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Starting a business in Japan: the checklist

日本で事業を始める手順From residence status to your first subsidy

Setting up in Japan takes several offices and a few months. Here is the order most foreign founders follow, with a guide for each step.

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Updated October 26, 2026 · Checked against the official site by our editors

Typical time

~3 months

JETRO model case for a company

Visa capital

¥30M

Business Manager, since Oct 16, 2025

Offices

5+

Immigration, legal affairs, tax, pension, bank

Subsidies

After

You can apply once the business exists

The order of steps

  1. 01

    Check your residence status 在留資格

    Most founders need the Business Manager status. The rules became much stricter in October 2025. Business Manager visa

  2. 02

    Choose KK or GK and register 会社設立

    Decide the company type, prepare the articles and register at the Legal Affairs Bureau. Company setup

  3. 03

    Pay in the capital 資本金の払込み

    Capital is paid into a bank account before registration. Moving money from abroad needs planning. Sending money to Japan

  4. 04

    File tax notifications 税務の届出

    Tell the tax office, the prefecture and the city that the company exists, and choose the blue return. Taxes for new companies

  5. 05

    Enroll in social insurance 社会保険

    A company must enroll its officers and staff in health and pension insurance. Hiring and social insurance

  6. 06

    Open a business bank account 法人口座

    Banks screen new companies carefully. Business bank account

  7. 07

    Get a phone number and internet 電話・ネット

    Banks, registrations and customers expect a Japanese number. Phone and internet

  8. 08

    Set up your tools 道具

    Accounting, POS and payments, attendance and a website — many can be partly paid by subsidies.

  9. 09

    Apply for subsidies — and plan cash flow 補助金・資金

    Once the business is running, check which programs fit: Japan subsidies for foreigners. Subsidies pay later, so many founders also use a JFC startup loan.

What to watch on timing

  • A residence card is needed to get a personal seal certificate, which company registration usually requires — JETRO lists this as a common sticking point
  • Register your address at the city or ward office within 14 days of moving in
  • Report a foreign direct investment to the Bank of Japan, in general within 45 days of establishment; some industries need prior notice instead
  • Subsidies only pay for spending after the grant decision — do not buy first and apply later

Many steps are in Japanese only

JETRO recommends using licensed professionals — gyoseishoshi for immigration, shiho-shoshi for registration, sharoshi for social insurance and tax accountants for tax. See our experts page.

Free help in English

WhereWhat they do
JETRO Invest JapanFree consultations and information for foreign companies setting up in Japan
Tokyo One-Stop Business Establishment Center東京開業ワンストップセンターRegistration, tax, immigration and social insurance desks in one place (Tokyo)
Business Development Center TokyoFree English consultations for starting a business in Tokyo

FAQ

How long does it take to start a company in Japan as a foreigner?

JETRO’s model case says setting up a company typically takes about three months, from preparation to the start of operations. Residence status can take one to three months on its own.

Do I need a visa to start a business in Japan?

If you do not already have a status that allows you to run a business (such as permanent resident or spouse of a Japanese national), you usually need the Business Manager status. Since October 16, 2025 it requires at least ¥30 million in capital, one full-time staff member and other conditions.

Can I get subsidies when I start a business in Japan?

Yes, many programs are open to companies run by foreigners, but they pay after you spend and only for costs after the grant decision. Plan your cash flow and apply before you buy.

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, shiho-shoshi, sharoshi and tax accountants who help foreign founders set up in Japan — in English.

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