If You Are Appointed as a Corporate Officer of a Japanese Company
When a non-Japanese national is appointed as an officer of a Japanese corporation — such as a director, statutory auditor, executive officer, or accounting advisor — registration of the appointment is required under Japanese law.
Can Foreign Nationals Serve as Officers in Japan?
- Yes, there are no nationality restrictions. Foreign nationals can legally serve as officers of Japanese companies.
- You do not need to reside in Japan to be registered.
- However, if no officer resides in Japan, it may create practical challenges — such as difficulty in opening a bank account or obtaining a visa.
Common Scenarios
- A representative of a foreign parent company is appointed as a director of its Japanese subsidiary
- A foreign national is appointed as the representative of a Japan-based subsidiary
- An overseas investor becomes a statutory auditor of a Japanese company
- A foreign entrepreneur establishes a company in Japan and serves as an officer to obtain a business visa
Required Documents (Examples)
- Letter of acceptance of appointment (with signature or signature certificate)
- Personal identification (e.g., passport)
- Affidavit or signature certificate issued by a notary public or embassy/consulate
Note:Additional documents may be required depending on your country of residence, position, or company type.
No in-person visit required.
Reliable support, even from overseas.
All procedures can be completed online or through the mail, without the need to visit our office. We also offer full support in English, including communication and document preparation, ensuring peace of mind for clients residing outside Japan.
Costs (Reference)
| Item | Government Fee (Registration Tax) | Our Fee (from) |
|---|---|---|
| Officer appointment registration | 10,000 JPY (or 30,000 JPY if capital exceeds 100 million JPY) | 80,000 ～ |
Note: Additional costs may apply for translations, notarizations, or if visa-related coordination is involved. Quotes available upon request.
Procedures Required After Appointment
- Applying for or updating your visa status (e.g., “Business Manager”, “Intra-company Transferee”)
- Obtaining a company registry certificate (after registration is complete)
- Filing with tax offices, pension offices, etc. (if appointed as representative)
FAQ
Can I become an officer even if I don’t live in Japan?
Yes, registration is possible. However, please note that bank account opening and visa processes may require a Japanese address or physical presence.
Where can I obtain a signature certificate or affidavit?
These can be issued by a public notary in your country of citizenship, or at a Japanese embassy or consulate abroad.
Can I register as an officer without having a visa?
Yes, company registration itself is allowed. However, if you plan to work or manage the company in Japan, you must obtain the appropriate visa (e.g., “Business Manager”).
Contact Us for Support
Appointing a foreign national as an officer in Japan may involve not only corporate registration, but also coordination with visa applications, bank procedures, and international documentation. At Nagatacho Judicial Scrivener Office, we offer comprehensive support based on years of experience — from document preparation to registration.
If needed, we can also refer you to visa specialists or other professionals. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your situation.
