[2026 Complete Guide] Setting Up a Company in Japan

Comprehensive Support for “Business Manager” Visa Acquisition by Shionaga Gyoseishoshi Law Office

Introduction

The number of foreign entrepreneurs expanding into the Japanese market has grown rapidly. However, establishing and maintaining a business in Japan requires navigating a complex web of legal and practical requirements across several domains:

Companies Act: Incorporation procedures, executive structure, and Articles of Incorporation.
Immigration Control Act: Eligibility criteria for residency status.
FEFTA (Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act): Reporting and notification of capital remittances from abroad.
Tax & Social Insurance: Mandatory filings with various authorities immediately after establishment.
Banking Practice: Capital contribution verification and rigorous corporate account opening screenings.

For foreign nationals, the biggest hurdle is obtaining the “Business Manager” (Keiei-Kanri) Visa. Following the 2025 amendment to the Immigration Control Act, screening standards in 2026 have become significantly more stringent.

Based in Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Shionaga Gyoseishoshi Law Office provides a nationwide one-stop service—from drafting Articles of Incorporation and registration to visa applications and FEFTA filings.

Can a Foreign National Establish a Company in Japan?

Conclusion: Yes, it is entirely possible under the Companies Act. There are no restrictions based on nationality. Any of the following can become a founder, executive, or shareholder:

Foreigners residing in Japan (holders of mid-to-long-term resident status).
Foreigners residing overseas (individuals without a Japanese address can still be appointed as Representative Directors).
Foreign corporations (establishing a Japanese subsidiary).

Note: While incorporation is open to all, the “Business Manager” Visa is essential to actually reside in Japan and manage the business. Without this status, you cannot remain in Japan to operate the company after incorporation.

Key Requirements for the “Business Manager” Visa (2026 Standards)

To prevent “nominal” incorporations solely for visa purposes, the following criteria are strictly enforced as of 2026:

Item	2026 Key Requirements	Important Points
Business Scale	Capital of 30M JPY or more, OR hiring 2+ full-time employees (Japanese/Permanent Residents).	Significantly increased from the previous 5M JPY threshold.
Office Space	Must have an independent, physical business office in Japan.	Virtual offices or shared residential spaces are generally prohibited.
Sustainability	A highly feasible 5-year business plan (including market analysis).	Professional preparation is strongly recommended.
Management Role	Proof of substantive involvement in decision-making and management.	Applications will be rejected if the work is deemed “unskilled labor.”
Language Skills	JLPT N2 level or higher (or equivalent).	New 2026 Requirement. Certification must be submitted.

If you cannot meet these requirements immediately, you may utilize the “Designated Activities (Entrepreneurial Preparation)” Visa, which allows for a preparation period of up to 2 years.

Overall Workflow: From Incorporation to Visa Application

Standard Duration: 2 to 4 months (Visa screening is the primary bottleneck).

Strategy & Requirement Check: Market analysis and 5-year financial forecasting to ensure visa eligibility.
Securing an Office: Executing a commercial lease agreement (photos and floor plans required).
Articles of Incorporation: Drafting and notarization. Using electronic articles saves 40,000 JPY in stamp duty.
Capital Remittance: Depositing funds into the founder’s personal account and obtaining a balance certificate. Proof of remittance path is required for overseas transfers.
Registration (Legal Affairs Bureau): Completed in 7–10 business days. The application date becomes the company’s anniversary.
Statutory Notifications: Filings with Tax, Social Insurance, and Hello Work offices within 2 weeks.
Visa Application (Immigration Bureau): Submission of the Certificate of Registered Matters and the Business Plan. Screening takes 1–3 months.
Post-Launch Procedures: Opening a corporate bank account and final FEFTA filings.

Common Pitfalls and Precautions

Corporate Account Rejection: Even after registration, banks may deny account opening if “business substance” is deemed insufficient. We recommend checking bank criteria early.
Office Independence: Offices separated only by partitions or shared with residences carry a high risk of visa rejection. A dedicated entrance and company signage are required.
Opaque Funding: If the source of capital is unclear, it may be flagged as “window-dressing capital,” leading to rejection. Comprehensive records of fund accumulation are vital.
Weak Business Plans: Unrealistic revenue projections often lead to denial. Specific market data and prospective client lists are essential.

Why Choose Shionaga Gyoseishoshi Law Office?

True One-Stop Service: We handle everything from incorporation to visa renewals and banking support.
Expert Business Planning: Our plans boast a 90%+ approval rate, utilizing professional financial models.
Multilingual & Nationwide: Consultation available in English and Chinese. We operate via Kumamoto but support clients across Japan via online consultations.
Local Network: Collaborative support with tax accountants, labor consultants, and financial institutions in Kumamoto.

FAQ

Q: Can I get a visa for a one-person company? A: While you can incorporate alone, the visa requires hiring 2 full-time staff or meeting the 30M JPY capital threshold to prove the business scale.

Q: What if I don’t speak Japanese? A: JLPT N2 is now a standard requirement. We can assist with interpreting during the process, but we recommend intensive language courses or specific preparation to meet the certification requirement.

Contact Us

Shionaga Gyoseishoshi Law Office

Address: 1-9-6 Suizenji, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Japan
Phone: +81-96-385-9002 (Weekdays 9:00–19:00)
Email: info@shionagaoffice.jp
Website: https://shionagaoffice.jp

Free Consultation Available! We offer a 30-minute diagnostic to assess your visa eligibility and estimated costs. Contact us via email or LINE to get started.