Step-by-Step Process to Register a Company in Japan

Starting a company in Japan involves a specific legal process, especially for foreign entrepreneurs. It’s not just about paperwork — it also requires working with a licensed legal professional, such as a judicial scrivener or attorney, who is authorized to handle the company registration process with the Legal Affairs Bureau.

Here is a breakdown of the full process:

Step 1: Choose Your Company Type (KK or GK)

The first step is deciding whether you want to register a Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) or a Godo Kaisha (GK).

  • KK is the most formal and widely recognized structure in Japan.
  • GK is more flexible and quicker to establish.

Your choice depends on your business goals, image, and budget (see the Types of Companies in Japan section for comparison).

 Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

You’ll need to gather and prepare several key documents. This step is where professional help becomes essential.

Typical documents include:

  • Articles of Incorporation (prepared in Japanese)
  • Affidavit of foreign shareholders (if applicable)
  • Details of directors, shareholders, and capital
  • Registered company seal (inkan)

 A judicial scrivener or attorney is required to prepare and file these documents legally in Japan.

 Step 3: Secure a Japanese Office Address

A physical business address in Japan is mandatory to register a company.

  • It must be a legal, commercial-use address (shared/virtual offices may not qualify, especially for visa or license applications).
  • A proper lease agreement is required.

If you’re not in Japan, a local partner or consulting firm (like ours) can help arrange this.

Step 4: Notarize the Articles of Incorporation (KK only)

If you’re registering a KK, the Articles of Incorporation must be notarized by a public notary in Japan.

For a GK, this step is not required, which makes the process quicker.

Step 5: Deposit Capital

The initial capital (e.g., ¥5 million or more if applying for a Business Manager Visa) must be deposited into a Japanese bank account under the name of the representative director.

If you don’t have a bank account in Japan yet, capital can be temporarily deposited into a director’s personal account (with supporting proof).

Step 6: Submit Registration to the Legal Affairs Bureau

The final step is to officially register the company with the Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局).
All certified documents, seals, and forms are submitted by your legal representative.

Only a judicial scrivener or licensed attorney can file the registration on your behalf.

EBDA Consulting, led by a licensed Japanese attorney, can legally complete the entire company registration process on your behalf.

What Comes Next?

  • Once the company is registered, you will receive a:
    • Company registration certificate (登記簿謄本)
    • Company seal certificate (印鑑証明書)
  • These documents are needed for:
    • Opening a corporate bank account
    • Applying for a Secondhand Dealer License
    • Sponsoring a Business Manager Visa