GUIDE · CONSTRUCTION
Construction business license in Japan
建設業許可Kensetsugyo kyoka — for renovation and building work
Small jobs can be done without a license, but once a single contract reaches ¥5 million (¥15 million for whole buildings), you need a construction business license.
PR · This page contains affiliate links. How we earn
Most work
¥5M
License needed at this contract size
Whole buildings
¥15M
Or wooden homes over 150 m²
Tax
Included
Amounts include consumption tax
Issued by
Governor
Or minister, if offices in 2+ prefectures
When you need a license
| Work | No license needed if a single contract is… |
|---|---|
| Whole-building work建築一式工事 | Under ¥15 million, or a wooden house under 150 m² of floor area |
| All other workその他の工事 | Under ¥5 million |
Amounts include consumption tax. Above these, you need a license for that type of work — there are 29 types, such as interior finishing or electrical work.
Which license
- Governor’s license if all your offices are in one prefecture; minister’s license if you have offices in two or more
- General license for most contractors; special license if, as the main contractor, you subcontract large amounts on one job
- Requirements include experienced management, qualified engineers at each office, financial standing and honest conduct
FAQ
When do I need a construction license in Japan?
When a single contract is ¥5 million or more including tax, or ¥15 million or more for whole-building work (unless it is a wooden house under 150 m²).
Who issues construction licenses in Japan?
The prefectural governor if all your offices are in one prefecture, or the minister of land, infrastructure, transport and tourism if you have offices in two or more.
Can I do small renovations without a license?
Yes. Jobs below the thresholds are “minor construction work” and do not need a license, though other rules (such as for electrical work) may still apply.
Sources
This page is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. The official Japanese guidelines always take priority.
NEED HELP IN ENGLISH?
Talk to an English-speaking expert
Gyoseishoshi who handle construction licenses for foreign-owned companies — in English.
See experts →PR · Paid listings
USEFUL TOOLS
- Kintai Cloud — attendance tracking for small businesses ↗Japanese-language service
PR · Affiliate links