We provide end-to-end support for launching your business in Japan.
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Steps required for foreigners to start a business in Japan
1. Preparation
(Business Plan and Funding)
1 months +
When starting a business in Japan, you must develop a business plan outlining the business concept, revenue projections, and funding strategy. The type of residence status (visa) you need to obtain depends on the amount of funding you can secure.
2. Establish a Company
in Japan
1 to 2 Months
Whether to establish the company or obtain the visa first depends on the preparations you can make and the type of visa you plan to acquire.
For foreigners currently residing overseas, there are several significant hurdles to clear, such as opening a personal bank account or signing a real estate contract.
3. Obtain Visa
(Residence Qualification)
3 to 6 months
Typically, starting a business requires a “ Business Manager Visa.” The requirements and screening process are strict, and further tightening of requirements is scheduled for October 2025 and beyond. Meanwhile, the “Startup Visa” system is expanding, making its acquisition a more realistic option going forward.
1. Preparation (Business Plan and Funding)
1 monts +
Foreigners who wish to establish a company in Japan and succeed as business owners should prioritize the following items.
- Business Activities:
A concrete and feasible business plan is required. If revenue projections are overly optimistic and lack realism, or if there are no achievements or business partners and the company is regarded merely as a “nominal entity,” the visa cannot be obtained. It is also important to present a stable revenue model and emphasize business continuity. - Business Scale and Capital:
This will likely be the greatest hurdle for obtaining a “Business Manager Visa.” After considering capital preparation and the feasibility of hiring employees in Japan at the time of business start-up, if meeting the requirements is deemed difficult, pursuing a “Startup Visa” may often be the more appropriate path. Details will be explained later in the visa description. - Office Availability and Location:
If an appropriate office cannot be secured, if the real estate lease agreement is not for business purposes, or if the registered address is the same as the representative’s residence—thus failing to demonstrate the existence of an independent office—obtaining a “Business Manager Visa” will not be possible. This requirement also serves as a key factor in determining whether to pursue a “Business Manager Visa” or a “Startup Visa.”
Developing a business plan is a crucial process directly linked to company establishment and visa acquisition. Therefore, we recommend consulting with experts from this stage. Furthermore, obtaining a management visa requires submitting a business plan prepared in Japanese. It is not appropriate to create this independently; rather, an expert with visa acquisition experience should prepare it in Japanese, incorporating all necessary elements. Consulting early allows for more efficient and speedy processing of the procedures.
Please feel free to contact us for a free consultation.
Contact UsPlease also refer to the following information pages.
2. Establish a Company in Japan
1 to 2 months
Once the broad outline of your business activities and available funding is determined, you can proceed with the specific steps to establish a company in Japan.
The main considerations and procedures for company formation are outlined below.
- Corporate Structures in Japan Suitable for Foreign Entrepreneurs:
When a foreign national establishes a company in Japan, the most common options are a Kabushiki Kaisha (KK: Joint-Stock Company) or a Godo Kaisha (GK: Limited Liability Company).- Kabushiki Kaisha (KK):
This is the traditional corporate form in Japan, allowing capital to be raised through shares. It is considered highly credible and provides flexibility for future capital increases or stock listings. On the other hand, the incorporation process is somewhat complex, as it requires Articles of Incorporation to be notarized by a notary public. - Godo Kaisha (GK):
This is similar to the LLC model. The incorporation process is simpler, as notarization of the Articles of Incorporation is not required. It offers flexibility in internal governance, allowing members to freely determine their own rules. It is well-suited for small-scale or closely held businesses. - Other Forms (General Partnership and Limited Partnership):
Although these entities exist under Japanese law, they impose unlimited liability and are therefore not suitable for foreign entrepreneurs.
- Kabushiki Kaisha (KK):
- Requirements for Incorporation and Procedures from Abroad:
- Preparation and Notarization of Articles of Incorporation:
For a KK, the Articles of Incorporation must be drafted and then notarized at a notary public office. For a GK, Articles of Incorporation are required but notarization is unnecessary. The Articles must state details such as company name, purpose, registered office address, capital amount, and information about the founders (investors). - Capital Contribution Certificate:
The required capital (commonly at least 5 million yen as a general benchmark) must be deposited into a bank account, and proof of deposit (such as a bankbook) must be obtained. This proof must be submitted at the time of registration. - Application for Incorporation Registration:
The company must be registered with the Legal Affairs Bureau. Required documents include a notarized copy of the Articles of Incorporation, proof of capital deposit, application form for registration, consent letters of directors, and other relevant forms. A company seal (representative seal) must be created, and a seal registration form must also be submitted.
