This article series will provide useful insights into the changing investment and innovation environment, and new business opportunities in Japan.
Section 4. Human Resource Management
4.1 Application of laws
Japan has a number of laws pertaining to labor and the protection of workers. These include: the Labor Standards Act which sets forth the minimum standards on working conditions; the Industrial Safety and Health Act which aims to ensure the safety and health of workers at the workplace; and the Minimum Wage Act. These laws apply in principle to all enterprises in Japan, regardless of whether the employer is Japanese or foreign, or the company is a foreign or Japanese-registered corporation. They also apply to foreign workers in Japan provided that the foreign workers meet the definition of workers under these laws.
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.
Section4: Documents businesses are required to submit to authorities
| Section | Documents | Where documents are listed within the URL | The competent authorities and relevant web pages |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-3 |
Notice of Employment
|
See the pdf below |
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
|
| 4-3 | Employment Agreement |
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
|
|
| 4-5 | Notification of Agreement on Overtime work Working on Holidays |
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
|
|
| 4-6 |
The Model Rules of Employment
|
See "The Model Rules of Employment" |
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
|
| 4-9 | Notification of Acquisition of Employment Insurance Qualification |
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare  (3.2MB)
|
|
| 4-9 |
Application to Enroll in Employees' Health Insurance / Employees' Pension Insurance
|
See "Application form" |
Japan Pension Services
|
| 4-9 | Labor insurance Estimated insurance premiums / Increased estimated insurance premiums / Final insurance premiums Declaration |
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (3.2MB)
|
|
| 4-9 |
Basic amount for calculation of monthly remuneration of person insured Health insurance and Employees' pension insurance Insurance Application to enroll in Employees' Pension Insurance for insured persons aged 70 and older |
Japan Pension Services
|
|
| 4-9 |
Report of Dependents (change)
|
See "Report form" under "Coverage of Your Dependents" section. |
Japan Pension Services
|
| 4-9 | Notification of the Establishment of a Labor Insurance Relationship |
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare(3.2MB)
|
|
| 4-9 | Notice of establishment of the business place to which employment insurance is applied |
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (3.2MB)
|
|
| 4-9 |
Application for Workplace Coverage
|
See "Application form" |
Japan Pension Services
|
| 4-9 |
Declaration of Tax Exemption for Salaried Employees (Change)
|
Select the desired format from the formats below |
National Tax Agency
|
| 4-10 | Income Tax Withholding Certificate |
National Tax Agency
|
Materials listed as ‘Reference’ contain samples of documents regarding registration, visa, taxation, personnel and labor matters that are necessary when a foreign company establishes a corporation or other entity in Japan. These documents are not published by competent authorities and therefore are not official. For those who are going through the official procedures, please obtain the latest official documents from the competent authorities and related bodies or consult a person who specializes in advising on such information and procedures.
The information contained in this documents should be used at the reader’s independent discretion. While JETRO makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it provides, no responsibility is accepted by JETRO for any loss or damage incurred as a result of actions based on the information provided in these documents or provided by the external links listed on these pages.
JETRO supports your business in Japan
We provide consistent one-stop service for establishing a base or expanding business in Japan. See the details of support services that JETRO provides when setting up business in Japan.
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