Registering a company in Japan involves more than just submitting forms. Whether you’re launching a Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) or a Godo Kaisha (GK), the process must follow precise legal procedures, including documentation in Japanese, seal registration, and filings at the Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局).
For foreign founders, the Japan incorporation journey can feel like navigating a maze of local laws and cultural nuances. This guide breaks it all down, step by step.
You’ll learn:
- How to choose the right structure (GK vs KK)
- What documents you’ll need (and how to prepare them)
- Where and how to register your company
- The role of the Legal Affairs Bureau
- Common mistakes to avoid
Let’s start from the top.
Choose a Company Type (GK vs KK)
The first decision you need to make is whether to register your company as a Godo Kaisha (GK) or Kabushiki Kaisha (KK), the two most common types of legal entities in Japan.
Godo Kaisha (GK)
- Similar to an LLC
- Simple structure, flexible internal rules
- No shareholder requirements
- No share issuance
- Low cost and fewer formalities
Kabushiki Kaisha (KK)
- Closest to a corporation
- More credibility with banks, partners, and investors
- Requires shareholder structure and share issuance
- Higher setup cost and stricter corporate governance
Tip: If you’re unsure which is right for you, read our GK vs KK comparison guide to understand the practical differences.
The steps for registration are largely similar but differ slightly in documentation and process (e.g. notarization for KK Articles of Incorporation).
Prepare Articles of Incorporation (定款)
The Articles of Incorporation (teikan) serve as the legal blueprint of your company. They must be written in Japanese and include key company details:
- Company name (must include KK or GK suffix)
- Business purpose(s)
- Headquarters location
- Capital amount
- Fiscal year
- Founders’ details
- Share issuance details (for KK)
Notarization Required for KK
If you’re forming a KK, you must have the Articles notarized at a Japanese notary office. GK filings do not require notarization.
Mistakes here, like vague business purposes or missing suffixes, can delay approval.
Determine Your Office Address
Every company in Japan must declare a registered office address.
You can use:
- A physical office lease
- A virtual office (accepted for GK and some KK structures)
- Your accountant or lawyer’s registered address (with consent)
Note for foreign founders:
If you’re applying for a Business Manager visa, you must secure a physical office lease with a commercial purpose clause. Virtual addresses won’t qualify.
Make sure the address matches across all documents, including lease agreement, Articles, and registration application.
Create and Register the Company Seal (印鑑 – Inkan)
The inkan is your official corporate seal, Japan’s equivalent of a legally binding signature.
Steps to Register:
- Design the seal: It must include the exact company name as listed in your Articles.
- Get it made: Use a certified seal maker (hanko-ya).
- Register it at the Legal Affairs Bureau: Submit along with your incorporation forms.
- Receive the inkan shomeisho (seal certificate): This proves the seal’s authority.
Your inkan is required for filing, opening a bank account, signing contracts, and more.
Deposit Initial Capital
You’ll need to deposit your startup capital into a Japanese bank account before you submit your registration.
- The bank account can be in the name of one of the founders (pre-incorporation).
- The deposit amount should match the amount listed in the Articles.
- Keep a copy of the bank statement or deposit slip—it’s required as proof.
There is no minimum capital requirement for either GK or KK, but we recommend at least ¥1,000,000 for smoother visa and business processes.
Submit Registration Documents to the Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局)
Once everything is ready, submit your registration application to the local Legal Affairs Bureau covering your company’s registered address.
What to Submit:
- Application for company registration
- Articles of Incorporation (teikan)
- Certificate of seal registration (inkan shomeisho)
- Capital deposit proof
- Office lease agreement
- Founders’ personal ID and signature forms
- Company seal impression form
- For KK: Notarized Articles must be included.
Submission Format:
- All documents must be in Japanese.
- Handwritten, scanned, or English-language forms are rejected.
Filing Fee:
- ¥150,000 for KK
- ¥60,000 for GK
- Paid via revenue stamp (shunyu inshi) attached to the application
Pro tip:
Many foreign founders appoint a proxy (e.g. accountant or legal rep) to submit documents on their behalf. This helps avoid errors and miscommunication with the Legal Affairs Bureau.
Receive Company Registration Certificate
If everything is in order, your company will be officially registered, usually within 10–14 business days after submission.
You’ll receive:
- Certificate of Company Registration (登記簿謄本 – Tōkibo Tōhon)
- Seal Certificate (印鑑証明書 – Inkan Shōmeisho)
These documents are essential for:
- Opening your corporate bank account
- Applying for a corporate tax ID
- Registering for social and employment insurance
- Signing business contracts
Make multiple copies, banks, government offices, and vendors will often request originals or certified versions.
Post-Registration Requirements
Incorporation is just the beginning. Within days of receiving your registration, you must complete several additional filings and administrative tasks.
Required Actions:
- Open a corporate bank account
- Notify the tax office (within 2 weeks of registration)
- Corporate tax ID
- Consumption tax status
- Blue form tax application (for accounting benefits)
- Register with social and labor insurance (if hiring)
- File employment/labor documents
- Apply for relevant business licenses (if required by your sector)
Foreign-owned companies:
Extra documentation may be needed, especially if the representative is a non-resident. It’s strongly advised to work with a bilingual firm or administrative scrivener (gyosei shoshi) to navigate post-incorporation filings.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Avoiding these errors can save you weeks of frustration and prevent Legal Affairs Bureau rejections:
- Submitting incomplete or mismatched documents
- Not notarizing KK Articles of Incorporation
- Using English documents or translations
- Forgetting to register the company seal
- Mismatched capital deposit amount
- Errors in office address or lease terms
- Budgeting too little for incorporation fees and admin support
Bonus Tip: Always double-check the Japanese company name spelling. Even one character error can result in rejection.
FAQ: Foreign Founders and Company Registration in Japan
Can I register a Japanese company as a non-resident?
Yes, but you’ll need a resident director or representative. Many founders partner with local service providers for this.
Can I open a corporate bank account from overseas?
Unlikely. Most banks require in-person identification. You’ll need a registered address, company certificate, seal certificate, and a Japanese-speaking representative.
Do I need a visa before registering?
Not necessarily. You can register a company as a non-resident, but to operate or receive income from it, you’ll need a proper visa (e.g. Business Manager Visa).
Is virtual office registration legal?
Yes, for many GKs and KKs. However, Business Manager visa applicants may be required to lease a physical office space.
Don’t Navigate Japanese Incorporation Alone
Registering a company in Japan involves multiple agencies, legal documents, and cultural expectations. While GK and KK setups can be relatively quick, the risk of delay or rejection is high if any step is missed.
From preparing Japanese-language forms to seal registration, each element must be completed precisely—and on time.
WeConnect helps you handle:
- Post-incorporation compliance
- Entity setup and document preparation
- Legal Affairs Bureau filings
- Visa-related coordination
Get in touch to speak with one of our experts today.