Japan is a country with a robust economy and a favorable business climate. If you’re interested in starting a business in Japan, there are several steps you need to follow to ensure that your business is legally registered and compliant with Japanese law. This article will guide you through the process of registering your business in Japan.
Table of Contents
Decide on the type of business entity
The first step in registering a business in Japan is to decide on the type of business entity you want to form. In Japan, the most common types of business entities are:
Kabushiki Kaisha (KK): This is a joint-stock company, which is the most commonly used type of business entity in Japan. It’s suitable for companies looking to issue stocks and have multiple shareholders.
Godo Kaisha (GK): This is a limited liability company, which is ideal for small businesses with fewer shareholders.
Gomei Kaisha: This is a general partnership and is suitable for businesses with two or more partners.
Choose a company name
Once you’ve decided on the type of business entity, the next step is to choose a company name. In Japan, the company name must be unique and cannot be similar to another registered company’s name. You can search for available names on the website of the Ministry of Justice.
Prepare the necessary documents
To register your business in Japan, you need to prepare the following documents:
Articles of incorporation: This document outlines the company’s purpose, name, capital, and structure.
Corporate registration application: This document includes information about the company’s directors, shareholders, and address.
Company seal registration certificate: This is a certificate that proves the company’s seal has been registered with the local government.
Bank account opening documents: These documents are required to open a bank account in Japan.
Register your business
Once you’ve prepared the necessary documents, you can register your business at the Legal Affairs Bureau. You need to submit the following documents to complete the registration process:
Articles of incorporation
Corporate registration application
Company seal registration certificate
Bank account opening documents
Registration fee
Register for taxes and social insurance
After you’ve registered your business, you need to register for taxes and social insurance. You need to register for the following taxes:
Consumption tax: This tax applies to the sale of goods and services in Japan.
Corporate income tax: This tax applies to the income earned by your business.
Withholding tax: This tax applies to payments made to employees and contractors.
You also need to register for social insurance, which includes health insurance, pension insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance.
Generis Global can help you with your business in Japan
Starting a business in Japan can be challenging, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Japanese law and regulations. Generis Global can help you navigate the legal aspects of starting a business in Japan. Our team of experienced lawyers can assist you with company registration, tax and social insurance registration, and other legal matters related to your business. Contact us today to learn how we can help you with your business journey in Japan.
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