How do I separate PET bottles correctly in Shibuya-ku?

Remove the cap and label, rinse the bottle, and crush it flat. In Shibuya-ku, PET bottles are collected on the designated recycling day. Place them in a transparent or semi-transparent bag separate from other recyclables.

Best mobile carrier for foreigners in Japan with English support?

Ahamo by NTT Docomo is popular among foreigners because the app is available in English, plans start at 2,970 yen per month for 20GB, and no Japanese credit card is required. Other foreigner-friendly options include Rakuten Mobile and IIJmio.

How to open a bank account in Japan without a Japanese phone number?

Japan Post Bank (Yucho) is the most foreigner-friendly option. They accept applications with just your residence card and do not strictly require a Japanese phone number at all branches. Visit a larger post office branch for the best experience.

How do I separate PET bottles correctly in Shibuya-ku?

Remove the cap and label, rinse the bottle, and crush it flat. In Shibuya-ku, PET bottles are collected on the designated recycling day. Place them in a transparent or semi-transparent bag separate from other recyclables.

Best mobile carrier for foreigners in Japan with English support?

Ahamo by NTT Docomo is popular among foreigners because the app is available in English, plans start at 2,970 yen per month for 20GB, and no Japanese credit card is required. Other foreigner-friendly options include Rakuten Mobile and IIJmio.

How to open a bank account in Japan without a Japanese phone number?

Japan Post Bank (Yucho) is the most foreigner-friendly option. They accept applications with just your residence card and do not strictly require a Japanese phone number at all branches. Visit a larger post office branch for the best experience.

What is the difference between KK and GK company types?

Kabushiki Kaisha (KK/株式会社) is a stock corporation with higher credibility, suitable for larger businesses or those seeking investors. Godo Kaisha (GK/合同会社) is simpler and cheaper to establish (about ¥100,000 vs ¥250,000), with flexible management structure, ideal for small businesses and startups.

How much capital do I need to start a company in Japan?

Legally, you can start with just ¥1, but for a Business Manager visa, immigration typically expects ¥5,000,000 or more to demonstrate business viability. This capital must be deposited in a Japanese bank account and shown on your certificate of deposit.

What is a Business Manager visa and how do I get it?

The Business Manager visa (経営・管理) allows foreigners to start and manage businesses in Japan. Requirements include: registered office in Japan, minimum ¥5M capital OR 2+ full-time employees, viable business plan, and relevant experience. Processing takes 1-3 months through immigration.

Do I need a Japanese address to register a company?

Yes, you need a registered business address (本店所在地) in Japan. This can be a rented office, co-working space with registration service, or virtual office. Residential addresses work for some businesses but may have zoning restrictions. The address appears on public company records.

Can I register a company while on a tourist visa?

You can complete company registration paperwork on a tourist visa, but you cannot manage/operate the business or work in Japan without a proper work visa. Many entrepreneurs register the company, then apply for a Business Manager visa from their home country or change status in Japan.

What documents do I need for company registration?

Required documents: Articles of Incorporation (定款), personal seal (印鑑) or signature certificate, ID (passport/residence card), certificate of capital deposit, registered office lease agreement, and various registration forms. The Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局) processes the registration.

How long does company registration take in Japan?

The registration process itself takes about 1-2 weeks after submitting documents to the Legal Affairs Bureau. However, preparation (drafting articles, notarization, bank account) adds 2-4 weeks. Total timeline: approximately 1-2 months from start to having an officially registered company.

What are the ongoing compliance requirements for Japanese companies?

Annual requirements include: corporate tax filing, consumption tax if revenue exceeds ¥10M, shareholder meetings, financial statements, social insurance enrollment for employees, labor insurance, and various notifications to tax office, pension office, and Hello Work.

How much does it cost to register a company in Japan?

Costs for KK: registration tax ¥150,000 + notary fees ¥50,000 + stamp duties ¥40,000 = approximately ¥250,000 total. GK is cheaper: registration tax ¥60,000 + administrative fees = approximately ¥100,000. Additional costs: company seal (¥10,000-30,000), professional services if using lawyers/司法書士.

GK DIY Fast-Track (2026)

The "Finance Architect" guide to registering a Godo Kaisha for exactly ¥60,000.

path

entity

cost

purpose

plan

audit

checklist

Why Godo Kaisha (GK)?

The GK is the "LLC" of Japan. It offers the same tax benefits as a big corporation (KK) but is designed for speed. Perfect for: Freelancers, Amazon Sellers, and IT Engineers.

¥60,000Total Setup Cost

3 DaysSpeed to Launch

Choose Your Path

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Foreigners can establish and own companies in Japan. You can form a Kabushiki Kaisha (KK - stock company) or Godo Kaisha (GK - LLC equivalent). You'll need a Business Manager visa to run the company if you're not already a permanent resident or on a spouse visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, foreigners can legally establish and own Japanese companies including both GK (LLC) and KK (corporation) structures with no nationality-based restrictions. The practical pathway depends on your current visa status: foreigners already in Japan on other visa types (work, spouse, permanent residence) can start a company without additional capital requirements. Foreigners specifically seeking residency in Japan through company formation need to apply for the Business Manager Visa, which since October 2025 requires ¥30 million in capital.

Since October 2025, new applicants for Japan's Business Manager Visa (経営・管理ビザ) must demonstrate ¥30,000,000 in company capital or equivalent investment in the Japan business, increased from the previous ¥5,000,000 threshold. Foreigners who obtained Business Manager Visa status before this change and are seeking renewals have a grace period until approximately 2028 to meet the new requirement. Permanent residents and holders of spousal visas are not subject to this visa capital requirement when starting a business.

Yes, a Japanese company must have a registered business address (honten) listed on its company registration certificate, and immigration authorities scrutinize whether this address represents a genuine business operation for Business Manager Visa applications. Virtual office services are widely used for registration purposes, but immigration has become increasingly skeptical of companies using shared or virtual addresses without evidence of actual business activity conducted there. A genuine leased physical office space significantly strengthens visa applications.

Yes, every Japanese company requires an official registered seal (jitsuin) that is stamped on legally binding contracts, bank agreements, and official registrations. In practice, companies use three types of company seals: the formal registered seal (daihyo sha in) used for important legal documents and registered with the Legal Affairs Bureau, the bank seal (ginko in) registered with your corporate bank account, and a square rubber stamp (kakuin) used for daily correspondence and invoices. Order these company seals before or immediately after company registration.

Opening a corporate bank account in Japan requires visiting a branch with your company registration certificate (touki jikou shoumeisho) dated within 3 months, a company seal certificate, your articles of incorporation, the representative director's personal identification, and an initial deposit. The application and review process takes 2 to 4 weeks as banks conduct background checks and assess business legitimacy. Some major banks require companies to have been operating for 6 months before approving a corporate account, making credit unions and online corporate banking (such as GMO Aozora) more accessible options for new companies.

GK DIY Fast-Track (2026)

Why Godo Kaisha (GK)?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a foreigner start a company in Japan?

What is the Business Manager Visa capital requirement in Japan?

Does a Japanese company need a physical office?

What is a company seal (hanko) and does my Japanese company need one?

How do I open a corporate bank account in Japan?

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