends downward from the blue box, the screen scrolls down, and a white box appears at the tip of the arrow with the text "Research." A blue arrow extends from the box. The screen scrolls down, and the arrow stops extending at a white box with the text "Company registration." A blue arrow extends from the box, and a white box appears with the text "Tax notices". A blue arrow extending from the box goes to a white box with the text "Opening a bank account," from which an arrow extends to reach a blue box with the text "Start of business operations." The camera moves up diagonally to the right, and there is a blue box with the text "Obtaining visas" in the column to the right of the previous one. An arrow extends downward from the blue box, and a white box appears at the tip of the arrow with the text "Appointing a representative in Japan." A blue arrow extending from the box goes to a white box with the text "Company registration." An arrow extending from the box goes to a white box with the text "Certificate of eligibility/Visa application," from which a blue arrow extends to reach a blue box with the text "Start of business operations."
The camera moves up diagonally to the right, and there is a blue box with the text "Personnel-related matter" in the column to the right of the previous one. An arrow extending from the box goes to a white box with the text "Hiring staff," from which a blue arrow extends to a white box with the text "Company registration." A blue arrow extending from the box reaches a white box with the text "Social insurance notice." The camera zooms out to show the whole flowchart consisting of the three flows created up until now. A blue box with the text "Setting up an office" appears between "Obtaining visas" and "Personnel related matter," and another blue box with the text "Setting up a place of residence" appears to the right of "Personnel-related matter." An arrow extends from each of the boxes, connecting "Setting up an office" to a white box with the text "Temporary offices" and "Setting up a place of residence" to a white box with the text "Staying at hotel and others." A short arrow from "Temporary offices" goes to a white box with the text "Setting up a permanent office," another short arrow from which goes to "Company registration." A blue arrow from "Staying at hotels and others" extends as far as to the white box with text "Setting up a permanent housing." Arrows from "Company registration" and from "Setting up a permanent housing" simultaneously reach "Start of business operations." The blue box with the text "Setting up an office" in the top center of the screen slightly enlarges to gain attention and then returns to its original size. Likewise, the box with the text "Setting up a place of residence" enlarges and returns to its original size. The screen changes to show the MC, toward whom a white arrow is extending from the right of the screen. There is the text "Company Registration and Visas" in the arrow.

MC: In this episode, we will be focusing on company registration and visas.

Description: The screen changes to show the MC, viewed from the front right.

MC: Experts will explain the topics that many foreign companies have questions about when establishing a base in Japan.

Description: The screen fades to white. The text "Incorporation in Japan" appears in the center of the screen in three lines. The screen clears up to show a man in a gray suit with a navy tie and glasses over an ornamental foliage plant.

Caption: TETSUYA IIDA Certified Administration Producers Legal Specialist In Control Legal Support Service

MC: Let me introduce Mr. Iida. Thank you so much for coming today.

Iida: Thank you for having me today.

Description: The MC talks to Iida.

MC: So there are many processes that need to be conducted simultaneously. It is often perceived that these processes are complicated and troublesome. But is this really the case?

Description: The screen changes, and a white box appears to the right of the MC with the text "Is it hard to incorporate a company in Japan?" The screen changes to show Iida, who answers.

Caption: Is it hard to incorporate a company in Japan?

Iida: Not necessarily. As you said, many people seem to have an impression that Japan has a lot of regulations. However, Japan's regulation to set up an entity is not so complicated. And it is not difficult to set up a base in Japan.

Description: A blue arrow appears on the left with the text "Japanese incorporation process is foreign company-friendly." The MC talks to Iida.

MC: I see. That's very reassuring.

Description: The screen changes to show Iida, who talks.

Iida: Right. And I usually mentioned this when meeting foreign clients for the first time to encourage them to enter the Japanese market. Today, I will be explaining legal procedures of setting up a company in Japan.

Description: The camera zooms out to show the MC and Iida together, who are sitting facing each other on chairs positioned at angles in front of the camera. The screen changes, and the white text "What are the basic requirements for incorporating in Japan?" appears in three lines. The screen shows the MC and Iida together, who are sitting facing each other on chairs positioned at angles in front of the camera. The screen changes, and the white box appears to the right of the MC with the text "Are there any strict restrictions on FDI in Japan?"

MC: Let me start with a commonly asked question. Is regulation against foreign investment strict in Japan?

Caption: Are there any strict restrictions on FDI in Japan?