- Preparation and Notarization of Articles of Incorporation:
- Securing an Office (Registered Address):
A registered office address is required for incorporation. The use of virtual offices (address rental services) generally makes it difficult to obtain a “Business Manager Visa.” Typically, proof of address such as a lease agreement or real estate registration certificate is necessary.
When overseas residents establish a company in Japan, it is practical to either appoint a trusted Japanese acquaintance as a reliable agent in Japan or engage an administrative scrivener to handle the procedures.
Foreign nationals establishing a company in Japan and obtaining a management visa must consider numerous factors. Making appropriate decisions at each stage enables a smooth process from company formation and visa acquisition to subsequent operations.
Furthermore, expert support allows you to confidently navigate complex procedures. If you wish to schedule a free consultation, please feel free to contact us.
Please feel free to contact us for a free consultation.
Contact UsPlease also refer to the following information pages.
3. Obtain Visa (Residence Qualification)
3 to 6 months
Generally, foreigners conducting business in Japan must obtain a "Business Manager Visa".
However, the requirements are strict, and applicants must primarily meet the following conditions. Securing capital and establishing a business location, in particular, can often be difficult during the initial startup phase. Therefore, rather than aiming for a "Business Manager Visa" from the outset, considering a "Startup Visa" is often a more realistic option.
- Business Office
- Office / Storefront:
- The applicant must secure an independent business office or commercial facility within Japan.
*Private residences are, in principle, not permitted as business offices.
- Capital and Employees
- Capital / Total Investment: A paid-in capital or total investment amount of at least 30 million yen (JPY 30,000,000) is required.
- Employment of Full-Time Personnel: At least one full-time Japanese employee (or a permanent resident, long-term resident, or similar status holder) must be newly hired.
- Business Plan
- An approved business plan certified by a qualified professional (e.g., Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant, Certified Public Accountant, or Tax Accountant) must be submitted.
- It must be objectively recognized that the business will be conducted in a stable and continuous manner.
- Experience and Competence in Management or Administration
- The applicant must have at least three years of experience in the management or administration of a business, or possess a master’s degree (or higher) in a relevant field.
- The applicant must receive compensation equivalent to or higher than that received by Japanese nationals engaged in similar positions.
- Either the applicant or one full-time employee must possess sufficient Japanese language ability, equivalent to JLPT N2 (B2 level) or above.
If you find it difficult to meet these requirements, you may aim to obtain a “Startup Visa.” In that case, some requirements are relaxed. Specifically, requirements concerning establishing a business office and capital are largely waived, making it a more realistic option for foreigners seeking to launch a business from scratch in Japan.
However, the requirements for the “Startup Visa” are currently set independently by specific Japanese local governments (prefectures, cities, etc.). Therefore, you must first select the region where you wish to start your business and then confirm that local government's Startup Visa program.
Furthermore, since the number of local governments offering a Startup Visa program is still limited, it is more reliable to compare and evaluate the details of each program before selecting the most suitable region.
For foreign entrepreneurs aiming to reside in Japan, the “Business Manager Visa” is essential. However, recent revisions to the system have made its requirements increasingly stringent.
Meanwhile, the expansion and nationwide rollout of the “Startup Visa” program, launched in 2025, can be seen as progressing in tandem with the tightening of capital requirements for the Business Manager Visa. This development anticipates future differentiation in residency statuses. Going forward, the “Startup Visa” will become a crucial system for foreigners wishing to launch businesses in Japan, and further expansion will be demanded by local governments nationwide.
Accurately understanding the latest system is the first step toward obtaining a visa. If you are considering obtaining a Japanese business visa, please feel free to consult with us first.
Please feel free to contact us for a free consultation.
Contact UsPlease also refer to the following information pages.
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