Considering Expanding Your Business to Japan Without Establishing a Local Subsidiary?
If your company is incorporated outside Japan and wishes to conduct continuous business operations in the Japanese market, you may be required to register as a “foreign company” under Japanese law. Failing to register properly may result in penalties or legal limitations on doing business.
At Nagatacho Judicial Scrivener Office, we provide full support for registering a branch office in Japan — including document preparation, legal translation, and filing with the Legal Affairs Bureau.
What Is a “Foreign Company” Under Japanese Law?
A “foreign company” refers to a legal entity established under the laws of another country (e.g., a Delaware corporation, a Chinese limited company). Even if the ownership is 100% foreign, a company incorporated in Japan is not a foreign company — it is treated as a Japanese entity under the law.
When Is Registration Required?
You must register as a foreign company in Japan if your business activities fall under any of the following:
- Continuous business or contractual operations in Japan
- Opening a Japanese bank account under the name of your company
- Becoming an executive member of a Japanese company (e.g., a Godo Kaisha)
- Hiring employees in Japan
In these cases, it is legally required to appoint and register a Representative in Japan.
Two Types of Registration
| Type of Registration | Description | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Registration of a Representative in Japan | At least one representative with an address in Japan must be appointed | Required |
| Registration of a Branch (Office) | Only needed if you have a physical office in Japan | Optional (but mandatory if a branch is set up) |
Avoid Becoming a “Pseudo Foreign Company”
If your business primarily operates in Japan but has not completed proper registration, it may be considered a “pseudo foreign company”, which is prohibited under Japanese law. Such companies may face fines, and individuals involved in the business may bear joint liability for contractual obligations.
Requirements for the Representative in Japan
- The representative does not need to be a Japanese national
- At least one representative must reside in Japan
- You may appoint multiple representatives if needed
Required Documents (Examples)
- Certified copy of your company’s Articles of Incorporation (plus Japanese translation)
- Certificate of registration from your home country (plus translation)
- Resolution appointing the Representative in Japan
- Personal ID and signature/seal certificate of the representative
- Company seal for registration in Japan
Note: Additional documents may be required depending on your jurisdiction and company type.
Government Fees (Registration Tax)
| Registration Type | Fee (JPY) |
|---|---|
| Representative in Japan | 60,000 |
| Branch Office (including Representative) | 90,000 |
Note: These are government fees only. Our professional service fees apply separately.
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.
Our Fees (Excl. tax)
| Service | Fee (JPY From) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registration of Representative | 200,000 | Includes document preparation and filing |
| Branch Office Registration | 250,000 | Includes representative registration |
What Is a “Foreign Company” Under Japanese Law?
Once your branch or representative is registered, the following procedures may also be required:
- Notification to the tax office
- Enrollment in labor and social insurance (if hiring staff)
- Local government filings
- Reporting employment of foreign nationals
- Visa application for expatriate staff (if applicable)
FAQ
Do I need to rent a physical office to register a branch?
Not necessarily. If you only register a representative in Japan and do not maintain an office, branch registration is not required. However, most companies operating in Japan do establish a local office.
Can I register even if none of the representatives live in Japan?
No. At least one representative must have a residential address in Japan at the time of registration.
Can I sign contracts in Japan before completing the registration?
No. Continuous business activities without registration are not permitted under Japanese law. Individuals who conduct business without proper registration may be personally liable for resulting debts.
Contact Us for Support
Registering a foreign company in Japan requires knowledge of not only corporate law, but also international private law, authentication procedures, and language-specific documentation.Our team at Nagatacho Judicial Scrivener Office has extensive experience assisting foreign companies and will guide you through every step — from document preparation to final registration.
We’ll also provide a clear outline of all required documents, estimated timelines, and costs before you proceed. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your expansion plans into Japan.