Description: The screen changes to show Iida, who answers. A large blue box appears on the left. It has an illustration of a building, next to which is the dark blue arrow with the text "100% owned subsidiary!" Under the arrow there is the small text "A foreign company can become…," followed by the larger text "SOLE SHAREHOLDER."

Iida: No, in principle, Japan does not restrict foreign business to set up a company as a sole owner. There are few exceptions, of course, that it is quite limited to specific industries like defense industry, media, or infrastructures industry.

Description: The screen changes, and a white box appears to the right of the MC with the text "Is it necessary to appoint Japanese executives?"

MC: I see. So when incorporating in Japan, is it necessary to appoint Japanese executives?

Caption: Is it necessary to appoint Japanese executives?

Description: The screen changes to show Iida, who answers. A blue arrow appears on the left. It contains an illustration of a man in a suit with an emblem and the text "All directors can be Non-Japanese Non-residents" to the right of the illustration.

Iida: No. You can set up your company without resident director or Japanese director. I heard that some foreign countries have a requirement of resident director. However, fortunately, Japan does not have such requirement.

Description: The screen shows the MC and Iida together, who are sitting facing each other on chairs positioned at angles in front of the camera. The screen changes to show the MC, who talks to Iida.

MC: So, an executive can be a non-resident?

Description The screen changes to show Iida, who answers.

Iida: Right.

Description: The screen changes to show the MC, who talks to Iida.

MC: The requirement for choosing an executive is not as rigid as I had expected.

Description: The screen changes to show Iida, who answers.

Iida: However, it is necessary to consider from the tax or social insurance standpoint. According to a JETRO's labor and tax expert, working conditions or rules on bonus payment, may be different from the case of employees. So please check the tax and the labor rules as well.

Description: A blue arrow appears to the left of Iida. It contains an illustration of a torso, next to which is the text "Tax/Social Insurance Adviser." Under the text, there is the text "Working Conditions Bonus Payment." The screen changes to show the MC, who talks to Iida.

MC: It's important to take into consideration aspects of taxation and human resources management.

Description: The screen changes to show Iida, who answers.

Iida: Although there are few points you should check, it is an advantage that you can incorporate your company without identifying Japanese director. I guess each company has its own policies and it is advisable to consult JETRO to take advice of experts so that you can make the best decision of appointment of directors.

Description: The screen shows the MC and Iida together, who are sitting facing each other on chairs positioned at angles in front of the camera. The MC responds with nods.

MC: I see. Thank you.

Description: The screen changes, and the white text "How to determine the capital amount" appears in two lines. The screen changes, and a white box appears to the right of the MC with the text "How much capital is required to register a company in Japan?"

MC: Moving on to the next topic, which is capital. How much capital is required to register a company in Japan?

Caption: How much capital is required to register a company in Japan?

Description: The screen changes to show Iida, who answers.

Iida: It is also a frequently asked question. The minimum amount of capital used to be 10 million yen before the amendment of the corporate law. However, now you can set up a company with only one yen capital. However, Japanese people may assume the size of your business in Japan in accordance with your amount of capital your company has. So, it is not advisable to start from one yen capital.

Description: The screen shows the MC and Iida together, who are sitting facing each other on chairs positioned at angles in front of the camera. At the center of the screen, an illustration of a 1-yen coin appears, and the MC raises her hands up showing surprise. The screen changes, and a blue arrow appears to the left of the Iida with the text "Size of your business." Then, under the arrow, another blue arrow appears with the text "Amount of capital." The screen changes to show the MC, who talks to Iida.

MC: So, if a company has more capital, it may appear more trustworthy.

Description: The screen changes to show Iida, who answers.

Iida: Right. The appropriate amount of capital varies depending on the size of your business or your industries. But it is common to put several million yen at the time of incorporation of a company. According to the tax advisor of JETRO, there may be some tax disadvantages for large amount of the capital. So, you need to consider various factors like size of your business, type of business, visa requirements or requirements for getting business licenses.

Description: The screen shows the MC and Iida together, who are sitting facing each other on chairs positioned at angles in front of the camera. At the center of the screen, an illustration of a yen coin with and three stacks of coins appears. The screen changes, and a blue arrow appears to the left of the Iida. The blue arrow contains the text "Tax Adviser" and the text "Tax Disadvantage for large amount of capital" under the first text. The screen changes, and the white text "Obtaining status of residence" appears in two lines. The screen shows the MC and Iida together, who are sitting facing each other on chairs positioned at angles in front of the camera. The screen changes, and a white box appears to the right of the MC with the text "What is the process of obtaining status of residence?"

