Starting a company in Japan: Legal Requirements and Business Setup Process 

• Starting a company in Japan provides business owners with access to one of the globe’s most vibrant and innovative economies. More than 5.4 million registered companies make for a booming economy for Japan, supported by excellent infrastructure and an open regulatory framework. According to the 2019 ranking by the World Bank Ease of Doing Business, Japan was ranked 29th globally that indicates reasonably efficient procedures for setting up a business or company. This reflects Japan’s endeavor to facilitate these processes to attract foreign investment. 

• Government efforts also contribute to developing entrepreneurship. For example, the Aichi-Startup Strategy intend to develop a dynamic startup community through the establishment of resources and support for new businesses. This kind of initiative reflects Japan’s dedication to growth and innovation. 

• Similarly, the process to register company in Japan involves additional legal formalities that one is required to observe as a company owner. Some of these involve having a local registered address, a company secretary, and obeying tax and social insurance legislations. Although there is no prescribed minimum paid-up capital for some types of companies, other must-have legalities like preparing Articles of Incorporation and registration before the Legal Affairs Bureau remain inviolable. 

• In this blog, we at Tetra Consultants present the step-by-step process for Starting a company in Japan and provide an overview of the legal requirements needed to successfully incorporate. In order to successfully discover and develop a business in this booming market, the business entrepreneurs need to comprehend these steps and take advantage of the positive business environment in Japan. 

Process for starting a company in Japan 

Step 1: Initial consultation 

• Tetra Consultants begins by having knowledge of your business objective, operations, and long-term vision. We provide you with clear guidance on the optimal business structure that is most suitable for your business and complies with the provisions of Japanese law. We also assist in preparing a sound business plan that articulates your objectives and working processes, setting the stage for effective incorporation. 

Step 2: Reservation of business name 

• Our specialists check that your preferred business name meets all the legal requirements and is available for registration. We handle the reservation process with the Japan Registry Office to prevent any inconvenience or delay. 

• Besides that, we also provide international trademark registration services to our customers to protect their brand name globally. 

Step 3: Meeting legal obligations 

• Tetra Consultants will ensure compliance with all incorporation requirements, such as the appointment of directors, procurement of a registered office address, and payment of paid-up capital. If required, we provide nominee director services in Japan and assist in procurement of office space to address local requirements. 

Step 4: Documentation preparation 

• We prepare all necessary incorporation documents, including Articles of Incorporation and Notification of Seal Registration. Our personnel ensure they are duly notarized and translated into Japanese, as required by law, to facilitate the process. 

Step 5: Company registration 

• Tetra Consultants will register your company with the Japanese Legal Affairs Bureau on your behalf. Upon approval, we will hand over all the approved documents, including the Certificate of Incorporation and Seal Certificate, to your desired destination. We also provide document translation services to your desired language. 

Step 6: Post-registration compliance 

• Our team assists in registering your company with the National Tax Authority and obtaining a tax identification number. We also assist in obtaining any other necessary business permits based on your line of business. For clients who wish to stay in charge locally, we help with making applications for startup or investor visas. 

Step 7: Corporate bank account opening 

• With our extensive network of banks, Tetra Consultants arranges the corporate bank account opening with top banks in Japan on your behalf. If appearances are required in person during account opening, we arrange virtual meetings or accompany bank visits with you. 

Step 8: Ongoing compliance support 

• Tetra Consultants keeps you constantly on top of maintaining your business compliant with Japanese law. This involves annual accounting, tax returns, and shareholder meeting assistance. Our team keeps you free from worrying about expanding your business while we keep regulatory compliance in check. 

Legal requirements for starting a company in Japan 

• I local resident director (recommended)  

• 1 shareholder of any nationality  

• Local registered address  

• Company Secretary  

• No minimum paid-up capital 

• The company name must include the Japanese word indicating the type of corporation (e.g., “Kabushiki Kaisha” for a joint-stock company). 

• Preparing and notarizing the Articles of Incorporation. 

• KKs and branches of foreign companies must disclose certain information publicly, including details about directors (representative directors must provide personal addresses), auditors, and other officers. 

• KKs and branches of foreign companies are required to specify the method of public notice (e.g., for announcing financial results) in the company registry. 

Conclusion 

• Starting a company in Japan with Tetra Consultants means experiencing a hassle-free and effective procedure, as we take care of the intricacies of incorporation to enable you to concentrate on business objectives. One of the fastest-growing economies and a hub for innovation worldwide, Japan is where opportunities beckon entrepreneurs like no other destination does. From Tetra Consultants’ end-to-end service bundle, you can get support all the way throughout from planning and strategy development right through incorporation, opening bank accounts, and managing compliance. 

• Our professional team assures the registration of your company in 3 weeks and ensures that the required documents such as Articles of Incorporation and tax registrations are prepared and submitted with care. Our services also involve the provision of a local registered address, nominee director service, and corporate bank account opening. Foreign clients can take advantage of translation services for all corporate documents for clarity and compliance. 

• With the assistance of Tetra Consultants, you can register company in Japan without physically going there, making it convenient and easy. Within seven weeks of commitment, your business will be fully running and ready to conduct business in the booming Japanese market. Rely on Tetra Consultants to be your trusted partner in navigating Japan’s regulatory complex and attaining long-term business success. 

• Contact us to know more about starting a company in Japan and our team will revert back in 24 hours.