🏢 Company Formation Support

For foreigners forming a company in Japan,Leave it all to us

Expert support for forming a stock corporation (KK) or LLC (GK). From corporate registration, capital payment, and notarization of the articles to tax registration and bank account opening — leave it all to WINNER BUSINESS CONSULTING. As fast as Within 2 weeks The company is established.

2-4weeks
Time required to form
¥330,000
From the formation fee (tax incl.)
14items
Required documents
500+
Success stories
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Entity-type comparison — which is right for me?
Stock corporation (KK) vs. LLC (GK)
Item Stock corporation (KK) LLC (GK)
Statutory DIY cost
(registration license tax, notarization, etc.)
About ¥250,000
(registration license tax ¥150,000 + notarization ¥52,000, etc.)
About ¥100,000
(registration license tax ¥60,000, etc.)
WBCG service fee (tax incl.)Formation only ¥385,000
Formation + Business Manager visa ¥880,000
Formation only ¥330,000
Formation + Business Manager visa ¥825,000
Days to form2–4 weeks1–2 weeks
Minimum capital¥1 or more
Visa application ¥5,000,000+
(after the Business Manager visa reform: ¥30,000,000+)
¥1 or more
Representative's nameRepresentative DirectorRepresentative member
Investor's nameShareholdersMembers (investing members)
Financial-disclosure obligationRequired
Official Gazette publication costs about ¥60,000/year
Not required
Notarization of articlesNotarization required
(about ¥52,000)
Not required
Social credibility★★★★★★★★
Ease of financing / borrowing★★★★★
Widely accepted by banks
★★★
Restricted at some banks
Equity financingCan raise funds by issuing sharesNot suitable
(requires consent of all members)
Who it's forBusiness Manager visa
Long-term growth
Fundraising plan
Small scale
Cost-sensitive at the start
Solo operation
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Eligibility: who can form a company in Japan?

✓ Eligible to form

  • Foreigners with a valid status of residence (any visa type)
  • Foreigners living overseas (remote formation possible)
  • 18 or older
  • No bankruptcy record
  • No Japanese nationality requirement, no Japanese address requirement
  • No language requirement (but B2+ is needed for a Business Manager visa application)
  • Single or multiple investors both allowed

⚠ Special requirements

  • Certain industries (finance, insurance, medical, etc.) need additional licenses
  • At least one Representative Director must have a Japanese address (abolished after 2015, but banks may still require it for account opening)
  • Business Manager visa application: ¥30M+ capital + one full-time employee
  • Minors (under 18) need a legal guardian's consent
  • Those currently serving a criminal sentence can't hold certain positions
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Required Documents for Formation
Check off prepared items; progress saves automatically
0 / 14 completed
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WBCG Company Formation Fee Schedule
Currency: JPY (tax incl.) · 2025.5.20 edition
PlanItemFee (tax incl.)
Company Formation
+ Business Manager visa
(Plan A)
Co., Ltd. (KK)¥880,000
LLC (Godo Kaisha)¥825,000
Highly Skilled Business Manager visa add-on+¥55,000
Company formation only
(Plan B)
Co., Ltd. (KK)¥385,000
LLC (Godo Kaisha)¥330,000
Corporate investment add-on+¥33,000
Additional support servicesCapital-receiving account rental *1¥110,000
Corporate bank account opening support *2¥66,000
File a business-opening notice with the tax office¥22,000
Various corporate-change registrationsQuoted separately (see §9)
Notes:
*1 "Capital-receiving account rental" is limited to our group company's payment service; handling fees are borne by you. The service continues until your corporate (or personal) bank account is opened.
*2 "Corporate bank account support" covers only the preparation of documents needed to open an online bank account. Identity verification must be completed by the company representative in person; account opening is not guaranteed.
*3 The above fees include administrative/judicial scrivener fees, transportation, government fees, translation, document retrieval, and domestic postage in Japan. Any additional costs will be notified separately.
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Quick cost estimator
Based on WBCG's official fee schedule
📦 Plan selection
A. Formation + visa (stock corporation)¥880,000
A. Formation + visa (LLC)¥825,000
B. Formation only (stock corporation)¥385,000
B. Formation only (LLC)¥330,000
➕ Add-on services (optional)
Estimated total cost (tax incl.)
¥880,000
※ Also includes administrative/judicial scrivener fees, transportation, government fees, translation, etc.
💬 Quick question via LINE
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Formation Timeline (stock corporation example)
Total time: about 2–4 weeks
Day 1
Sign the engagement contract & confirm requirements
An online or in-person meeting to confirm the company name, business purpose, list of officers, capital amount, and registered head office address.
Day 2-3
Company-name search & trade-name check
Search the Legal Affairs Bureau for identical or similar names. Once confirmed clear, proceed to the next step.
Day 4-6
Articles drafting & notarization (KK only)
Draft and finalize the articles of incorporation and book notarization. Notarization is about ¥52,000 and the stamp duty ¥40,000 (electronic articles waive the stamp duty).
Day 7-10
Capital payment
Investors transfer the capital to the representative's personal account (since the corporate account isn't open yet) and obtain proof of payment.
Day 11-13
Incorporation filing with the Legal Affairs Bureau
File the incorporation registration application and supporting documents with the relevant Legal Affairs Bureau. Pay the registration license tax in cash or by revenue stamp.
Day 14-20
Registration complete & transcript obtained
The Legal Affairs Bureau approves and the company is officially established. Obtain the certificate of registered matters (transcript) and seal certificate.
Day 21-30
Follow-up tax & labor procedures
Business-opening notice to the tax office, filing with the metropolitan tax office, registration with the pension office, and the Labor Standards Inspection Office (if you have employees). Plus corporate bank account opening.
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Annual obligations after formation
Avoid penalties and ensure long-term operation
PeriodRequired itemsReference cost
MonthlyBookkeeping, labor administration, and withholding-tax payment¥11,000+/mo (bookkeeping service)
Each AprilFixed-asset tax filing (if you hold fixed assets)Based on asset valuation
Each May–JulyConsumption-tax filing & payment (taxable enterprises)Depends on sales
Each JulyAnnual labor-insurance renewalDepends on headcount
Within 2 months of the fiscal year-endCorporate and local tax year-end filing
Updating officer registration (at term expiry)
Tax depends on profit
Registration ¥30,000+
Within 10 yearsOfficer-term renewal registration¥30,000+/case
🛡️ WBCG year-round support plan:Bundle bookkeeping, tax filing, labor procedures, and annual registration for a fixed monthly fee from ¥11,000 — no more worrying about penalties for missed filings.
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Pitfall Guide: Common Misconceptions & Compliance Risks
❌ Misconception 1: A "figurehead representative" makes the visa easier
Having a Japanese friend serve as Representative Director in name only while you actually run the business — Violates immigration law — at worst, status revocation + deportation. Immigration has stepped up investigation of actual operations in recent years — apply honestly.
❌ Misconception 2: "Borrow the capital, then pay it back"
Borrowing from friends as capital and repaying it right after formation — constitutes "sham capital (faked investment)," leading to criminal liability and cancellation of registration. Capital must be genuine, usable business funds.
⚠ Misconception 3: "An LLC can be upgraded to a stock corporation later"
Technically possible via "entity conversion," but it requires public notice, creditor protection, 1–2 months, and an extra ¥150,000+. If you already plan to scale, choosing a stock corporation from the start is more economical.
⚠ Misconception 4: "I can start operating before changing my status of residence"
Completing registration ≠ being able to start operating immediately. If your current visa doesn't permit the business (e.g., a student visa can't run a company), you must first obtain work permission or a visa change — otherwise it's illegal work.
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Corporate changes & corporate registration services
WBCG provides this in partnership with judicial scriveners Vista / Mikami / Takagi

