Doing Business in Japan

Verybest assists both domestic and international companies in establishing a business presence in Japan by forming subsidiaries, branch offices, joint ventures, or other business entities.

Our firm provides advice on the most appropriate business entity form, registering the business entity with the relevant government agencies, coordinating with regulatory agencies, tradename and trademark registration, reviewing and advising clients on contracts such as office leases, advising clients on the necessary procedures to maintain the legal entity for compliance purposes throughout the entity’s life, preparation of employment agreements and advising clients on best practices to avoid litigation or governmental investigations, and petitioning for business visas for foreign nationals.

We also provide tax and accounting services as well as intellectual property services allowing us to serve as a truly one stop firm for all of your legal and business needs.

STEP1 Procedures to start a business

There are many procedures necessary to start a business in Japan. In many cases, it is necessary to find an attorney at law, a certified administrative legal specialist, a judicial scrivener, a certified labor attorney, and a certified public tax accountant for each procedure. However, our group of companies includes a certified public tax accounting firm and a certified labor attorney firm, which enables us to provide support not only to prepare to enter the Japanese market, but also after the start of business.

1.Determination of the form of business in Japan

You choose the appropriate business form in Japan from the following three options.

Representative office

The primary purpose is market research, information gathering, and liaison work. Contracts are entered into with the overseas head office.
Since the foreign legal entity is not engaging in business in Japan, generally, no taxes applicable to corporations will be imposed.

Branch office

Head office is located overseas, but it is possible to perform contractual acts in Japan.
Although there will be no Japanese legal entity, there will be an obligation to pay corporate tax.
Relatively simple procedures to establish.

Subsidiary (corporation or limited liability company)

Conduct business in Japan as an independent legal entity
Can choose between a corporation or a limited liability company
Costs to establish and administrative burden are greater than for a branch office

• Types of Companies in Japan
• godo kaisha vs. kabushiki kaisha

2.Securing an office

Secure an office to serve as a base for your business.
We can assist by reviewing the contract.

Time necessary: 1 week to 1 month (including entering into the contract and preparing the interior)

3. Company registration

(1) Determine the company name, business purpose, amount of capital, and composition of officers
(2) Preparation of articles of incorporation and notarize documents at a notary public's office
(3) Apply for registration at the Legal Affairs Bureau

Time necessary: Registration is completed in approximately 2 weeks after the necessary documents are prepared and filed.

• Certificate of registered information and registered seal certificate

4. Applying for necessary permissions and approvals

Apply for necessary permissions and approvals depending on the type of business.
Because where you need to file the application depends on the type of business, we recommend that you contact a professional.

Time necessary: 1 to 2 months after the necessary documents are prepared.

5. Application for business management visa.

(1) Submit documents such as a business plan, certified copy of the company’s registration, and the visa applicant’s CV.
(2) Apply for a visa to engage in business management activities in Japan.

Time necessary: about 3 to 6 months after application

6. Arrive in Japan after visa is granted

(1) Obtain the visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate
(2) Enter Japan after obtaining the visa

Time necessary: 1-2 weeks to obtain a visa

7. Open a company bank account

(1) Check with the bank in advance, as each bank has different requirements.
(2) After company registration is completed, open a bank account in the name of the corporation.

Time necessary: approximately1 month after applying.

8. Start of business

(1) Enter into contracts with your customers and suppliers
(2) Start providing your products and services

STEP2 Procedures after business starts and related work

Many procedures and related work is required after the start of business. Please feel free to consult us to assist you after the start of your business.

Accounting and taxation

• Bookkeeping (recording daily transactions and accounting)
• Tax filing and payment of taxes
• Closing of accounts (closing the financial books and corporate tax filing)

Labor and social insurance

• Employee hiring and salary management
• Social insurance enrollment and payment
• Year-end adjustments

• Employment and Labor Law

Legal and compliance

• Compliance
• Contract management
• Renewal and management of permissions and licenses

• Corporate Governance