What does SmartStart Japan support for business setup in Japan?

SmartStart Japan provides end-to-end support for setting up a business in Japan, including company registration, Business Manager Visa support, bank account creation, and help with business licenses and related setup needs.

How does the incorporation process work with SmartStart Japan?

The process is: (1) Reach out and share your business goals, (2) do a free consultation to confirm the right entity and services, (3) prepare documents in Japanese (including creating a Japanese stamp), and (4) submit documents to the relevant authorities and mail you the results.

Can you help with setting up a branch office in Japan?

Yes. SmartStart Japan can help set up a branch office, but you generally would not be able to apply for subsidies and loans. You can still apply for a Business Manager Visa.

Do I need a physical address to incorporate a company in Japan?

Yes. A business incorporated in Japan must have a registered physical address in Japan. This can be a rented space, an office address, or potentially your own home. For long-term visa holders, a virtual office may be used for incorporation, but using a home address can be complicated.

How long does incorporation usually take for a GK or KK?

Typically, incorporation takes about 1 to 2 weeks for a G.K. and 2 to 4 weeks for a K.K. (as stated on the page, as of 2025). Timing depends on complexity and how quickly you can provide the needed information and documents.

Can SmartStart Japan serve as a temporary representative director?

Yes. This is available as an additional service for an extra cost. The plan is to incorporate your business and then transfer the representative director title to you.

What are typical government fees for incorporating a GK or KK?

Typical fees listed are: G.K. around ¥60,000 in government fees plus ¥10,000 for the stamp, plus a ¥40,000 in-person filing fee (not needed if submitted online). K.K. around ¥200,000 in government fees plus ¥10,000 for the stamp, plus ¥40,000 in-person filing fee, plus ¥50,000 for the notary. Service fees are separate.

Can you help if I am from a country that is harder to approve?

Yes. The page notes an additional fee may apply (about ¥165,000 to ¥330,000) depending on the country to handle added complexity.

Can SmartStart Japan help with the Business Manager Visa after incorporation?

Yes. The page notes that applicants generally need ¥5,000,000 in capital and a private office, and that in some cases a home office or a house may be used to help meet office or capital requirements depending on the situation.

Can you help with the Startup Visa?

Yes. The page notes that Startup Visa rules depend on the city and you may be referred to a partner depending on location. It also notes Startup Visa programs are aimed at tech or high-growth startups rather than standard businesses.

How long does it take to get a Business Manager Visa after incorporating?

The page states it can take around 4 to 7 months (based on May 2025 data) and that the visa application typically starts after the company has been incorporated.

What other services can SmartStart Japan help with after incorporation?

Examples listed include help with bank loans (including JFC loans), business licenses, bank account creation, annual financial statements and corporate tax filings, and filings related to FEFTA and CFC.

What are the Business Manager Visa requirements in Japan?

The page lists key requirements including: a Japanese company with at least ¥5,000,000 in capital, a physical private office space (co-working and virtual offices are not accepted), a business plan in Japanese with a revenue forecast, proof of company registration (including lease contract and related documents), and up-to-date personal documents such as a passport copy and resume.

Can I apply for a Business Manager Visa before incorporating my company?

No. The page states you must incorporate your business in Japan before applying for the Business Manager Visa, because immigration requires a legally registered entity such as a Godo Kaisha (GK) or Kabushiki Kaisha (KK).

Do I need to rent an office before applying for the Business Manager Visa?

Yes. The page states a dedicated physical office is mandatory. Shared or virtual offices are not accepted, and a home office is only considered under specific zoning and compliance conditions. The lease is typically under the company name and often for at least one year.

Can I use a shared or virtual office for my Business Manager Visa application?

No. The page states shared offices and virtual offices do not meet the requirements. You must lease a private, dedicated office space under your company name. A home office may be accepted only in certain cases if it meets strict rules.

How long does the Business Manager Visa process take?

The page describes preparation and document gathering as about 2 to 4 weeks, immigration review as about 2 to 3 months on the short end and 4 to 7 months on the long end, for a total time of about 3 to 9 months overall.

How long does it take from incorporation to Business Manager Visa approval?

The page states the total process from incorporating your company to receiving the Business Manager Visa typically takes about 4 to 8 months, depending on document quality and immigration workload.

Can I apply for a Business Manager Visa from overseas or while on a tourist visa?

Yes. The page states it is possible to apply either from outside Japan or while temporarily in Japan on a tourist visa, but you need to incorporate before applying. It also notes you will typically need to leave Japan and then use the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to enter.

Can I bring my family with me on a Business Manager Visa?

Yes. The page states that after approval, a spouse and dependent children can apply for dependent visas to live in Japan with you.

What happens if my Business Manager Visa is rejected?

The page states rejections are uncommon when applications are prepared properly. If denied, the approach described is to review immigration feedback and decide whether to reapply or appeal. It notes common issues include incomplete documentation or office-related concerns.

Do I need to register for taxes and social insurance after getting the Business Manager Visa?

Yes. The page states you must register with the local tax office and enroll in Japan’s social insurance system after your company is established and the visa is approved. If you hire employees, payroll and labor filings are also required.

What does SmartStart Japan handle for Business Manager Visa support?