All common post-formation changes can be handled together. We Osaka & Tokyo locations We work long-term with several judicial and administrative scriveners, including Foreign Exchange Act handling(registration for foreign shareholders/investment), andReal-estate registration specialistCorporate registration specialist, allowing us to assign the right expert for your case.

Change itemRegistration license taxWBCG service feeDocuments to provide
① Head office relocation (company address change) Within jurisdiction ¥30,000
Outside jurisdiction ¥60,000
Quoted separately Proof of new address, articles of incorporation, minutes of the shareholders' or board meeting, and a seal-registration form (if moving outside the jurisdiction)
② Trade-name change (company name change) ¥30,000 Quoted separately Shareholders' meeting minutes, new articles, and trade-name search results
③ Business-purpose change (amending the purpose in the articles) ¥30,000 Quoted separately Shareholders' meeting minutes and a new list of business purposes (see e-mokuteki.com for reference)
④ Officer changes (appointment, retirement, or addition of directors) Capital ¥100M or less: ¥10,000
Capital over ¥100M: ¥30,000
Quoted separately Acceptance of appointment, seal certificate (for new appointees), resignation notice (for those retiring), and minutes
⑤ Officer reappointment registration (reappointment at term end) Same as above ¥10,000 / ¥30,000 Quoted separately Shareholders' meeting minutes & acceptance of appointment
⑥ Change of officer's address ¥10,000 Quoted separately Proof of new address (residence certificate or residence card)
⑦ Capital increase / decrease Capital increase × 7/1000
(minimum ¥30,000)
Quoted separately Minutes of the special shareholders' resolution, proof of capital-increase payment, and public notice (for capital reductions)
⑧ Change in total authorized shares ¥30,000 Quoted separately Minutes of the special shareholders' resolution and the new articles
⑨ Equity transfer (transfer of shares / investment interest) Case by case Quoted separately Equity-transfer agreement, minutes approving the transfer, and the shareholder registry before and after the transfer
⑩ Real-estate title transfer (individual → company, etc.) Fixed-asset valuation × 20/1000 Quoted separately Sales contract, fixed-asset valuation certificate, registration identification information, seal certificate, residence card, and sales receipt
⑪ Dissolution & completion-of-liquidation registration Dissolution ¥30,000
Completion of liquidation ¥2,000
Quoted separately Minutes of the special shareholders' resolution, liquidator's acceptance of appointment, change notification, and the tax return for the fiscal year in which residual assets are determined
⑫ Entity conversion (LLC → stock corporation) ¥30,000 + ¥150,000~ Quoted separately Consent of all members, public notice for at least one month, new articles, and a new shareholder registry
📋 Engagement process (common)
①Fill out WBCG's change-notice form (company info + items to change) → ②Attach Company certificate of registered matters (full historical record)Articles PDF → ③WBCG provides a quote and assigns a judicial scrivener → ④You review and affix your seal → ⑤The scrivener files with the Legal Affairs Bureau → ⑥Change registration is completed (typically 7–14 days) → ⑦We deliver the new certificate of registered matters and simultaneously file change notifications with the tax office, prefectural tax office, and municipal office

