The previous requirement that at least one of the representative directors must have a residence in Japan has been abolished, so that a company can be registered in Japan even if all the representative directors’ residence in overseas. (Japanese nationals are also not required).

When applying for the registration of incorporation of a joint stock company, it is necessary to attach a document that proves the transfer of investment contribution has been made. A copy of the these information ; the name of the financial institution, branch name, transfer amount, name of account holder (founder or the representative directors at the time of establishment), are required.

<Special case>

In case if the founder and the representative directors at the time of establishment are not residence in Japan, third person is allowed as account holder. In this case, a document which clarifying that the founder has delegated the authority to receive the investment to a third party must be prepared.

It includes not only Japanese branches of domestic banks but also Japanese branches of foreign banks and overseas branches of domestic banks.

The signature certificate required for the application for registration should be prepared by an embassy or notary located in the country where the foreigner resides.

When attaching documents which prepared in a foreign language to apply for commercial registration, a Japanese translation of all the documents must be attached as a general rule.

The "Business Management Visa" is a status of residence for foreign nationals who wish to establish a company in Japan to manage a business, administer a company, or invest in a business to manage it.

When acquire business management visa, there are no restrictions on the nature of your business. As long as your business is legally recognized, you can start any kind of business in Japan.

A business management visa is a very convenient status of residence that allows you to conduct a variety of business activities in your own company without any special restrictions.

Kindly remind you that who are not in charge of the execution of business operations cannot apply for business management visa. They should apply for a Technology, Specialist in Humanities, and International Services Visa.

❶About the office

A place of business to operate the business must exist in Japan. However, if the business has not yet started, the facilities used to run the business must be secured in Japan.

In this case, you must have an office separate from your home, and the use in the lease agreement must be for business purposes.

In addition, it requires office space for the president or director in order to run and manage business when operating a store.

❷About business scale

The scale of the business pertaining to the application must fall under one of the following categories;

（a）The business must be operated by two or more full-time employees (Japanese nationality, permanent residents, spouses, or permanent residents) who reside in Japan besides the president or director.

（b）The total amount of capital or investment must be 5 million yen or more.In this case, the 5 million yen must be funds that can actually be used for the business.

（c）The scale must be considered by following （a）or（b）.

❸Qualifications of the applicant

If the applicant intends to manage of a business, the applicant shall have at least three years of experience in the management or administration of a business (including a period of time spending to study majoring in a subject related to management or administration at a graduate school) and shall receive remuneration equivalent to or higher than that a Japanese national would receive.

❶Application for Certificate of Eligibility: 1 copy

❷One photograph (4cm x 3cm)

❸Presentation and copy of passport and resident card (including alien registration card)

❹Curriculum vitae and materials proving the history

❺Affidavit (or copy of articles of incorporation if registration has not been completed)

❻A copy of the most recent financial statements (balance sheet, profit and loss statement, statement of changes in shareholders' equity, etc.)

❼A copy of the business plan

❽Company brochure, printed copy of website, pamphlet of products and services, etc.

❾A copy of the lease agreement for the office

❿List of full-time officers other than the applicant

⓫Copy of employee's employment contract or offer letter

⓬Copy of employee's resident card or alien registration card

⓭Photographs of the inside and outside of the office

⓮Shareholders List

⓯Documents that clarify the amount of investment in Japan (5 million yen or more) (documents that show the payment flow)

⓰Statement of reasons for the invitation

⓱Other documents required depending on the individual's situation

🅰　Yes, of course it is possible to establish a company in Japan. Basically, if a foreigner does not have the status of "Spouse or Child of Japanese National" or "Permanent Resident", he or she must have the status of "Business Manager" to establish a company in Japan. If you are registered as an alien, you can obtain a certificate of seal registration on the same day. It is common to apply for "management/administration" or other status of residence after the registration of the company's establishment.

In order to facilitate the process of establish, we ask you  to send us a copy of your bankbook confirming the transfer of capital in advance.

❷Size-based Business Tax

If the capital of the headquarters in the home country exceeds 100 million yen, Size-based Business Tax will be imposed.

・In the case of a Japanese branch with a capital of 2.5 billion yen, the amount of Size-based Business Tax on capital is approximately 5 million yen.

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In the case of a Japanese corporation, the tax on a deficit is only 70,000 yen, whereas in the case of a Japanese branch, the tax on a deficit is approximately 6 million yen.