The page describes done-for-you support including: preparing and translating required documents (such as a business plan, office lease contract, capital verification, company registry, organizational chart, and background documents), helping you find and verify a compliant office (including remotely), submitting the application and communicating with immigration, responding to additional requests, and post-visa help such as resident registration and bank account support.

Incorporation & Business Manager Visa · Tokyo

We Help Start and Support Businesses in Japan

At SmartStart Japan we help small businesses, startups, and even foreign corporations with incorporation in Japan, government subsidies and loans, and expansion in the Japanese Market.

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Years Experience

100+

Companies Incorporated

Business Manager Visas

Industries Served

Setting Up and Growing a Company in Japan Can Be Complicated and Expensive

We offer good quality services for a great price and can help you in a wide range of areas. There are amazing full-service agencies that are great for multinational companies, but can be quite expensive and you don't need that level of service. On the other hand, super cheap services under-deliver and waste time and cost you money.

Our middle tier solutions can not only help with incorporation in Japan, but also raise additional capital and generate more leads and sales

Trusted Across Borders

We've helped more than 120+ companies from 15+ countries

INCORPORATION SUPPORT SERVICE

SmartStart Japan

Let us handle your incorporation setup, government subsidies, and get you compliant and ready to start in as little as 2 weeks.

Your KK, GK, or branch office registered and ready.
Your Business Manager Visa processed, with temporary director service included.
Your post-incorporation tax notifications and year-end filings, handled.
Your employee welfare registrations set up, with employee grants applied for.

Learn about Incorporation Services

back office support from Launch Lab Japan

Government Subsidies & Loans Support

SmartBoost

Want a small business subsidy to invest in sales and marketing? Want a subsidy for research? We can help you with that and even getting a government backed loan.

10 Million Yen Subsidy From Government

More Than 15 Loans Approved

More Than 40 Subsidies Approved

Native Level English Support

See If You Qualify for a Subsidy

Sales & Marketing for The Japan Market

SmartGrowth

Looking to get more leads and expand sales from the Japanese or English speaking market? We have courses on sales, and provide hands on marketing services to scale your business.

Sales Courses on Japan

for creating a marketing & sales deck, trade shows, and more.

Website Creation

Let us create your B2B or B2C website. Many of our sites rank on SEO.

Revenue Growth Peer Coaching

Join other foreign business owners who want to get more sales and leads.

1 on 1 Marketing & Sales Advisory

more 2nd meetings, more deals, and ways to grow leads or improve quality.

Learn More about Agency Services

Get off to a Smart Start in Japan. Let our services guide your way.

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TESTIMONIALS

Hear From Our Clients

At SmartStart Japan, we help you get incorporated, secure business-boosting subsidies and loans, and accelerate your growth through effective sales and marketing strategies.
Let us support your business journey every step of the way.

Navigating the process of starting a business and applying for the Business Manager Visa in Japan felt complex and daunting. TJ made it manageable by providing clear, step-by-step guidance, ensuring my GK entity was established smoothly. His expertise continues to guide me through the visa process with an easy-to-follow roadmap. TJ's responsiveness and dedication to my specific needs have been invaluable, and I highly recommend him for anyone starting a business in Japan.

Daniel Stokes
Insuri Shield G.K.

Starting a business in Japan while living on a U.S. military base felt incredibly complicated, almost like being in two places at once! I honestly didn't know where to begin. Then I found Tyson and TJ. They were quick to respond and provided insightful guidance, truly understanding my unique situation. Their support was a game-changer, giving me the confidence to build something real and lasting, even from that unusual starting point. They patiently walked me through every step, helping me set up my company and plan for life after the base.

Maricel Demotts
Radiant Ascent G.K.

Video Testimonial

Incorporating a tech company in Japan while based in Europe felt daunting, but TJ made the entire process seamless. With his support, we successfully set up our G.K. in Kyoto. What stood out most was the care and communication. TJ guided us through every step, stayed on top of every detail, and answered questions before we even knew to ask. It felt less like a standard legal service and more like having a dedicated advisor who genuinely cared about our security and success.

Filip Pradella
WeGuide AI G.K.

Video Testimonial

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Unlock the potential of your business with our SmartStart services for startups, and small to medium size companies.

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MEET THE TEAM

About Us

Co-Founder | USA

Tyson Batino

Tyson Batino is a resident mentor for 500 Global and is advising 35 companies on scaling their business in Japan by upgrading their marketing, sales, team, and operations. He founded SmartStart Japan to solve the problem he saw first: most foreign founders get stuck before they even have a company, stalled by incorporation paperwork and the Business Manager Visa process.

Co-Founder | Japan

TJ Yoon

Born in Japan. TJ served as an interpreter for the UN and is bringing his native level Japanese and English to help foreigners incorporate and thrive in Japan. He has successfully incorporated more than 120 companies and more than 40 loan and subsidies applications. TJ can help guide you through the incorporation process and more.

Marketing | Hong Kong

Hei-Kin Wong

Heikin leads marketing and operations for SmartStart Japan, working directly with founders on incorporation, subsidies, and visa questions from first inquiry through setup. A graduate of Temple University Japan, he's based in Tokyo and often out at startup events.

Incorporation & Business Manager Visa · Tokyo

We Help Start and Support Businesses in Japan