Japanese company registration process in detail: required information, steps and advantages of the guide
Published: 2026-01-26

For entrepreneurs who wish to expand into the Asian market and enhance the internationalization of their brands, registering a company in Japan is a highly strategic choice. It is not only the ticket to enter the world's third largest economy, but also brings substantial assistance to the global layout of enterprises. In this article, we will provide you with a systematic understanding of the core advantages of registering a Japanese company, the required information and the standard process.

I. The main advantages of registering a Japanese company
  1. Brand Image EnhancementJapanese manufacturing and service industries are known for their rigor and high quality. The status of "Japan Corporation" carries with it an aura of credibility, which significantly enhances the brand's trust and professional image in the international market, especially in the Asian market.
  2. Facilitating cross-border business: After owning a local company in Japan, you can open a Japanese bank account, which greatly facilitates the collection and settlement of payments on local e-commerce platforms such as Amazon Japan and Rakuten, as well as more flexible fund scheduling when engaging in international trade.
  3. Tax environment and policy stability: Japan has a well-established and transparent legal and tax system. Although the compliance requirements are strict, the policies are stable and predictable, providing security for long-term business. Reasonable tax planning is possible with the help of professional advisors.
  4. Passport to the Japanese market: Many business activities (e.g., leasing a long-term office, applying for a specific industry license, hiring local employees, conducting large-scale marketing) require a Japanese legal personality. Incorporation is the basis for obtaining all of this.

If you have domestic company registration (Shenzhen / Guangzhou / Shanghai / Beijing / Hangzhou, etc.), overseas company registration (Hong Kong / U.S. / Japan / Britain / Singapore / Thailand / Vietnam / BVI / Cayman Islands, etc.), Hong Kong identity applications and renewals, cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs and other needs, you can add customer service (WeChat: qcygscszk, cell phone: 18676749275), we will customize your exclusive optimization program to help you comply with the business, save money and increase efficiency!

Second, the core information required to register a Japanese company

For non-Japanese residents, the following documents are usually required to register a company:

1. Basic company information

  • company identification: Provide the name in Japanese, English or Chinese, but make sure it is unique (not duplicated with other registered companies). Usually Kabushiki Kaisha is used as a name suffix.
  • Scope of business: Clearly list the contents of the business that the company plans to engage in, and Japan has relatively loose restrictions on the scope of business.
  • registered address: A real address in Japan (not a P.O. Box) that can be used to receive official documents must be provided. This can be resolved by renting a physical office or using a compliant business secretary address.

2. Shareholder and director information

  • stockholder: It can be an individual or a legal person, and there is no restriction on nationality. A copy of passport, proof of identity, etc. is required.
  • board member: At least one director is required and there is no restriction on nationality.
  • Representative of Japan: If all directors are not resident in Japan, a "representative" must be appointed who is permanently residing in Japan, or a professional organization must be appointed as the legal representative to liaise with government agencies.
  • If the shareholder is a corporationIn addition, the company's certificate of incorporation, articles of association, certificate of ultimate beneficiary, and other documents are required, which usually need to be translated and certified by a notary.

3. Capitalization-related certificates

  • registered capital: There is no strict legal minimum, but no less than 1,000,000 yen (approximately 50,000 RMB) is recommended to facilitate subsequent bank account opening and business operations. The capital should be deposited into a temporary bank account or personal account of the representative in Japan before registration and a Certificate of Capital Payment should be obtained from the bank.

4. Other necessary documents

  • Articles of incorporation (definitive)The basic rules of the company must be written in Japanese in the prescribed format. In the case of a "corporation", these articles of incorporation must be certified by a Japanese notary public.
  • company seal: This includes the company seal (corporate seal) and bank seal, etc., which must be made in Japan and registered with the Legal Affairs Bureau.

If you have domestic company registration (Shenzhen / Guangzhou / Shanghai / Beijing / Hangzhou, etc.), overseas company registration (Hong Kong / U.S. / Japan / Britain / Singapore / Thailand / Vietnam / BVI / Cayman Islands, etc.), Hong Kong identity applications and renewals, cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs and other needs, you can add customer service (WeChat: qcygscszk, cell phone: 18676749275), we will customize your exclusive optimization program to help you comply with the business, save money and increase efficiency!

III. Standard process of registering a Japanese company (as an example for non-residents)

The whole process usually takes 1-2 months To complete, the main steps are as follows:

Step 1: Determine company structure and basic information

  • Determine the company name, registered capital, scope of business, ratio of shareholders to directors, and the type of company (usually "corporation" or "contract company") with a professional consultant.

Step 2: Preparation and notarization of the statutes

  • Drafting of Articles of Incorporation. In the case of a "Corporation", the articles of incorporation must be notarized by a Japanese notary public and the appropriate fee must be paid.

Step 3: Capital injection

  • Remit the registered capital to a temporary account opened in Japan and obtain a certificate of payment from the bank.

Step 4: Submit registration application to the Legal Affairs Bureau

  • Submit all prepared documents (including notarized Articles of Incorporation, proof of capitalization, proof of representative's identity, etc.) to the Legal Affairs Bureau of Japan, where the company is registered, for review.

Step 5: Completion of subsequent statutory procedures

  • Obtaining a license: Upon approval by the Legal Affairs Bureau (usually 1-2 weeks), a "Transcript of Company Register" is issued and the company is formally established.
  • Tax and social security registration: Upon incorporation, the company must complete the filing with the local tax office, local tax bureau and annuity office within a specified period of time.
  • Opening of bank accounts: With the full set of company registration documents, go to the bank to apply for opening a corporate account. For newly established companies with no actual business, this step may take longer and requires patience.


Registering a Japanese company is a rigorous and specialized operation, especially for overseas investors. Fully understanding the advantages, preparing the required documents and following the correct procedures are the keys to successful company formation. It is recommended to actively seek the assistance of a professional service organization with rich experience in the operation process in order to avoid risks and enhance efficiency.

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  • Japanese Company Registration