kumamoto [Foreign Entrepreneurship] A Complete Guide to Starting a Business in Japan

[Foreign Entrepreneurship] A Complete Guide to Starting a Business in Japan

Comprehensive Support for the “Business Manager” Visa by Shionaga Administrative Scrivener Corporation

While the number of foreign entrepreneurs expanding into Japan is rapidly increasing, success requires navigating a complex nexus of legal hurdles, including the Companies Act, Immigration Control Act, Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (FEFTA), and tax regulations.

Crucially, to reside in Japan for business management, obtaining the “Business Manager” (Keiei-Kanri) Status of Residence is essential. As of 2026, rigorous requirements are in place, including a minimum capital of 30 million JPY, mandatory employment of full-time staff, and Japanese language proficiency equivalent to JLPT N2.

Shionaga Administrative Scrivener Corporation, based in Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, provides one-stop, nationwide support—from corporate registration and visa applications to FEFTA notifications—to ensure the successful entry of foreign businesses into Japan.

Can a Foreign National Establish a Company in Japan?

Conclusion: Under the Companies Act, it is entirely possible. There are no restrictions based on nationality. The following entities may serve as promoters (founders), directors, or shareholders:

Foreign nationals residing in Japan (holders of mid-to-long-term visas).
Foreign nationals residing overseas (those without a Japanese address).
Foreign corporations establishing Japanese subsidiaries.

Note: While incorporation is open to all, the “Business Manager” visa is mandatory for actual management operations. Without a valid status of residence, an individual cannot stay in Japan to operate the business, even if the company is successfully established.

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

Following the implementation of the revised Immigration Control Act in 2025, screening has been significantly tightened to prevent “dormant” visas.

Item	Requirement Details	2026 Key Points
Business Scale	Capital of 30M JPY or more, OR employment of at least 2 full-time staff.	Significant increase from the previous 5M JPY threshold.
Office Space	An independent, physical office in Japan (lease contract required).	Virtual offices and residential-cum-office spaces are not accepted.
Continuity	A highly feasible Business Plan (5-year projections & market analysis).	Professional preparation is recommended to improve approval rates.
Management Role	Proof of actual decision-making and administrative duties.	Pure manual or unskilled labor will result in denial.
Language Skills	Proficiency equivalent to JLPT N2.	New requirement; supporting documentation is mandatory.

If these requirements cannot be met immediately, the “Designated Activities (Startup Preparation)” visa allows for a preparation period of up to 2 years.

Procedural Flow: Incorporation and Visa Application

Estimated Duration: 2–4 months (Visa screening is the primary bottleneck).

Strategic Planning: Develop a 5-year revenue forecast and market analysis. Check compliance with current visa requirements.
Securing an Office: Execute a commercial lease (detailed rent statements, floor plans, and photos are mandatory).
Articles of Incorporation: Draft governing rules. Electronic filing waives the 40,000 JPY revenue stamp duty. Notarization is required for Kabushiki Kaisha.
Capital Remittance: Deposit funds into the promoter’s personal account and obtain a balance certificate. Proof of remittance is mandatory for overseas funds.
Corporate Registration: Filed at the Legal Affairs Bureau. Usually completed in 7–10 days; this becomes your official date of establishment.
Statutory Notifications: Filed with Tax, Social Insurance, and Labor offices within 2 weeks of establishment.
Visa Application: Submit company documents and the business plan to the Immigration Bureau. Review takes 1–3 months.
Post-Launch: Open corporate bank accounts, file FEFTA notifications, and obtain necessary business licenses.

Required Documents List

For Corporate Registration

Articles of Incorporation: 3 copies; must be in Japanese.
Seal Certificates: For promoters/directors. Foreigners may substitute this with a Signature Certificate (issued by their Embassy).
Proof of Capital: Bank balance certificate and proof of remittance path.
Declaration of Beneficial Ownership: Required for FEFTA compliance for foreign nationals.
Letters of Acceptance: Signed by each appointed director.

For “Business Manager” Visa Application

Application Form & Passport Copy: Including a 4.5 x 3.5 cm photograph.
Certified Copy of Register & Notarized Articles: Issued within the last 3 months.
Comprehensive Business Plan: Aiming for high approval through professional market analysis.
Proof of Capital: Balance certificate (30M JPY+) and evidence of fund sources.
Office Lease & Photos: Proof of exclusive, dedicated business space.
Employment Contracts: For 2+ Japanese/Permanent Resident staff; include N2 certification.

Common Pitfalls and Precautions

Bank Account Rejections: Banks may deny accounts if “actual business substance” is not perceived. Pre-consultation is vital.
Office Non-Compliance: Shared or residential offices carry a high risk of visa denial. Independent entrances and business signage are required.
Capital Transparency: Failure to prove exactly how funds were acquired will lead to rejection. Comprehensive remittance trails are mandatory.
2026 Regulatory Compliance: Failure to meet the N2 language requirement or the 2-staff rule results in immediate denial.

Benefits of Partnering with Shionaga Administrative Scrivener Corporation

One-Stop Service: From incorporation and registration to visa approval and bank account support.
Specialized Business Plans: Proven track record with approval rates exceeding 90%.
Multilingual & Nationwide: Support available in English and Chinese. Online consultations are fully supported.
“Zero-Risk” Guarantee: Free re-application in the event of a denial (subject to terms).

Contact Information

Shionaga Administrative Scrivener Corporation

Address: 1-9-6 Suizenji, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City
Phone: 096-385-9002 (Weekdays 9:00–19:00)
Email: info@shionagaoffice.jp
Official Website: https://shionagaoffice.jp

Book your free consultation today! We can assess your visa eligibility and provide a cost estimate in just 30 minutes.