Complete Guide to Starting a Company in Japan for Foreigners (2026 Edition)

Support from Shionaga Administrative Scrivener Corporation – Kumamoto & Nationwide

For foreign entrepreneurs, establishing a company in Japan is completely possible under the Companies Act, and there are no nationality restrictions on promoters, directors, or shareholders.
However, actually managing and operating the company in Japan requires a suitable residence status, mainly the “Business Manager” (経営・管理) visa, after the 2025‑10 reforms.

1．Can a foreigner set up a company in Japan?

Yes.
Foreigners can establish a Kabushiki Kaisha (KK / stock corporation) or Godo Kaisha (GK / LLC) in the same way as Japanese nationals, regardless of residency status.

Important note:
Even with a registered company, you cannot legally conduct business in Japan without an appropriate residence status such as:

Business Manager
Spouse/Child of Japanese National
Permanent Resident
Spouse/Child of Permanent Resident

The 2025‑10 amendment to the immigration criteria has significantly tightened the Business Manager visa requirements, so early planning is essential.

2．Key points of the 2025‑10 reforms

After October 16, 2025, the Business Manager visa focuses on real, operational businesses rather than “paper‑only” companies.

Main points:

Capital / Investment: Total capital or contribution 30 million JPY or more (no 5‑million‑JPY option).
Physical office: A real private office (virtual offices typically not accepted).
Full‑time staff: At least one full‑time employee (not the applicant), enrolled in social insurance.
Japanese ability: The applicant OR a full‑time employee must have JLPT N2 level Japanese.
Business plan confirmation: A professional opinion from a Certified Public Accountant, Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant, or Tax Accountant is now generally required.
Work history / education: Master’s degree, or 3+ years of management/operational experience.

3．Standard setup steps (foreign‑resident case)

Most foreign nationals who do not live in Japan follow this flow:

Determine business activity and permits
- Real estate company → Real estate broker license (宅建業免許)
- Construction contractor → Construction Industry License
- Travel agency → Travel Agency Registration
  These are separate from company registration and must be planned in parallel.
Prepare documents in advance
- Articles of Incorporation draft
- Business plan (with 3‑year forecasts)
- Capital proof (30M JPY inflow plan)
- Office plan (location, photos, contract draft)
Apply for Business Manager Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
At the Japanese embassy/consulate in your country of residence.
Arrive in Japan (4‑month preparation visa, if applicable)
- 4‑month Business Manager residence status can be used for address registration, bank account opening, office rental, and company registration.
Establish company and obtain permits
- Apply for company registration at the Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局).
- Simultaneously prepare industry‑specific permits (real estate, construction, travel, food service, etc.).
Transition to main Business Manager visa
- Once registration and initial operations are in place, apply for residence status change (or extension) in Japan.

4．Main documents (overview)

Company registration

Articles of Incorporation (notarized)
Promoter / director seal certificates + acceptances
Deposit proof (30M JPY or more)
Registration application form
ID / passport copies (foreign founders often use signature certificates or embassy‑issued seals)

Business Manager visa

COE / change‑of‑status application form
Passport copy (all pages), recent photo
Company registration certificate
Office lease agreement
Capital proof (bank statements, remittance records)
Full‑time employee contract + social insurance proof
Japanese language proof (JLPT N2, graduation certificate, etc.)
Business plan with professional opinion (CPA / SME consultant / Tax Accountant)

Note: Foreign‑issued documents (degree, employment history, etc.) often require apostille or consular authentication.

5．Industry‑specific permits you must plan early

Even if the company is registered, you cannot legally operate without the relevant license or registration.

Real estate company
- Real estate broker license at the prefectural governor level.
- Requires in‑office real estate agent, office space, guarantee association / surety fund, etc.
Construction company
- Construction Industry License (general or specific category).
- Needs quorum technical staff, financial basis, and office.
Travel agency
- Travel Agency Registration (Class I, II, or Registered Travel Agent).
- Surety or security deposit requirements vary by category.
Others
- Food service → food service business license
- Second‑hand goods → used goods business license
- Accommodation → inn / simple inn license

6．Typical cost range (2026)

These are rough estimates and vary by capital size, number of foreign documents, and license type.

Item	Approximate cost (JPY)
Company registration tax (KK, 30M capital)	~150,000
Notary public (articles of incorporation)	40,000–60,000
Judicial scrivener (registration support)	50,000–150,000
Administrative scrivener (Business Manager visa support)	300,000–600,000
Use of specialists (CPA / SME consultant opinion)	50,000–200,000
Document translation & authentication	30,000–100,000+

Total startup costs (company + visa) often land around 600,000–1,000,000 JPY, depending on complexity.

7．Why use Shionaga Administrative Scrivener Corporation?

We are a Kumamoto‑based administrative scrivener corporation with extensive experience in:

Business Manager visa applications (COE, change‑of‑status)
Company establishment (KK, GK) for foreign founders
Industry‑specific permits:
- Real estate broker license
- Construction Industry License
- Travel Agency Registration
- Food service, used goods, etc.
Support before arrival (document check, bank account planning, office search)
Post‑establishment support: tax office, social insurance, accounting referrals

Our services include English and Chinese consultation (upon request), and we offer free initial consultation (about 30 minutes).

8．Contact us

Shionaga Administrative Scrivener Corporation
Address: 1‑9‑6 Mizuhoji, Chuo‑ku, Kumamoto City 862‑0950, Japan
Phone: +81‑96‑385‑9002 (Mon–Fri, 9:00–19:00 JST)
Email: info@shionagaoffice.jp
Website: https://shionagaoffice.jp
Service area: Nationwide (including remote / online consultation)

If you are considering starting a business in Japan as a real estate company, construction company, travel agency, or any other sector, please contact us early to align company registration, permits, and Business Manager visa in one plan.