Complete Guide to Starting a Company in Japan for Foreigners

Shionaga Administrative Scrivener Corporation provides full support up to obtaining the “Business Manager” residence status.

Foreign entrepreneurs are increasingly launching businesses in Japan, but establishing and sustaining a company requires navigating complex legal and practical requirements under the Companies Act, Immigration Control Act, Foreign Exchange Act, tax/social insurance rules, and banking procedures.
The biggest hurdle for foreigners is securing the Business Manager (Keiei/Kanri) residence status to stay and manage the business in Japan; post-2025 Immigration Act amendments effective October 2025, reviews are stricter to prevent visa-driven shell companies.
Located in Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Shionaga Administrative Scrivener Corporation offers nationwide one-stop services from articles of incorporation to registration, visa applications, and Foreign Exchange Act filings.

Can Foreigners Establish a Company in Japan?

Yes, fully possible under the Companies Act with no nationality restrictions. Foreigners can serve as promoters, directors, or shareholders regardless of residency status.
Applicable to Japan-resident foreigners (mid/long-term visa holders), non-residents (even without Japanese address for representative director), or foreign corporations (for Japanese subsidiaries).
However, staying to manage requires Business Manager status; without it, residence cannot continue post-setup.

Key Requirements for Business Manager Visa (2026 Update)

Post-2025 amendments, criteria target substantive businesses.

Category	Requirements	2026 Key Points
Business Scale	Capital ≥ ¥30M or ≥2 full-time employees (Japanese/permanent residents)	Raised from ¥5M; transitional rules apply
Office	Dedicated physical office in Japan (lease contract required)	No virtual/home/shared use
Business Viability	Realistic plan (5-year P&L forecast, market analysis)	Expert endorsement recommended
Management Substance	Proof of real decision-making/management involvement	No simple labor
Japanese Proficiency	JLPT N2 equivalent (applicant or key employee)	New requirement; certificate needed

If unmet, use Startup Visa (“Designated Activities”) for up to 2 years preparation (6-12 months initial, extendable).

Flow from Company Setup to Visa Application

Typical timeline: 2-4 months (visa review bottleneck).

Develop business plan and confirm requirements (industry/market analysis, 5-year forecasts).
Secure office (lease with rent details, floor plans, photos).
Draft/authenticate articles (e-savings ¥40K stamp duty; notary ¥30-50K).
Inject capital (personal account proof; remittance cert for overseas).
Register incorporation (Legal Affairs Bureau, 7-10 business days).
Notify agencies (tax office, social insurance, Hello Work within 2 weeks).
Apply for Business Manager visa (Immigration; 1-3 months with proofs/plan).
Post-launch: Corporate bank account, Foreign Exchange filings, licenses.

Required Documents

Incorporation Registration

Document	Details/Notes	Foreigner-Specific Notes
Articles (3 copies)	Business purpose/capital (Japanese)	E-version saves ¥40K stamp duty
Promoter Seal Cert	Within 3 months	Embassy apostille alternative
Capital Proof	Bank balance	Remittance path docs required
Beneficial Owner Decl.	Foreign Exchange compliance	Mandatory for foreigners
Acceptance Letters	All directors	—

Business Manager Visa

Document	Details/Notes	Remarks
Application/Passport	Prescribed form + photo (4.5×3.5cm)	—
Registration/Articles	Within 3 months	—
Business Plan	P&L/market incl. (expert-drafted for high approval)	—
Capital Proof	Balance ≥¥30M + source	—
Office Lease/Photos	Proves exclusive use	Post-move photos
Employee Contracts	≥2 Japanese/PR full-time	—
JLPT N2 Certificate	Applicant/employee	New must-have

Common Pitfalls and Precautions

Corporate Account Rejection: Banks deny despite registration due to lacking substance; pre-check target banks.
Office Inadequacy: Partitioned shares/home offices risk visa denial; need dedicated entrance/signage.
Unclear Capital Source: Opaque funds seen as sham; provide full remittance/trail docs.
Weak Plan: Unrealistic projections fail; include data/clients/competitors.
Non-Compliance with 2026 Rules: No N2/2 employees = instant denial; verify latest.

Benefits of Shionaga Office

One-Stop: Articles to registration, visa, account support, renewals.
Expert Plans: 90%+ approval with models/analysis.
Multilingual/Nationwide: English/Chinese (Trad/Simp), online from Kumamoto.
Local Network: Kumamoto accountants/labor pros/banks.
Free Re-Application: On denial (terms apply).

FAQ

Q: Possible with solo company?
A: Setup yes, but visa needs 2 full-time employees; solo deemed labor, denied.

Q: Can’t prepare ¥30M capital?
A: Startup Visa allows 2-year phased buildup; funding consults available.

Q: No Japanese OK?
A: N2 required, but employee proxy possible; interpreter/courses advised.

Contact Us

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
LINE: Official account welcome
Areas: Nationwide/online/multilingual
Website: https://shionagaoffice.jp
Free 30-min consult: Visa feasibility/cost estimate. Contact now!