How to Start a Business in Japan: A Comprehensive Guide
【2025】How to Start a Business in Japan: A Comprehensive Guide
CONTENTS
1. Foreign Entrepreneurs in Japan
1.1 Business Manager Visa Explained
2. How to Start a Business in Japan
2.1 STEP 1: Create Your Business Plan
2.2 STEP 2: Establish Your Company
2.3 STEP 3: Acquire Necessary Licenses
2.4 STEP 4: Apply for Business Manager Visa
2.5 STEP 5: Financing Your Business
3. Summary
Foreign Entrepreneurs in Japan: Rapid Growth in 10 Years
1.1 What is a Business Manager Visa?
Visas Allowing Business Management
- Permanent Resident/Special Permanent Resident
- Long Term Resident
- Spouse/Child of Japanese or Permanent Resident
- Business Manager Visa
- Highly Skilled Professional (i)(c), (ii)
Visas Requiring Change to Business Management:
Student, Engineer/Specialist, Skilled Labor, Dependent
How to Start a Business in Japan
- Company Establishment → Licensing (if needed) → Visa Application → Financing → Visa Extension
- All entrepreneurs must prepare a business plan and secure funding.
STEP 1: Create Your Business Plan
Clearly outline your business concept, competitive advantage, revenue projections, and risk management.
STEP 2: Establish Your Company
Choose Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) or Godo Kaisha (GK). A Japanese resident card and bank account simplify this process significantly.
Challenges for Non-residents:
- No bank account → No company setup. You need a partner’s bank account if lacking your own.
- Difficulty securing office real estate without a Japanese address.
- Detailed Office Requirements
Residents: Seal certificates, individual/company seals.
Non-residents: Notarized foreign seals/signatures with translation, individual/company seals.
Flows of establish a company
① Decide the basic matters to set up a company
(Company name, company address, business purpose, founder (shareholder), capital etc)
↓
② Creating the articles of incorporation
↓
③ Certify the articles of incorporation at the notary office
↓
④ Transfer capital to your (director’s) personal bank account
↓
⑤ Registration to the Legal Affairs Bureau
↓
⑥ Notifications to the tax office
↓
⑦ Acquiring Business License (if necessary)
(Duty free shop, real estate business, travel industry etc.)
↓
(⑧ Apply for Business Management VISA)
↓
(⑨ Notifications to the pension office · Labor Office)
STEP 3: Acquire Necessary Licenses
Certain industries require specific licenses. Ensure compliance by consulting relevant authorities. Examples include real estate, food and beverage, and travel.
STEP 4: Apply for a Business Manager Visa
- Minimum capital: ¥5 million yen, source of funds thoroughly checked by Immigration Bureau.
- Office must be distinctly separate from residence with clear boundaries and signage.
- No explicit educational or work experience required if investment conditions met, but detailed business plans required.
- How to obtain a Japan Business Manager Visa?
STEP 5: Financing Your Business
- Government startup loans available but require business continuity and valid visa status.
- Detailed financial evaluation by Japanese banks mandatory.
Summary
Launching a business in Japan requires comprehensive planning, meeting visa, licensing, and financial criteria. Continental Immigration offers specialized support to ensure your startup’s success.
Your Expert Advisor
Masakazu Murai
Immigration Consultant & Financial Advisor
18 years in Investment Banking at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley. Supported over 500 entrepreneurs.
Licensed Immigration Lawyer, CMA, CFP, MBA Entrepreneurship (Hosei Business School)