Japanese Incorporation and Business Administration Visa

Corporate form that can be selected at the time of entry into the Japanese market

Establishment of Japanese subsidiary (Kabushiki Kaisha/Godo Kaisha)

Establishment of a corporation that can operate independently in Japan. This is the most common way to establish a business in Japan, as it allows for both business activities and registration.
Business Management Visa and Technology and Humanities Visa can be issued.

A joint stock company has a high degree of credibility and external trust, which is advantageous in terms of relationships with suppliers and banks. On the other hand, a limited liability company is easy to establish and flexible in management, making it suitable for startups and family businesses.

Comparison Table

(data) item	Corporation	limited company
Relationship between representatives and investors	Representative does not have to be an investor	Investor also serves as representative
Transfer of investment rights	Freely transferable	Requires consent of other employees
Investor Qualifications	Available for both individuals and corporations	Individuals only
Establishment Costs	Approx. 200,000 yen	Approx. 60,000 yen
level of confidence	high	low (position)

Establishment of Japan Branch

Establish a branch office in Japan based on the capital of the company in your country. Possible to conduct business activities. Registration required.
Intra-company transfer visa can be issued for business administration visa.

Establishment of representative office

Only non-profit activities such as information gathering, market research, etc. are allowed. Business activities are not possible and registration is not required.
Business Administration visa not available Intra-company transfer visa can be issued.

Comparison Table

(data) item	representative office (e.g. of a company)	Japan Branch	Corporation	limited company
business activities	not allowed	possible	possible	possible
registration	unnecessary	necessary	necessary	necessary
Establishment of office	possible	necessary	necessary	necessary
capital stock	unnecessary	Capital of head office in home country (Korea)	necessary	necessary
Obtaining a Visa	not allowed	possible	possible	possible
accounting	Business activities not permitted	Combined processing with headquarters in home country	Processed solely by the Japanese corporation	Processed solely by the Japanese corporation
Application of Laws	Business activities not permitted	extend to the home corporation	Japanese corporation only	Japanese corporation only
Time required for establishment	unnecessary	Approx. 1 month	Approx. 1 month	Approx. 1 month

Types and Differences of Business Management Visas

The Business Management Visa is required for foreigners who intend to establish a company in Japan and actually manage or control it. This visa is required for those who intend to manage a company while staying in Japan for a long period of time.

one-year visa

• Most common form
• Can be applied after completion of office lease and company incorporation
• Cooperation of Japanese nationals or permanent residents residing in Japan is required.

4-month visa (Preparation visa)

• Application can be filed just prior to the incorporation of the company
• Submit a schedule of office contracts, draft articles of incorporation, etc. in advance.
• Adapted in the absence of domestic collaborators

Highly specialized profession 1 (c) visa

• A minimum of 70 advanced human resources points is required.
• Add points for education, background, annual salary, college ranking, etc.
• Possible to apply for a change of visa after 1-year business administration visa

Business Management Visa Application Requirements

Actual office presence

• A dedicated office for the business must be located in Japan.
• Virtual or shared offices are not permitted.
• Residential space and office space must be separated.

Capital of at least 5 million yen or at least 2 full-time employees in Japan

• Full-time employees residing in Japan: Japanese or foreign nationals with special permanent resident status, etc.
• Application can be filed even if only capital requirements are met.

Proof of stability and sustainability of the business

• A specific business plan and profit and loss plan are required.
• Initial revenue model, target market, and marketing strategy are also described.

Incorporation and visa application procedures

Step 1: Prepare a business plan

• Including business model, target customers, market analysis, etc.
• Must be able to explain sustainability and stability of management

Step 2: Secure office

• Lease or purchase office space that can be used as the actual business location
• The space must be separated from the residential area and photographic documentation is required

Step 3: Incorporation

• Preparation and notarization of articles of incorporation
• Deposit capital, produce seals, and apply for registration at the Legal Affairs Bureau.
• Including procedures such as corporate establishment declaration and payroll office declaration to the tax office.

Step 4: Obtain permits and approvals (if necessary)

• Restaurant business: prior business license required
• Travel Agency: Travel Agency Registration Required
• Accommodation business: Accommodation business license approval for the purchased building is required.

Step 5: Prepare visa application documents

• Required documents vary depending on status of residence.
• Preparation time is about 1~2 months

Step 6: Visa application and examination

No need to go directly to the immigration office when hiring an administrative scrivener

Review period: 3~12 months (varies by region)

Step 7: Start of activity after visa approval

• Able to act as a representative of a legal entity in Japan

summary

Need for professional help

Establishing a corporation in Japan and applying for a business management visa requires complex procedures, from business planning to securing office space, registration, and submitting various documents.
It is important to prepare thoroughly with the help of an experienced administrative scrivener, especially since mistakes made in the initial stages can take months to review.
We offer one-stop support from the preparation of a business plan to the establishment procedures and preparation of visa application documents on behalf of our clients.
Our office is located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, and is staffed by experienced Japanese administrative scriveners.
If you need help, please contact us anytime.

Horiuchi Gyoseishoshi Lawyer Office Information

📌 Office Information

• 🔹 Horiuchi Gyoseishoshi Lawyer Office
• 🔹 Affiliations:. Tokyo Gyoseishoshi Lawyers Association, Shinjuku Branch
• 🔹 Qualifications: 1. Tokyo Immigration and Residency Management Bureau, Application Agency Gyoseishoshi Scrivener
• 🔹 Member Organization Foreign Employment Support Organization (FESO)
• 🔹 Network Affiliation:. AIL (Alliance of Immgration Lawers)

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Access to 📍 Access to

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• 🚶 JR Yamanote Line Shin-Okubo Station 8 minutes on foot
• 🚶 JR Chuo/Sobu Line Okubo Station 12 min. walk