Main Process of Setting up Your Base in Japan
Here we will outline the basic flow of events for foreigners to setup a company or branch office in Japan.
Enter Japan on a Short-Term Stay Visa
Apply to the Legal Affairs Bureau for registration to establish a new company or branch office.
Open the company’s bank account(s)
Apply to the Immigration for a Certificate of Eligibility
Temporarily return to home country
Apply for and receive work visa from Japanese embassy or consulate in home country
Enter Japan on work visa
Start business
Send notifications to Tax Department, Social Insurance Office, etc.
Outline of Forms for Business Expanding to Japan
Overall there are two different forms of foreign companies that expand into Japan:
- New established company
- Branch office of the foreign company
If you establish a new company, there are two kinds of companies that can limit investor liability:
- KK (called kabushiki-gaisha in Japanese)
- LLC (Limited Liability Company, called goudou-gaisha in Japanese)
The following chart outlines the main characteristics of each form:
| KK | LLC | Branch | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equity | at least 1 yen | at least 1 yen | none |
| # of investors | at least 1 | at least 1 | |
| Investors’ liability | limited to the amount invested | limited to the amount invested | |
| Legal person status | yes | yes | none |
| Trusted by society | yes | less than KK | |
| Taxation | corporate profits taxed | corporate profits taxed | generally only profits generated in Japan are taxed |
| Cost to establish | standard | less than KK | less than LLC |
| Flexibility of rules | standard | more flexible than KK |
Services Z’xent Pro Provides
Z’xent Pro has complete staff of experts (Certified Judicial Scriveners & Administrative Lawyers, professional consultants and certified turnaround professionals) who are ready to serve. Thanks to our wide network and list of accomplishments, we offer complete services from before your company is established to after it’s up and running.
Office introduction
Visa acquisition
Business permit acquisition
Assistance opening bank accounts
Company/personal seal creation
Paper work in Japanese
Change of company’s registration
