If these requirements are not met, approval of the status of residence is extremely difficult. It is essential to accurately understand the requirements before starting the procedures.Shionaga Administrative Scrivener Corporation (based in Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City) is a comprehensive administrative scrivener firm specializing in immigration visas, company establishment, and permits. We provide one-stop nationwide support for foreign entrepreneurs and those residing overseas.This article is a complete guide based on the 2025 amended ordinance of the Immigration Services Agency and the latest operations under the Companies Act (including specific procedures for real estate, construction, and travel agencies).1. Conditions for Foreigners to Establish a Company in Japan (2026 Amendment Compliant)No restrictions under the Companies Act
Foreigners can establish a Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) or Godo Kaisha (GK) almost on the same terms as Japanese nationals. There are no nationality restrictions on founders or directors.However, the real hurdles are the status of residence (visa) and the actual substance of the business. Even if registration is completed, business management activities in Japan cannot be carried out without an appropriate visa.If you hold a status of residence with no work restrictions
The following holders can establish and manage a company without applying for a change of status:

• Permanent Resident
• Spouse or Child of a Japanese National
• Spouse or Child of a Permanent Resident
• Long-Term Resident

These individuals can follow the same procedures as Japanese nationals.For other foreigners
Those holding statuses with work restrictions (e.g., Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Student visa) or residing overseas must obtain or change to the “Business Manager” status of residence.Main Requirements in 2026 (Post-Amendment)

• Business office with substance: Independent fixed office (virtual offices are generally not accepted)
• Capital/Investment: ¥30 million or more (confirmed by payment certificate)
• Full-time employees: At least 1 person other than the applicant (full-time, social insurance required)
• Japanese language ability: N2 level or equivalent by the applicant or a full-time employee
• Business plan: Confirmation letter from a certified public accountant, SME management consultant, etc., generally required as an attachment
• Educational/Professional background: Master’s degree or 3+ years of business management experience

Key Point: The previous “¥5 million capital OR 2 full-time employees” option has been abolished. All applications from 2026 onward are reviewed under these tightened requirements.2. Typical Cases and Visa RequirementsCase ①: Foreigners already in Japan (holding work or student visa)
Company registration itself is possible, but management activities are restricted under the current status. A change to “Business Manager” must be applied for promptly after establishment.
Note: You cannot engage in management work until the change is approved.Case ②: Foreigners residing overseas
The standard process is:

1. Obtain “Business Manager” 4-month (preparation) visa at an overseas Japanese embassy/consulate
2. Enter Japan, complete resident registration and obtain My Number
3. Open a Japanese bank account and sign office lease
4. Establish the company
5. Apply for change to full “Business Manager” visa

The 4-month visa cannot be extended. All preparations for company establishment and the full visa application must be completed within this period.Case ③: Establishment of a Japanese subsidiary by a foreign corporation
Prior notification or post-report under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (FEFTA) may be required depending on the industry, nationality, and investment ratio.Case ④: Utilizing the Startup Visa (available in certain municipalities)
Some municipalities such as Tokyo and Fukuoka offer a Startup Visa that grants 6 months to 1 year (extendable) for business preparation.
Kumamoto City launched the “Foreign Business Startup Activity Promotion Program (Startup Visa)” in April 2025. Eligible applicants can receive a confirmation certificate for up to 2 years of preparation activities. Those planning to start a business in Kumamoto are encouraged to consult the “XOSS POINT.” consultation desk.3. Overall Flow for Company Establishment (2026 Operations) + Industry-Specific ProceduresFor foreigners residing overseas (using 4-month visa)
STEP 1 → 4-month Business Manager (preparation) visa application
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STEP 2 → Enter Japan, resident registration, My Number
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STEP 3 → Open Japanese bank account
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STEP 4 → Lease independent office suitable for registration
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STEP 5 → Decide company details (name, purpose, capital, directors, head office)
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STEP 6 → Draft articles of incorporation and notarization (at notary public office)
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STEP 7 → Pay in capital and prepare proof
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STEP 8 → Apply for incorporation registration at Legal Affairs Bureau (completed in 1–2 weeks)
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STEP 9 → Open corporate bank account and submit notifications to tax offices, etc.
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STEP 10 → Apply for change to full Business Manager visa → Start operations after approvalEstimated timeline: 2–4 weeks for company establishment + 3–6 months for visa review (tending to be longer after the amendment).Important: Since the 4-month visa cannot be renewed, advance preparation with specialists is strongly recommended.For foreigners already in Japan
Proceed from STEP 3 within the scope of your current visa, then apply for change (STEP 10) after establishment.Industry-Specific Additional Procedures (Real Estate, Construction, Travel Agencies, etc.)
After company registration, certain businesses require additional permits, and the substance of the business will be examined more strictly in the visa review.

• Real Estate Company (Real Estate Brokerage)
  Requires Real Estate Transaction Business License (Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism or prefectural governor license).
  Conditions: At least one full-time qualified real estate transaction manager, independent office, membership in guarantee association, etc.
  Procedure: Submit application → Review (approx. 1–2 months). Detailed plans must be included in the business plan for the visa application.
• Construction Company (Construction Business Permit)
  Requires Construction Business Permit (Minister or prefectural governor).
  Conditions: Management responsible person, full-time technical supervisor (qualification or experience), financial basis, etc.
  Procedure: Application → Review (approx. 1–3 months). Employment plans for technical staff and expected orders must be clearly proven.
• Travel Agency (Travel Agency Registration)
  Requires Travel Agency Registration (Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency or prefectural governor).
  Conditions: Placement of travel service managers (general or domestic), security deposit or guarantee, office requirements, etc.
  Procedure: Registration application → Review (approx. 1–2 months). Customer acquisition and tour operation plans must be reflected in the business plan.

These permits can be applied for shortly after company establishment, but sufficient time must be allocated in the schedule. We provide one-stop support including permits in cooperation with specialized partners.(Sections 4–11 follow the same structure as the Japanese version, with natural English expressions for required documents, review points, precautions, costs, our services, FAQ, and conclusion. Contact information remains the same.)Contact
Administrative Scrivener Corporation Shionaga Office
Tel: 096-385-9002 (Mon–Fri 9:00–19:00)
Email: info@shionagaoffice.jp
LINE: Official LINE account
Website: https://shionagaoffice.jp
Address: 1-9-6 Suizenji, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City
Service area: Nationwide (online consultations available)