MC: Another very important topic is status of residence. Could you briefly tell us the flow of how to acquire status of residence?

Iida: Okay, first, you need to apply for certificate of eligibility at a Regional Immigration Services Agency. The certificate of eligibility is kind of a pre-approval of your work visa, indicating that you suffice all the requirements for your work visa application. Once you get the certificate of eligibility, then the next step is to go to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate abroad to apply for your work visa. And then you will come to Japan and usually at the airport, you will receive your ID card called residence card.

Description: A pink rectangular box appears with the text "Application of Certificate of Eligibility to visa acquisition." The image shifts to the top left of the screen, and a white box appears under the pink box. In the white box, there is an illustration of paper and a pen on the left and the bold blue text "STEP01" on the right, under which there is the text "Application for Certificate of Eligibility for Status of Residence. (submitted to Regional Immigration Bureau in Japan)." Under that box, a thin pink line is drawn. A pink balloon appears at the end of the line. The balloon contains the text "May take several months." The image shifts to the top left of the screen, and another white box appears under the white box. On the left of the second white box, there is an illustration of paper with a check mark at the lower right corner. There is the bold blue text "STEP02" on the right of the box, under which there is the text "Issuance of Certificate of Eligibility." The image shifts to the top left of the screen, and the third white box appears under the second one. There is an illustration of the Earth on the left and the bold blue text "STEP03" on the right, under which there is the text "Visa Application at Japanese diplomatic mission abroad." The image shift to the top left of the screen, and the fourth white box appears under the third one. There is an illustration of an airplane on the left and the bold blue text "STEP04," under which there is the text "Entry to Japan and receipt of Residence Card." The camera zooms out to show the whole flow. The screen changes to show the MC, who talks to Iida.

MC: I see, this is a necessary step to work in Japan. How should we prepare for this in advance?

Description: The screen changes, and a white box appears to the right of the MC with the text "What are the necessary procedures to work in Japan?"

Caption: What are the necessary procedures to work in Japan?

Description: The screen changes to show Iida, who answers.

Iida: First, you need to decide what type of visa you will apply. The Japanese immigration authority provides 29 types of visas and each visa will allow you to engage in specific jobs. And you need to collect the documents required for each visa. You can find a list of documents on the website of Immigration Services Agency.

Description: The screen changes to show Iida, who answers. A blue arrow appears on the left with the text "Type of Visa." The screen shows the MC and Iida together, who are sitting facing each other on chairs positioned at angles in front of the camera. A blue arrow appears in the center with the text "Preparation of required documents." The screen changes to show the MC, who talks to Iida.

MC: I've heard that acquiring a Japanese work visa is quite difficult.

Description: The screen shows the MC and Iida together, who are sitting facing each other on chairs positioned at angles in front of the camera. Iida answers.

Iida: Not necessarily. The requirement for work visa is not so demanding. For example, what you need to suffice to get an office worker's work visa is to have a certain college degree with a major relating to your job in Japan, plus proper amount of salary similar to Japanese people. And I heard that some foreign countries have requirements for visa sponsor organization to carry a classified advertisement to find local people before you can apply for work visa. However, Japan does not require such advertisement. And the company who wishes to sponsor a work visa can apply for a work visa from the beginning. And even when you do not have a proper degree to be eligible for your work visa, there are several alternatives, which enables you to get a work visa. For example, you can use your working career to be eligible for your work visa.

Description: The screen shows the MC and Iida together, who are sitting facing each other on chairs positioned at angles in front of the camera. Iida answers. The screen changes to show Iida, who answers. A blue arrow appears on the left with the text "Job advertisement in Japan," which is struck through by a red line. The screen changes, and the white text "Preferential treatment for highly-skilled professionals" appears in three lines. The screen shows the MC and Iida together, who are sitting facing each other on chairs positioned at angles in front of the camera. The MC talks to Iida.

MC: Lastly, I'd like to ask about preferential treatment for highly skilled professionals. I think highly skilled professionals such as engineers and academic researchers are interested in working in Japan, what kind of preferential treatment is there? And what about status of residents?

Description: The screen changes, and a white box appears to the right of the MC with the text "What kind of preferential treatment and status of residence are available?"

Caption: What kind of preferential treatment and status of residence are available?

Description: The screen changes to show Iida, who answers.