✓ Particularly strong (Foreign Exchange Act)

  • Foreign Exchange Act notifications required for foreign shareholders/investment
  • Advance notification to the BOJ / Ministry of Finance (certain industries)
  • Registration of a Japanese subsidiary of an overseas parent
  • Registration of an overseas resident as Representative Director

⚠ Please note

  • Change-registration deadline: as a rule Within 2 weeks of the change; delays may incur a non-criminal fine
  • The seal certificate and certificate of registered matters must be issued within the last 3 months
  • For major changes (trade name, head office, business purpose), if stated in the articles, the articles must be amended at the same time
  • If you change the corporate seal along with the officers, a separate "seal registration" is required
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FAQ
Can a foreigner form a stock corporation alone? Is a Japanese partner required?

Yes — no Japanese partner is required at all.After the Legal Affairs Bureau abolished the rule that "at least one Representative Director must reside in Japan" in 2015, foreigners can form a stock corporation with 100% sole ownership and serve as Representative Director. However, if you'll apply for a Business Manager visa, having at least one Japan resident (a Japanese national or permanent resident) as a full-time employee makes approval easier.

Can I form a company remotely from overseas without a Japanese visa?

Yes.You can complete most of the process remotely from overseas. If needed, WBCG handles all local procedures on your behalf. After formation, apply for a Business Manager visa to come to Japan. Please note in particular:

  • The representative's personal seal must be mailed in advance or made on their behalf
  • The capital-payment account must, in principle, be a Japan-based account; use the representative's Japanese bank account or delegate collection to us
  • The incorporation application must be sealed before filing
Does the new Business Manager visa rule of October 16, 2025 affect me?

Yes, significantly. Capital was raised from ¥5M to ¥30M or more; new requirements were added, including a full-time hiring obligation and Japanese B2 or above. Existing visa holders have until October 16, 2028 renewals are still covered by transitional measures. For details, see Latest News

How should I choose my fiscal year-end (business year)?

Japanese law doesn't mandate it; you may choose freely. Most companies choose March or December. But from a tax-saving view, we recommend:

  • Choose your slow season as the fiscal year-end (easier inventory, avoids the busy season)
  • Make the first fiscal year as close to 12 months as possible (choose the month farthest from your formation date)
  • Avoid the unfavorable timing of the consumption-tax base-period switch

At contract time, WBCG gives specific advice based on your business characteristics.

How soon after formation can I actually start operating?

You can start operating once registration is done, but full readiness takes another 1–2 weeks:

  • Corporate bank account opening (foreign shareholders typically face a 2–4 week review)
  • Business-opening notice to the tax office (within 2 months of formation)
  • Industry-specific permits (e.g., food service, brokerage, import/export)
  • Hiring workers: enrollment in labor insurance

WBCG can handle these procedures in parallel so you can start operating as soon as possible.

Can an LLC be converted into a stock corporation later?

Yes, but it's not cheap.You can convert an LLC into a stock corporation via "entity conversion," but you'll need:

  • Consent of all members
  • Public notice and creditor-protection procedures (1+ month)
  • Re-file incorporation

Costs about ¥150,000+ and takes 2–3 months. If you plan to scale early on, forming a stock corporation outright is more economical.

How much capital is appropriate? Does it affect taxes?

Capital is more than a "formation threshold" — it has a major impact on taxes and credibility:

  • ¥10M or more: you become a consumption-tax taxable enterprise in years 1–2 (no exemption benefit)
  • Under ¥10M: you may enjoy a consumption-tax exemption for the first 2 years (depending on sales)
  • ¥30M or more: new Business Manager visa requirements
  • ¥50M or more: some industry licenses and bank financing are easier to obtain

We recommend weighing tax benefits vs. credibility vs. visa requirements together. WBCG can run a case-by-case estimate.

Does the "registered head office" require a physical office?

Registration only needs an address, not physical space. Common options:

  • Register at home: cheapest, but your lease may forbid it and neighbors may object
  • Virtual office: ¥3,000–10,000/mo, including a business address + mail forwarding
  • Shared Office; physical desks + meeting rooms available. WBCG's own W.SHARE Visa-ready plans offered at our Ginza / Kitahama locations

But note: if you apply for a Business Manager visa, Immigration usually requires Private office + company signage; a virtual office won't qualify.

🚀 Ready to start your business journey in Japan?

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