Opening a Business in Japan: Required Documents, Acquisition Methods, and Registration Process for Foreigners

Foreigners can also establish a company in Japan. However, the required documents may differ slightly.

The key points of this article are as follows:

In this article, we have summarized the methods and required documents for foreigners to establish a company. We also introduce the rules for submitting documents in foreign languages.

By knowing the procedures and necessary documents in advance, you can establish your company smoothly. Be sure to take a look.

1.The Method of Establishing a Company is the Same for Both Foreigners and Japanese

The method of establishing a company is the same regardless of the nationality of the representative. However, depending on the type of residence status, even if you establish a company, you may not be able to become a business owner within Japan. Let’s look at the conditions necessary to establish and manage a company.

1-1. Conditions for Foreigners to Establish a Company

Foreigners who have the following qualifications are not subject to any restrictions regarding company establishment or becoming a business owner:

• Spouse or other relative of a Japanese national
• Permanent resident
• Spouse or other relative of a permanent resident
• Long-term resident

There are no restrictions on the type of company, so like Japanese nationals, you can establish a corporation in any preferred form.

On the other hand, even if you do not fall into any of the above categories, you can still establish a company. However, if you are staying in Japan with a residence status other than a “Business Management Visa,” you cannot become a business owner within Japan. Additionally, if you are involved in the company in Japan as a branch manager or director, you will need to obtain a “Business Management Visa.”

1-2. How to Obtain a “Business Management Visa” for Managing a Company

If you do not have the necessary residence status for managing a company, you will need to obtain a “Business Management Visa.” To obtain a “Business Management Visa,” you must meet the following three conditions and apply for the visa at the Immigration Bureau:

• Secure a business office
• Have a capital of at least 5 million yen or employ two or more full-time employees
• Demonstrate that the business has stability and continuity

Usually, you establish the company before obtaining a “Business Management Visa.” In this case, the company must be real, not virtual. Additionally, if the business office is at the same address as your residence, it may not be recognized as a legitimate business office, so caution is needed.

After securing a business office, it is required to invest at least 5 million yen as capital. If the capital is less than 5 million yen, you can substitute this requirement by employing two or more full-time employees. However, the employees must have one of the following qualifications:

• Japanese national
• Spouse or other relative of a Japanese national
• Permanent resident
• Spouse or other relative of a permanent resident
• Long-term resident

When applying for a “Business Management Visa,” the stability and continuity of the business will also be verified. For example, if you rent the business office on a short-term contract, it may be judged as lacking continuity, and you might not be able to obtain the “Business Management Visa.” Similarly, if the business plan is deemed to have low feasibility, it could be considered lacking stability and continuity.

[Important] Possible Changes to the Requirements for the Business Manager Visa (as of August 2025)

There are reports suggesting that the requirements for obtaining a Business Manager Visa may become stricter around October 2025. Although this is not confirmed information at this stage, the following points have been highlighted as potential changes:

・Increase in capital requirements
(Current) ¥5 million or more → (Proposed revision) ¥30 million or more

・Mandatory employment of full-time staff
(Current) Choice between capital requirement or hiring → (Proposed revision) In addition to the capital requirement, employment of at least one full-time staff member will be mandatory

・Introduction of requirements for the manager’s background and academic qualifications
“At least 3 years of management/administration experience” or “A master’s degree or higher related to management/administration”

For those considering starting a business in Japan or applying for a Business Manager Visa, it is necessary to prepare on the assumption that such changes may take place.

For the latest information and procedures tailored to your specific situation, please feel free to contact our office.

1-3. How to Obtain a “Business Management Visa” When Working as a Manager

Even if a foreigner is hired as a manager in a non-investing role such as a director, department head, or branch manager, a “Business Management Visa” is required. In addition to meeting the following requirements for the “Business Management Visa” when engaging as a business manager:

• Secure a business office
• Have a capital of at least 5 million yen or employ two or more full-time employees
• Demonstrate that the business has stability and continuity

The following two additional requirements must be met:

• At least three years of practical experience in management
• Receive a salary comparable to that of others engaged in the same duties

1-3-1. At least three years of practical experience in management

You must have at least three years of experience in business management or administration. If you specialized in management or administration in graduate school, that period can also be included.

1-3-2. Receiving a salary comparable to that of others engaged in the same duties

You must receive a salary that is comparable to or higher than that of a Japanese person performing the same duties. When applying for a “Business Management Visa,” you will need to submit documents that show your salary, such as pay slips.

2.Required Documents for Foreigners to Establish a Company

Here are the required documents for establishing a company. These documents are the same for both Japanese and foreigners, but there are alternative documents that can be submitted as well.

2-1. Registration Application Form

The company registration application form can be in either Japanese or a foreign language. However, if it is prepared in a foreign language, a Japanese translation must be attached.

2-2. Articles of Incorporation

Summarize the company’s rules and regulations in the Articles of Incorporation. When establishing a joint-stock company, have the Articles of Incorporation certified by a notary public before submitting them.

2-3. Certificate of Capital Deposit

Deposit the capital and have a financial institution issue a “Certificate of Capital Deposit.” The financial institution where the capital is deposited must be one of the following:

• A Japanese bank
• A branch of a foreign bank located in Japan

If the company founder does not have an account with a Japanese bank, you may consider having a collaborator with an account at a Japanese bank become a director. Additionally, when depositing capital from overseas into the above-mentioned banks, documents proving the exchange rate will also be required.

2-4. Letter of Acceptance

A “Letter of Acceptance” is a document that indicates the appointment of a director of the company. However, if the founder is establishing the company, the submission of a Letter of Acceptance is not required.

2-5. Seal Certificate or Signature Certificate of the Founders and Directors

A seal certificate of the founders and directors is required. If a seal certificate is not available, a “Signature Certificate” can be submitted instead. The Signature Certificate can be obtained at an embassy.

2-6. Seal Registration Certificate of the Company Representative

Submit the “Seal Registration Certificate” of the company representative. The Seal Registration Certificate can be issued by registering the company representative’s seal with the Legal Affairs Bureau.

3.Procedure for Foreigners to Establish a Company

Here is the procedure for establishing a company. The process is the same for both Japanese and foreigners.

3-1. Decide on Basic Matters and Create the Company Seal

Determine the basic matters of the company (such as business content, capital, business office, etc.). Additionally, create the company seal that will be registered with the Legal Affairs Bureau.

3-2. Create the Articles of Incorporation

Summarize the basic matters in the Articles of Incorporation, and if it is a joint-stock company, submit it to a notary public office for certification. Since the format of the Articles of Incorporation is standardized, it can be smoothly created by consulting with a legal professional such as a judicial scrivener.

3-3. Deposit the Capital

Deposit the capital into a bank in Japan. Do not forget to create the “Certificate of Capital Deposit” during this process.

3-4. Company Registration

Gather all the necessary documents for establishing the company and register the company at the Legal Affairs Bureau. For a joint-stock company, if 0.7% of the capital amount is less than 150,000 yen, pay 150,000 yen; if 0.7% of the capital amount is 150,000 yen or more, pay 0.7% of the capital amount.

Reference: National Tax Agency “No.7191 Registration and License Tax Amount Table”

3-5. Obtain a Business Management Visa

After establishing the company, apply for the necessary “Business Management Visa” at the Immigration Bureau. Once the Business Management Visa is granted, the series of procedures is complete.