Iida: The Japanese government has introduced a highly skilled professional visa, which can be granted to people with highly skilled or some special knowledge. You can be granted points based on your educational background, work career, income or qualifications you have and if you can earn 70 points or more you are eligible for this highly skilled professional visa. The highly skilled professional visa provides some preferential treatments in terms of your immigration status. For example, highly skilled professional visa shall be always valid for five years, when you usually get only one year visa when you apply for your work visa for the first time. And another advantage is that the requirement for your permanent residence application can be relaxed.

Description: The screen changes to show Iida, who answers. A blue arrow appears on the left with the text "Highly skilled professional." The screen changes to show a thick blue arrow pointing downward. In the large blue arrow, four white boxes each of which contains an illustration and text appear one by one. The first one contains an illustration of a college cap with a clock at the lower right corner and the text "Academic Background." The second one contains an illustration of a magnifier over a document and the text "Employment Background." The third one contains an illustration of a bag with a dollar sign held by a hand and the text "Annual Income." The fourth one contains an illustration of a person circled by an arrow with a plus sign and the text "Age." A triangle appears under the text of each box, which is followed by the letters "Pt" in a circle. Under the large bule arrow, a circled number 70 appears in the lower left of the screen. A white box with the text "Preferential immigration treatment will be granted if score is 70 points or higher." extends rightward. The screen changes to show Iida, who answers. A blue arrow appears on the left, which contains the text "1 year," a down arrow, and the text "5 years." The screen changes to show the MC, who talks to Iida.

MC: Wow. So, if you are someone who has a highly professional skill, then you should definitely make use of this.

Description: The screen shows the MC and Iida together, who are sitting facing each other on chairs positioned at angles in front of the camera. Iida answers.

Iida: Exactly. So it is advisable to check if you are eligible. If you apply for this highly skilled professional visa, you can always get the five years visa, so you can concentrate on your business in Japan without worrying about the period of your visa.

Description: The screen changes, and the text "For companies considering expansion into Japan" appears in three lines. The screen shows the MC and Iida together, who are sitting facing each other on chairs positioned at angles in front of the camera. The MC talks to Iida.

MC: Thank you for sharing with us such beneficial information. Could you give us a message for those who are thinking of expanding their business in Japan?

Description: The screen changes to show Iida, who talks facing the camera.

Iida: The foreign direct investment into Japan is not so restricted and the Japanese government regularly review and amend the regulations for foreign direct investment. In my past experiences, I have never seen any foreign businesses who gave up entering into Japan just because of their harsh regulations of Japan. So please do not hesitate to set up a business in Japan. And when you start procedures, please get advice of experts at JETRO. JETRO is happy to help you in getting the preferential treatments.

Description: The screen changes to show an opened laptop. It displays a webpage with the text "Setting up business," in the background of which there is an image of hands of people working while examining graphs on paper and a tablet. The laptop screen scrolls down to show the text "How to Set up Business in Japan Video Series" and the text "Steps of Setting Up Business," under which there are a flowchart and some photos. The screen shows the MC and Iida together, who are sitting facing each other on chairs positioned at angles in front of the camera. The MC talks to Iida.

MC: Thank you very much Mr. Iida.

Iida: You're welcome.

Description: The screen changes to show the MC, who talks facing the camera.

MC: We hope you understood the important points of establishing and registering a company in Japan. In addition to the company registration and visas video, there are also episodes on tax and human resources management. So please feel free to take a look at these.

Description: Two white arrows appear to the right of the MC. One appears with the blue text "Taxation in Japan" and the other, "Human Resources Management." The screen fades to white, and the text "JETRO’s support" appears in the center of the screen.
The screen changes to show the MC, who talks facing the camera. A navy-themed world map titled "JETRO worldwide offices" appears on the right, where a balloon with a number is displayed for each of the relevant countries and regions. From the left: Europe 15, Africa 9, Middle East 5, Russia CIS 3, Asia 27, Japan 51, Oceania 2, North America 8, and Central & South America 7.

MC: JETRO has more than 70 overseas offices to support foreign companies entering the Japanese market and developing their business. If you are a foreign company considering expanding your business to Japan, or establishing a base in Japan, please visit your nearest JETRO office or contact us through the inquiry form provided in the description below. Our experienced staff will be happy to guide you through the process. We wish you success in the Japanese market. See you soon.

Description: The screen fades to white. The logo of "JETRO Japan External Trade Organization" appears, under which letters appear randomly to form the large blue text "Succeed Together in Japan and Beyond."