【Company Establishment for Foreigners】A Complete Guide to Starting a Business in Japan
Full Support from Shionaga Administrative Scrivener Corporation Until You Obtain the “Business Manager” Visa
In recent years, the number of foreign entrepreneurs starting businesses in Japan has been increasing.
However, for a foreign national to establish a company and actually operate a business in Japan, several legal and practical requirements must be met. The main related systems include:
- Companies Act (Company Incorporation)
- Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (Residence Status)
- Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (FEFTA)
- Tax and Social Insurance Laws
Especially when staying in Japan to engage in business management, obtaining the “Business Manager” residence status is essential.
Shionaga Administrative Scrivener Corporation, located in Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, provides:
- Company establishment for foreigners
- Visa applications
- FEFTA notifications
- Various administrative procedures after incorporation
We work with other professionals to offer nationwide one-stop support.
This article explains, based on practical procedures, the full process for foreigners to establish a company in Japan and obtain the “Business Manager” visa.
Can a foreigner establish a company in Japan?
The answer is yes — foreigners can fully establish a company in Japan.
Japan’s Companies Act does not impose nationality restrictions on company founders or directors. Therefore, the following individuals can serve as incorporators or officers:
- Foreign residents in Japan (with mid- to long-term residence status)
- Foreign nationals living overseas
- Foreign corporations
It is also common for foreign companies to establish subsidiaries in Japan.
However, “being able to establish a company” and “being able to engage in business management in Japan” are different matters. To manage a business in Japan, foreigners generally need the “Business Manager” visa.
Main Requirements for the “Business Manager” Visa
Foreign nationals who manage or operate a business in Japan must undergo screening by the Immigration Services Agency. The main requirements are:
1. Business Scale
You must meet one of the following:
- Capital of at least 5 million yen
- Employment of at least two full-time employees
This ensures the business has a certain level of scale.
2. Securing a Business Office
You must secure an independent office space in Japan.
The following cases often lead to denial:
- Virtual office only
- Mail receiving service only
- No actual office
- Home office without clear separation
3. Business Continuity and Stability
The following documents are important in the screening:
- Business plan
- Market analysis
- Revenue and expenditure projections
- Planned business partners
The business must be reasonably sustainable.
4. Activities as a Manager
The “Business Manager” visa requires actual managerial activities. Therefore:
- Simple labor
- On-site work only
are not permitted.
Process for Company Establishment and Visa Acquisition
The general procedure is as follows:
- Prepare a business plan
- Business details
- Market research
- Financial projections
- Secure an office
- Sign a business-use lease contract
- Submit contract, floor plan, and photos for visa screening
- Prepare Articles of Incorporation
- For a joint-stock company, notarization is required
- Deposit capital
- Transfer to the founder’s bank account
- Overseas remittances require proof of funds
- Company registration
- Apply at the Legal Affairs Bureau
- Takes about 1 week to 10 days
- Post-incorporation notifications
- Tax office
- Pension office
- Labor Standards Inspection Office
- Hello Work
- Apply for the Business Manager visa
- Submit company documents and business plan
- Screening takes about 1–3 months
Required Documents
Company Establishment
Main documents:
- Articles of Incorporation
- Founder’s identification documents
- Capital deposit certificate
- Registration application
- Acceptance letters from directors
- Signature certificate (may be required from home-country embassy)
Visa Application
Main documents:
- Certificate of Eligibility application
- Business plan
- Certificate of company registration
- Articles of Incorporation
- Office lease contract
- Capital verification documents
- Business-related materials
Common Issues
Unable to open a corporate bank account
Bank screening has become stricter, and accounts may be denied even after incorporation.
Office does not meet requirements
Shared offices or home offices may cause problems during screening.
Unclear source of capital
Immigration places strong emphasis on verifying the source of funds.
Benefits of Using Shionaga Administrative Scrivener Corporation
Starting a business in Japan as a foreigner involves:
Companies Act × Immigration Law × FEFTA
This makes the procedures complex.
By consulting professionals, the process becomes much smoother.
We offer:
- One-stop support (company establishment, visa application, permits, FEFTA filings)
- Business plan preparation tailored to immigration screening
- Nationwide online support
Contact Information
Shionaga Administrative Scrivener Corporation Address: 1-9-6 Suizenji, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City Phone: 096-385-9002 Email: info@shionagaoffice.jp Official Website: https://shionagaoffice.jp Nationwide support & online consultations available