GUIDE · LIQUOR
Liquor sales license in Japan
酒類販売業免許For sake shops, online sales and export
Selling sake, wine or any alcohol in Japan — in a shop, online or for export — needs a liquor sales license from the tax office. Which one depends on how and to whom you sell.
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Issued by
Tax office
Where your sales place is
Per place
Yes
Each sales place needs a license
Online
Own type
Selling to 2+ prefectures by mail order
Export
Wholesale
Import/export wholesale license
Which license do you need?
| License | Japanese | For |
|---|---|---|
| General retail | 一般酒類小売業免許 | Selling most kinds of alcohol to consumers and restaurants at a shop |
| Mail-order retail | 通信販売酒類小売業免許 | Selling online or by catalog to consumers across two or more prefectures — limited mainly to local sake and imported alcohol that ordinary shops rarely carry |
| Import/export wholesale | 輸出入酒類卸売業免許 | Selling exported or imported alcohol to other businesses — the usual license for sake export |
Other wholesale licenses exist for selling to retailers in Japan. Restaurants serving drinks on site do not need a sales license.
How to apply
- Apply to the tax office that covers your sales place — documents can also be sent through e-Tax
- Each sales place needs its own license
- The tax office checks the applicant, the place, business plan and finances
- Read the National Tax Agency’s application guide for your license type before you prepare documents
FAQ
Do I need a license to sell sake online in Japan?
Yes. Selling to consumers in two or more prefectures by mail order needs a mail-order liquor retail license, which mainly covers local sake and imported alcohol.
Which license do I need to export sake from Japan?
Usually the import/export liquor wholesale license, which allows selling exported or imported alcohol to businesses.
Where do I apply for a liquor license in Japan?
At the tax office that covers your sales place. Each place needs its own license, and you can submit documents through e-Tax.
Sources
- Liquor sales licenses — definitions (基本通達 第9条) — National Tax Agency
- Application guides for liquor sales licenses — National Tax Agency
- Applying for a liquor sales license (E1-3) — National Tax Agency
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 liquor licenses and export setup for foreign-owned businesses — in English.
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USEFUL TOOLS
- Zeirishi.com — find a tax accountant (free enquiry) ↗Japanese-language service
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