【Company Formation for Foreigners】Complete Guide to Starting a Business in Japan
Administrative Scrivener Corporation Shionaga Office provides comprehensive support until obtaining the “Business Manager” visa status.

In recent years, foreign entrepreneurs expanding businesses in Japan have surged, but they must clear multiple legal hurdles including the Companies Act, Immigration Control Act, Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (FEFTA), and tax procedures.
In particular, to reside and manage a business in Japan, obtaining the “Business Manager” visa status is essential. As of 2026, strict requirements include paid-in capital of ¥30 million or more, employment of full-time staff, and Japanese language proficiency equivalent to JLPT N2.
From Kumamoto City Chuo Ward, Administrative Scrivener Corporation Shionaga Office offers nationwide one-stop services covering company incorporation registration, visa applications, FEFTA notifications, and reliable support for foreigners entering Japan.

Can Foreigners Establish a Company in Japan?

Conclusion: Completely possible under the Companies Act. There are no nationality restrictions whatsoever.
The following individuals can serve as promoters, directors, or shareholders:

• Foreign residents in Japan (holders of medium- to long-term visa status)

• Foreigners residing overseas (those without a Japanese address or domicile)

• Foreign corporations establishing Japanese subsidiaries
  However, to actually manage the business in Japan, a “Business Manager” visa is mandatory. Even if incorporation succeeds, lack of residence status forces return home.

Main Requirements for “Business Manager” Visa (2026 Latest)

Following the 2025 Immigration Control Act amendments, visa screening has been significantly tightened to prevent “idle visas.” The main requirements are as follows:

If these are not met, the “Designated Activities (Business Preparation)” visa allows up to 2 years of preparation time.

Overall Flow: Company Formation and Visa Application

Total duration: 2–4 months (visa screening is the biggest bottleneck). Standard steps:

1. Business Planning & Requirements Check
   Develop industry/market analysis and 5-year revenue/expense forecasts. Pre-check visa compliance.

2. Secure Office
   Sign business lease contract (rent details, floor plans, photos required).

3. Articles of Incorporation & Notarization
   Use electronic articles to waive ¥40,000 revenue stamp tax. Notarization at notary public (¥30,000–50,000 fee).

4. Capital Contribution
   Transfer to promoter’s personal account; obtain balance certificate. For overseas remittances, proof of remittance required.

5. Company Registration (Legal Affairs Bureau)
   Completed 7–10 days after application. This date becomes the establishment date.

6. Government Agency Notifications
   Tax office, social insurance office, Hello Work—within 2 weeks of establishment.

7. “Business Manager” Visa Application (Immigration Bureau)
   Attach company documents + business plan; screening 1–3 months.

8. Post-Launch Procedures
   Corporate bank account opening, FEFTA notification, permits/licenses.

Required Documents List (Incorporation Registration & Visa Separate)

For Company Incorporation Registration:

For “Business Manager” Visa Application:

Common Issues and Precautions

1. Corporate Bank Account Rejection
   Even post-incorporation, banks may deny due to “no business substance.” Pre-consultation essential.

2. Office Requirement Deficiencies
   “Residential combo” or “shared offices” have high rejection rates. Need independent room + business signage.

3. Unclear Capital Formation Process
   Insufficient “source of funds” proof leads to visa denial. Complete overseas remittance proof/fund source docs.

4. Weak Business Plan Persuasiveness
   Judged as “no profit guarantee” → rejection. Specify market data/client prospects.

5. Failure to Address 2026 Visa Tightening
   Missing N2 proof/2 full-time staff → immediate denial. Confirm latest guidelines.

Benefits of Entrusting to Shionaga Office

Foreign entrepreneurship spans “Companies Act × Immigration Act × FEFTA.” Expert delegation dramatically improves success rates.

• One-Stop Service: Articles → Registration → Visa → Bank account support → Visa renewal

• Expert Business Plan: 90%+ approval track record (includes models/market analysis)

• Multilingual/Nationwide: English/Chinese support. Kumamoto-based, fully online

• Local Network: Kumamoto offices, banks, tax accountants, labor consultants

• Zero-Risk Guarantee: Free reapplication if denied (some conditions apply)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I get a visa as a sole proprietor?
A: Possible, but must employ 2 full-time staff. Solo president treated as labor visa → denied.

Q: Can’t prepare ¥30M capital.
A: Use Designated Activities visa for 2-year prep; phased contributions OK. Funding support available.

Q: Can’t speak Japanese?
A: N2 equivalent mandatory, but interpreter-assisted interviews/prep courses available.

Inquiries & Contact

Entrust your foreign Japan startup to our proven experts.

Administrative Scrivener Corporation Shionaga Office
Address: 1-9-6 Suizenji, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City
Phone: 096-385-9002 (Weekdays 9:00–19:00)
Email: info@shionagaoffice.jp
LINE: Official Account
Services: Nationwide/online/multilingual
Official Site: https://shionagaoffice.jp

Book a free consultation now! Get a 30-minute diagnosis: “Visa viability” & “costs.”