JETRO Japan External Trade Organization
Opening the Door to Business in Japan
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Investing in Japan

How to Set up Business in Japan

Provides an overview of the laws, regulations and procedures related to setting up a business in Japan, as well as an easy-to-follow Flowchart outlining the basic steps and a Model Case showing approximate start-up costs.

Laws & Regulations on Setting Up Business in Japan

Up-to-date guide on all aspects associated with setting up a business in Japan, from incorporation procedures and visas to human resource management and intellectual property protection.

Full textpdf(750KB)(October 2007)
(History of past additions/revisions/deletionspdf(65KB))
  • Section1: Incorporating Your Business
    Definitions and comparisons of various business operations; procedures and guidelines for establishing/registering each of these distinct operations in Japan.
  • Section2: Visas and Status of Residence
    Entry procedures into Japan, conditions and provisions that apply to various types of visas and working/residence statuses; the alien registration process; details concerning family members accompanying foreign nationals.
  • Section3: Taxes in Japan
    Aspects of Japan's tax systems most relevant to a foreign corporation/individual investing in Japan (emphasis on corporate tax structures, tax treaties as well as personal and consumption taxes).
  • Section4: Human Resource Management
    Japan's labor laws and regulations; topics include; recruitment; employment contracts; wages, working ours; work rules; workplace safety and hygiene requirements; resignation and dismissal procedures and Japan's social security, health and pension systems.
  • Section5: Trademark and Design Protection Systems
    Japan's trademark and design protection systems; registration validities, periods of protection as well as trademark and design registration procedures.

Initial Cost Estimation

Initial Cost Estimation
  • Model Case: Looks at the approximate costs of establishing two types of business in Japan, including everything from obtaining visas to real estate broker fees.
  • Flowchart: Simple outline of the basic steps involved in setting up a business.