Thinking of Starting a Company in Japan?
To legally operate a business in Japan, you must first establish a company and register it with the Legal Affairs Bureau. This registration is the official starting point for your company to begin business activities as a legal entity.
At Nagatacho Judicial Scrivener Office, we provide one-stop support for individuals and businesses looking to start a business in Japan — from preparing required documents to completing the registration process. We assist with the formation of both Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) and Godo Kaisha (GK).
Types of Companies You Can Establish
| Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) – Joint Stock Company | This is the most common form of corporation in Japan. It offers strong credibility and advantages for raising funds or doing business with financial institutions. A key feature is the separation of ownership (shareholders) and management (directors). |
| Godo Kaisha (GK) – Limited Liability Company | A flexible and cost-efficient company type. Unlike KK, the investors (called “members”) are also the managers, making it ideal for smaller or privately held businesses. |
Breakdown of Company Establishment Costs (KK / GK)
| Item | Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) – Joint Stock Company | Godo Kaisha (GK) – Limited Liability Company |
|---|---|---|
| Registration and License Tax | 150,000 JPY | 60,000 JPY |
| Articles of Incorporation Certification Fee (KK only) | 50,000 JPY | – |
| Certified Copy of Articles of Incorporation | Approx. 2,000 JPY + | 60,000 JPY |
| Corporate Seal Set | Approx. 15,000 JPY + | Approx. 15,000 JPY + |
| Judicial Scrivener Fee (our office) | 280,000 JPY～ | 180,000 JPY + |
| Total (approx.) | Around 500,000 JPY + | Around 260,000 JPY + |
- The above is a general estimate for a standard setup (one director, standard articles of incorporation).
- Costs may vary depending on the amount of capital and the complexity of the registration items.
- We will provide you with an accurate estimate in advance, so please feel free to consult us anytime.
Steps to Set Up a Company
Step 1｜Confirm Company Details
Decide on your company name, business purpose, office address, capital amount, and officer structure. We will send you a questionnaire to gather this information.
Our Office
Step 2｜Prepare Articles of Incorporation and Application Documents
Based on your input, we will draft the Articles of Incorporation and all necessary registration documents. You will review and sign (or electronically sign) the documents, and affix any required seals.
Our Office
Step 3｜Articles Certification (for KK only)
Based on your input, we will draft the Articles of Incorporation and all necessary registration documents. You will review and sign (or electronically sign) the documents, and affix any required seals.
Step 4｜Payment of Capital
The capital should be transferred to a bank account in Japan under the name of the incorporator. If you do not have a Japanese bank account, we can provide alternative options — feel free to ask.
Our Office
Step 5｜Company Registration
Once all documents are in order, we will submit the registration application to the Legal Affairs Bureau. Your company is officially established when the registration is complete.
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.
FAQ
Can I establish a company even if none of the officers reside in Japan?
Yes, it is possible. However, please note that opening a corporate bank account after incorporation may be more difficult if no officers have a Japanese address.
What documents are required?
→ If the investor is a company
- A certificate showing the company’s registration details (issued by a government authority)
- Signature certificate
- Affidavit (if required)
→ If the investor is an individual
- A copy of passport
- Signature certificate or affidavit
How much does it cost?
Our fees depend on the number of investors and officers, as well as the scope of work.
After reviewing your company details, we will provide a customized estimate.
As a reference, the government fees for registration are
- KK (Kabushiki Kaisha): approx. 200,000 JPY (includes notary and registration fees)
- GK (Godo Kaisha): approx. 60,000 JPY
Note: The above amounts are government fees only. Our professional service fees are charged separately. A detailed quotation will be provided upon request.
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.
