Investing in Japan
Investing in Japan Q&A
Below you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about setting up business in Japan. If you can't find the information you need, please contact us.
- Q1 What is foreign direct investment (FDI)?
- Q2 What support services does JETRO provide to foreign businesses?
- Q3 What are the merits of establishing a presence in Japan and what fields are attractive to foreign businesses?
- Q4 What types of foreign businesses are making inroads into Japan?
- Q5 What are the procedures for establishing a presence in Japan?
- Q6 What does it cost to set up an office in Japan?
- Q7 Are there special location in Japan which have incentives to invest?
- Q8 How can I (we) find services to set up a business in Japan?
- Q9 How can I (we) find a Japanese partner company?
Q1 What is foreign direct investment (FDI)?
In this website, foreign direct investment (FDI) refers to a company in a given country transferring capital internationally, for example, by establishing a subsidiary, branch, or factory in a foreign country, or by acquiring stock in a company with the goal of participating in management or forming a technology tie-up.
One of the Japanese government's major policies is promoting FDI into Japan.
Q2 What support services does JETRO provide to foreign businesses?
We provide all sorts of information, help individual companies to establish a presence in Japan, organize events, and more. Please visit the "Support and Services" section for details.
For further information on our services, please contact Invest Japan Division or the overseas and domestic offices nearest you.
Q3 What are the merits of establishing a presence in Japan and what fields are attractive to foreign businesses?
We list the "10 advantages to Investing in Japan" that summarize what foreign businesses can gain by setting up business in Japan. The section "Attractive Sectors" discusses six areas of possible opportunity for overseas businesses. These areas are automotive parts, retail, information and communication technologies (ICT), biotechnology, medical care, and the environment.
Q4 What types of foreign businesses are making inroads into Japan?
The section "Success Stories" introduces foreign businesses that have already established a presence in Japan and reports on backgrounds of how these companies set up and further developed their business in Japan.
Q5 What are the procedures for establishing a presence in Japan?
Our "Flowchart" will help you understand the overall procedures for establishing a business in Japan.
Or, visit the section "Laws & Regulations on Setting Up Business in Japan" for detailed explanations for company registration, visas and status of residence, taxes in Japan, human resource management, trademark and design protection.
Q6 What does it cost to set up an office in Japan?
The minimal capital requirements were abolished under the new corporate law took effect in May 2006. Therefore, there is no requirement for a certain amount of capital when incorporated, but various expenses for establishing an office will arise. Please visit "Model Case" page for details.
Q7 Are there special location in Japan which have incentives to invest?
In Japan, there are factory zones which set aside land for factory use, business zones which provide office space for specific industries and research institutes, and industrial parks. Local governments have enacted various types of ordinances and programs authorizing various kinds of incentives to promote investment in their regions.
Detailed information of each region can be found at "Regional Information".
In addition, the "Attractive Sectors" section also introduces several regions providing regional opportunities in the six areas for possible opportunity for foreign business activities (automotive parts, retail, information and communication technologies (ICT), biotechnology, medical care, and the environment).
Q8 How can I (we) find services to set up a business in Japan?
JETRO's Invest Japan Business Support Centers (IBSCs) can provide you with information on company registration, visa applications, tax procedures, and labor procedures. We can also introduce you to outside professionals who can create and submit the procedural documents on your behalf.
In addition, the section "Directory for Doing Business in Japan" is a listing of businesses and services that provide support for establishing a business in Japan, including relocation firms, extended-stay hotels and temporary staffing agencies.
Q9 How can I (we) find a Japanese partner company?
Search for business partners in Japan or globally via "Business Matching Database (TTPP)". You can search thousands of proposals by product or region, and register your company or product information for free.
