Entering the Japanese market is not a single registration task. Foreign founders and overseas companies usually need to coordinate the legal entity, ownership and management structure, funding route, immigration status, office, licences, tax and banking preparations. The appropriate sequence depends on who will invest, who will manage the business and what the Japanese operation will actually do.
Choose the appropriate form of presence
Kabushiki Kaisha (K.K.)
A K.K. is a joint-stock company with shareholders and directors. It is widely recognised in Japan and may be suitable where external investment, a formal governance structure or future expansion is expected.
Godo Kaisha (G.K.)
A G.K. is a limited liability company with a more flexible internal structure. It often offers simpler establishment and administration, but its governance and profit-allocation rules should be designed carefully.
Japanese branch of a foreign company
An overseas company may instead register a Japanese branch. A branch is not a separate Japanese legal entity, and the foreign company generally remains responsible for the branch’s obligations. Tax, licensing and operational considerations should be reviewed before choosing this route.
Main incorporation steps
- Confirm the business activities, entity type, company name and registered office.
- Design the shareholder, director and management structure.
- Prepare the articles of incorporation and supporting documents.
- Arrange capital payment evidence and the remittance trail.
- Complete notarisation where required and file the commercial registration.
- After incorporation, complete tax, social-insurance, licence and other notifications as applicable.
Documents for overseas shareholders and directors
When a shareholder, member or director lives outside Japan, Japanese seal-registration certificates may not be available. Signature certificates, notarised documents, corporate certificates, powers of attorney and Japanese translations may be required. The issuing country and the person’s status determine the correct evidence, so documents should be confirmed before execution.
Company formation does not grant residence status
Incorporating a company and obtaining permission to live and manage a business in Japan are separate matters. The requirements for the Status of Residence “Business Manager” were substantially revised on October 16, 2025. New applications may involve, among other matters, a genuine Japanese office, business property of at least JPY 30 million, a qualifying full-time employee, Japanese-language capability, relevant experience or education, and professional confirmation of a new business plan. The precise requirements and transitional treatment must be checked for the individual case.
FEFTA, licences and banking
- FEFTA: foreign investment may require prior notification or post-transaction reporting depending on the investor, transaction and business sector.
- Business licences: regulated activities may require approval before operations begin.
- Bank account: opening a corporate bank account is subject to each bank’s independent review and cannot be guaranteed.
- Tax and social insurance: post-incorporation filings should be scheduled promptly with the appropriate professionals.
How Seiwa Legal Office supports market entry
- Incorporation of a K.K. or G.K. and commercial registration
- Registration of a Japanese branch or representative
- Corporate changes after incorporation
- Residence and licence procedures within the authorised scope
- Initial coordination of FEFTA-related filings
- Direct communication in English, Chinese and Japanese
See also our Company Formation in Japan guide, Business Manager Visa guide and FEFTA guide.
Last reviewed: July 2026. This article provides general information. Immigration, banking, tax, licensing and FEFTA treatment depend on the individual case. Official immigration information: Immigration Services Agency of Japan.