Benefits of Online Registration
Register your company in Japan easier than ever with online registration—fast, affordable, and hassle-free. No paperwork, no in-person visits, and 24/7 digital access lets you register at your own pace. With low costs and no minimum capital, it’s perfect for startups. This guide covers everything you need to know to register your company online, step by step. Let’s dive in!
Understanding the Available Company Structures
Choosing the right business structure is one of the first and most important steps when registering a company in Japan. Kabushiki Kaisha (K.K.) and Godo Kaisha (G.K.) are the two most common options, each offering different benefits depending on your business goals.
Understanding these differences will help you make the best decision for your company’s future.
K.K. vs. G.K.
Kabushiki Kaisha (K.K.) – Japan’s most credible and widely recognized business structure, similar to a joint-stock company. It offers limited liability, easy share transfers, and strong investor appeal, making it ideal for businesses planning to scale or attract investment.
Godo Kaisha (G.K.) – Japan’s version of an LLC, offering flexibility, lower setup costs, and simpler management. Unlike a K.K., a G.K. doesn’t require shareholder meetings and is better suited for small to medium-sized businesses or solo entrepreneurs who want full control.
Both offer limited liability, but a K.K. is better for long-term credibility, while a G.K. is easier and cheaper to run. Your choice depends on your business goals and growth plans!
Want to know more about K.K. vs. G.K. and which business structure fits your goals? Check out our full guide on Setting Up a Company in Japan and get all the details you need to make the right choice!
Foreign Entrepreneur Considerations
Starting a business in Japan as a foreign entrepreneur comes with unique challenges and requirements. You may need a resident director, a business manager visa, and a physical or virtual office address for company registration. Understanding Japan’s business culture, legal procedures, and banking system is also key to a smooth launch.
For a deeper dive into the process and expert guidance, check out our full guides:
Setting Up a Company in Japan
Japan Market Entry Guide
The Online Registration Process
Can You Register a Company Fully Online?
Single-member K.K. and G.K. can be fully registered online through Japan’s Legal Affairs Bureau system. With digital documents and e-signatures, some businesses can be approved within 24 hours. A digital certificate is required, though complex cases may still need in-person steps. Japan’s online system makes company registration faster and easier!
Understanding Fees and Timelines
How Much Does It Cost to Register a Company Online?
Registering a company in Japan involves government fees, and costs vary based on your chosen business structure:
- Kabushiki Kaisha (K.K.) –The registration fee for a Kabushiki Kaisha (K.K.) in Japan is ¥150,000 or 0.7% of the company’s capital investment, whichever is higher.
- Godo Kaisha (G.K.) – Registration fee: ¥60,000 (no notarization required).
- Additional Costs – Depending on your setup, you may need to pay for legal translations, company seals, or professional support.
How Long Does Online Registration Take?
If your documents are in order, you can register a company online in Japan in as little as 24 hours using the Legal Affairs Bureau system. The system lets businesses submit incorporation documents online, making registration faster and reducing paperwork.
You can use the Registration and Deposit Online Application System (登記・供託オンライン申請システム) provided by the Legal Affairs Bureau. This platform allows you to submit incorporation documents digitally, streamlining the registration process and reducing the need for physical paperwork. For detailed guidance on how to use this system, please refer to the Ministry of Justice’s official resources:
- Complete Online Registration for Single-Member Companies
- Online Application for Commercial and Corporate Registration
These pages provide comprehensive information on the online company registration process in Japan. Since the content is in Japanese, you may need translation assistance or use a browser with a built-in translation feature.
Checking Name Availability
Before registering your company in Japan, you need to make sure your chosen business name isn’t already in use. Here’s how to check:
- Use the Corporate Number System – Visit the official Houjin Bangou website to search for existing company names.
- Follow Legal Naming Rules – Your name must include the correct entity type, such as “Kabushiki Kaisha (K.K.)” or “Godo Kaisha (G.K.).“
- Avoid Restricted Words – Certain words related to regulated industries (e.g., banking, insurance) may require approval.
- Check for Trademark Conflicts – Search the Japan Patent Office database to ensure your name doesn’t infringe on existing trademarks.
Once your name is confirmed as available, you’re ready to proceed with registration!
Understanding Capital Requirements
Japan has no minimum capital requirement to start a business, making it accessible for startups. However, the amount you invest affects your company’s credibility, banking relationships, and potential investor trust.
- Kabushiki Kaisha (K.K.)– Can be established with as little as ¥1, but a higher capital amount (e.g., ¥1 million or more) is recommended for credibility.
- Godo Kaisha (G.K.)– Also has no minimum capital requirement, making it a low-cost option for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs.
For a detailed breakdown of capital requirements and financial considerations, check out our guide Setting Up a Company in Japan.
Document Preparation and Translation
Registering a company in Japan requires key documents, many of which can be submitted online via the Registration and Deposit Online Application System (登記・供託オンライン申請システム). However, some, like the notarized Articles of Incorporation (Teikan) for K.K., must be submitted in person.
Required Documents & Submission
- Articles of Incorporation (Teikan / 定款) – K.K. requires notarization and physical submission.
- Company Registration Certificate (Toukibo Tohon) – Confirms legal status.
- Notification of Company Seal (Inkan Todokedesho) – Must be registered in person at the Legal Affairs Bureau.
- Bank Account Information – Needed for capital deposit verification; some banks may require in-person visits.
- Passport Copies & Residence Certificate (Juminhyo) – Required for foreign directors/shareholders.
All documents must be in Japanese; certified translations are needed for non-Japanese paperwork. For certified translations required for company registration in Japan, several reliable services can help.
- