Company / Branch Setup in Japan

From choosing the right entity type to visa applications and incorporation registration — we plan and coordinate your company setup in Japan, step by step, on the ground.

location_on Japan-based operations management
Scope Of Service

Company Incorporation in Japan: An Overview

Setting up a company in Japan requires choosing the right entity type (a stock company – KK, an LLC-like structure – GK, or a branch office), planning the appropriate residence status, and completing the registration process without gaps. Gordion Consulting combines these steps into a single roadmap and makes the process predictable for you.

The service covers evaluating the startup visa and Business Manager visa routes, preparing the business plan and application documents, company incorporation registration, and setting up the bank account, office address, and accounting infrastructure. We coordinate with licensed professionals in Japan for official and legal procedures, and run the entire process in TR/EN/JP.

Who This Service Is For

apartment

Companies Establishing a Legal Entity in Japan

Suited to companies planning to set up a local subsidiary or a branch of their existing company to run sales, distribution, or operations in Japan.

rocket_launch

Entrepreneurs & Investors

Process guidance for founders and investors aiming to start their own business in Japan via the startup visa or the Business Manager visa.

warning Common Challenges

  • Visa & Residence Status Complexity

    Unclear differences and application sequencing between the startup visa, Designated Activities, and Business Manager statuses.

  • Heavy Documentation & Registration

    Business plans, capital, office address, and registration documents must be prepared completely and in Japanese.

  • Steps That Require Local Presence

    Bank account opening, office leasing, and municipal notifications must be followed up physically in Japan.

check_circle The Outcome

  • done

    A Clear Incorporation Plan

    A sequenced, dated roadmap from visa application to company registration.

  • done

    Compliant, Complete Applications

    Documents prepared to requirements, reducing the risk of rejections and delays.

  • done

    A Company Ready to Operate

    Bank account, office, and accounting infrastructure in place — ready to start business.

What we do

What Is Included

account_tree

Entity Type & Structure Advisory

Evaluating KK, GK, or branch options against your goals and investment plan.

badge

Visa Strategy

Assessing the startup visa and Business Manager visa routes and mapping the application plan.

description

Document & Application Preparation

Compiling the business plan, resume, and supporting documents to application requirements.

verified

Registration Coordination

Coordinating with licensed professionals in Japan throughout the incorporation registration.

storefront

Operational Setup

Organizing setup steps such as office address, bank account, accountant, and My Number.

translate

Multilingual Coordination

TR/EN/JP communication support with authorities and service providers.

Methodology

How It Works

Typical duration: 3–6 months depending on visa route
1

Discovery Call

We assess your goals, background, and visa eligibility together.

2

Structure & Visa Plan

We finalize the entity type and visa route, and map the document list.

3

Application & Incorporation

We coordinate visa applications, company registration, and operational setup.

4

Handover & Follow-up

We hand over a ready-to-operate structure and guide you on upcoming obligations.

Process Flow

Visa & Incorporation Process Flows

Company setup in Japan typically follows one of two visa routes. The flows below show the typical steps from application preparation to Business Manager residence status.

route Route 1

Incorporation via the Startup Visa

Entering Japan on the startup visa (Designated Activities, 1 year), incorporating the company, and transitioning to the Business Manager visa.

fact_check Eligibility — at least one of the following

  • check At least 1 year of business management or executive experience related to the planned business field
  • check A doctorate, master’s, or professional degree in business management or in the technology, knowledge, or expertise required for the planned business
  1. 1

    Prepare the application for Confirmation of the Startup Preparation Activity Plan

    Documents prepared

    • arrow_right Startup Preparation Activity Plan
    • arrow_right Applicant’s resume
    • arrow_right Copy of the applicant’s passport
    • arrow_right Documents clarifying the applicant’s address for one year after landing in Japan
    • arrow_right Documents clarifying that accommodation costs for one year can be covered
    • arrow_right Commercial registry records or equivalent documents proving at least 1 year of business or executive activity in the relevant field
  2. 2

    The Tokyo Metropolitan Government reviews the application

    Questions may be asked about the submitted documents; an interview is conducted if deemed necessary.

    info

    Main points examined during the assessment: the content of the business, the field of activity, the office address, concrete plans until the company starts operating, the financing required, the scale of the business and residence plan, and the financial resources to cover living expenses.

  3. flag Key milestone

    Certificate of Confirmation of the Startup Preparation Activity Plan is issued

    Approximately 2 months after the application.

  4. 4

    Apply for the startup visa (Designated Activities, 1 year) residence status

  5. flag Key milestone

    Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is issued

    Approximately 1–3 months after the application.

  6. 6

    Present the COE to the Embassy of Japan in Türkiye and receive the startup visa

  7. 7

    Arrive in Japan and start the startup preparation activities

    Steps completed during this period

    • arrow_right Moving-in notification to the local government within 2 weeks of arrival and My Number card registration
    • arrow_right Securing an office and completing the office setup (photos will be required for later applications)
    • arrow_right Completing the company incorporation registration
    • arrow_right Hiring employees
    • arrow_right Finding business partners and customers
    • arrow_right Signing a contract with an accountant
    • arrow_right Opening the corporate bank account
    • arrow_right Transferring 30 million yen of capital to the company account
    info

    The Tokyo Metropolitan Government holds a meeting at least once a month (online or in person) to assess progress on the startup activity plan. The residence period can be extended at most twice, 6 months each time; transitioning to Business Manager status within 1 year is recommended.

  8. 8

    Apply to change the residence status to the “Business Manager” visa

  9. flag Key milestone

    “Business Manager” residence status is granted

    Approximately 1–2 months after the application.

route Route 2

Incorporation via the 4-Month Business Manager Visa

Entering Japan on the 4-month Business Manager visa, incorporating the company, and transitioning to the 1-year Business Manager visa.

fact_check Eligibility — at least one of the following

  • check At least 3 years of business management or executive experience related to the planned business field
  • check A doctorate, master’s, or professional degree in business management or in the technology, knowledge, or expertise required for the planned business
  • check A realistic and feasible business plan
  • check Sufficient, accountable capital (at least 30 million yen)
  1. 1

    Prepare the 4-month Business Manager visa application

    Documents prepared

    • arrow_right Activity (business) plan
    • arrow_right Applicant’s resume
    • arrow_right Copy of the applicant’s passport
    • arrow_right Documents clarifying the applicant’s address after landing in Japan
    • arrow_right Documents clarifying that living/accommodation costs for one year can be covered
    • arrow_right Commercial registry records or equivalent documents proving at least 1 year of business or executive activity in the relevant field
  2. 2

    The immigration authority reviews the application

    Questions may be asked about the submitted documents; an interview is conducted if deemed necessary.

    info

    Main points examined during the assessment: the content of the business, the field of activity, the office address, concrete plans until the company starts operating, the financing required, the scale of the business and residence plan, and the financial resources to cover living expenses.

  3. flag Key milestone

    Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is issued

    Approximately 1–3 months after the application.

  4. 4

    Present the COE to the Embassy of Japan in Türkiye and receive the visa

  5. 5

    Arrive in Japan and start the company preparation activities

    Steps completed during this period

    • arrow_right Deciding on the residence address (recommended before entering Japan)
    • arrow_right Moving-in notification to the local government within 2 weeks of arrival and My Number card registration
    • arrow_right Opening a bank account
    • arrow_right Securing an office and completing the office setup (photos will be required for later applications)
    • arrow_right Completing the company incorporation registration
    • arrow_right Hiring employees
    • arrow_right Finding business partners and customers
    • arrow_right Signing a contract with an accountant
    • arrow_right Opening the corporate bank account
    • arrow_right Transferring 30 million yen of capital to the company account
  6. 6

    Apply to change the residence status to the 1-year “Business Manager” visa

  7. flag Key milestone

    “Business Manager” residence status is granted

    Approximately 1–2 months after the application.

Timelines and requirements are for information only; current conditions may vary depending on the application type and the immigration authority’s assessment. Official and legal procedures are carried out in coordination with licensed professionals in Japan.

Deliverables

map Incorporation Roadmap (PDF)
checklist Document Checklist
badge Visa Application Plan
calendar_month Process Timeline
summarize Progress Reports

* Note: Legal coordination facilitates access to qualified attorneys. Gordion Consulting provides business consulting, not direct legal advice.

FAQ

Which entity types can be established in Japan? keyboard_arrow_down
The most common structures are the stock company (Kabushiki Kaisha – KK), the LLC-like company (Godo Kaisha – GK), and the branch office of a foreign company. We evaluate the best fit together based on your goals and investment plan.
Which visa is required to set up a company? keyboard_arrow_down
Managing the company you establish in Japan generally requires the Business Manager residence status. Depending on your situation, you can proceed via the startup visa or the 4-month Business Manager visa; we determine the right route together.
How much capital is required? keyboard_arrow_down
The Business Manager visa assessment expects sufficient, accountable capital; the reference amount in the process flows is at least 30 million yen. We verify the current requirement together before applying.
How long does the incorporation process take? keyboard_arrow_down
Depending on the chosen visa route, the process typically takes 3–6 months from application preparation to Business Manager status.
Can a company be set up without traveling to Japan? keyboard_arrow_down
Document preparation and planning can be handled remotely; however, steps such as office leasing, bank account opening, and registration require being in Japan. That is exactly why the visa route is an integral part of the process.
Do you handle the legal procedures yourselves? keyboard_arrow_down
Official registration and legal procedures are carried out by licensed professionals in Japan; we plan and coordinate the process and provide communication in TR/EN/JP.

Let’s Establish Your Company in Japan Together

Contact us to plan your visa and incorporation process with our expert team.

Contact Us