Japan Company
Incorporation Services
Professional Legal Support for Foreign Businesses
Expert guidance through Japanese business registration with certified judicial scrivener and administrative scrivener services.
Get Started TodayStructures to do Business in Japan
You have several ways to do business in Japan depending on your goals. For most foreign companies, establishing a subsidiary is the recommended option.
Subsidiary
Establishing an independent Japanese corporation with limited liability.
- Kabushiki Kaisha (KK): Japanese Joint Stock Corporation. The most popular and trusted form.
- Godo Kaisha (GK): Limited Liability Company. Similar to a partnership, lower setup cost.
Note: Other types like Unlimited Partnerships exist but are rarely used.
Branch Office
Business operation as an extension of the foreign parent company.
- Allows business under the foreign company name.
- Requires a representative resident in Japan.
- Requirement: Engaging in continuous business without registration is illegal.
Representative Office
For preparatory activities only. No continuous business transactions allowed.
Allowed Activities:
- Advertising & Publicity
- Market / Basic Research
- Information gathering for parent company
- Purchasing/Safekeeping assets
Visa Note: Difficult to sponsor employee visas. We recommend hiring a Japanese citizen/resident.
Choosing Your Subsidiary Type: KK vs GK
If you choose to establish a subsidiary, you must decide between a Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) and a Godo Kaisha (GK).
| Aspect | Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) | Godo Kaisha (GK) |
|---|---|---|
| Social Credibility | High (Traditional standard) | Growing acceptance |
| Initial Costs | Higher (Notary fees and higher registration tax) | Lower |
| Structure | Ownership/Management separate | Ownership/Management unified |
| Fundraising | Stock options, IPO potential | Fewer choices |
| Expansion | Good for start-up companies | Good for personal or small operations, and asset holding (SPCs) |
| Compliance cost | Higher for officers' reappointment, and public notice | Lower |
Incorporation Process Overview
Our experienced team guides you through each stage to ensure compliance and efficiency.
Structure Selection
Finalize your choice between KK, GK, or Branch Office based on legal and tax advice.
Document Preparation
Prepare articles of incorporation (for subsidiaries), affidavits, and seal certificates.
Registration Filing
Submit registration application to the Legal Affairs Bureau with proper documentation.
Post-Incorporation
Complete tax office notifications, bank account opening, and other essential procedures.
Detailed Workflow (Subsidiary)
A step-by-step guide to our comprehensive incorporation service for KK or GK establishment.
Business structure analysis and requirement assessment to determine the best path forward.
Drafting Articles of incorporation, preparing seal certificates, and handling authentication procedures.
Handling necessary BOJ notifications and verifying the paid-in capital deposit.
Official submission to the Legal Affairs Bureau by our qualified Judicial Scrivener.
Handover of the official Company Registration Certificate (Tokibo).
Assistance with tax office notifications and introduction to banking partners.
Incorporation Costs & Fees
We provide efficient, one-stop incorporation support through our dual license expertise. Our pricing is transparent, consisting of a professional fee plus actual taxes and expenses.
| Entity Type | Professional Fee | Est. Taxes & Expenses | Est. Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| KK Incorporation (Kabushiki Kaisha) |
120,000 JPY | approx. 195,000 JPY | approx. 315,000 JPY 〜 335,000 JPY |
| GK Incorporation (Godo Kaisha) |
100,000 JPY | approx. 75,000 JPY | approx. 175,000 JPY |
| Branch Registration (Foreign Company) |
160,000 JPY | approx. 110,000 JPY | approx. 270,000 JPY |
Factors Affecting Cost
The above are estimated base costs for standard cases. Additional fees or expenses may apply in the following situations:
- Non-resident Directors/Founders: Requires costs for Affidavits in your country and their Japanese translations.
- Multiple Officers/Founders: Increases the volume of document certification and coordination work.
- Drafting in Foreign Languages: Creating documents in English or other languages (in addition to mandatory Japanese documents) incurs drafting fees.
- Complex Structure: Special designs such as Board of Directors, Board of Auditors, or Class Shares.
- Notary Fee Variance (KK): If capital is ¥1 million or more, notary fees increase by approx. ¥20,000.
- Capital Amount & Registration Tax: Registration tax is 0.7% of the capital amount (Minimum ¥150,000 for KK, ¥60,000 for GK). If the calculated tax exceeds the minimum, the total cost will increase.
- Regulated Industries (FEFTA): Pre-notification required for certain industries or investors under Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act.
- Company Seal & Stamps: Costs for creating the registered company seal and address rubber stamps (approx. ¥10,000 - ¥30,000).
Requirements for Foreign Companies
Foreign companies entering the Japanese market face unique requirements and considerations.
Bank of Japan Notifications
Pre/Post Notification: Required for certain sectors (foreign exchange laws) and after investment.
Failure to notify can result in penalties, making professional guidance essential.
Public Documents
Certification: Documents must be certified by foreign notaries/consulates in your home country.
Translation: All foreign documents require certified Japanese translation.
Bank Accounts
Strict Screening: Opening a corporate bank account is becoming increasingly difficult for foreign entities.
Recommendation: Utilizing a local representative or subsidiary structure often smoothens this process.
Why Choose Our Services
Our unique combination of legal expertise, bilingual support, and proven efficiency sets us apart.
Dual License Expertise
Our team holds both Judicial Scrivener and Administrative Scrivener licenses, enabling one-stop legal processing.
Bilingual Support
Direct communication in English ensures clear understanding.
Note: No extra charge for English meetings/emails. Fees apply only for translation/drafting of foreign language documents.
Proven Track Record
Solid experience assisting foreign companies with establishment procedures and legal compliance in Japan.
Processing Time: Typically 1 week to several months depending on how quickly you can decide things and arrange required documents.
Next Step: Contact us for a detailed quotation tailored to your specific situation - Contact for Quote
Ready to Start Your Business?
Contact our experienced team for a consultation.
Nippashi Office
Nittei Building #1102
1-22-12 Shinkawa, Chuo-ku
Tokyo 104-0033, Japan
Disclaimer
Our firm is a private Japanese legal office of certified Judicial Scriveners and Administrative Scriveners. We are not a government agency. We provide tailored legal consultation and representation services.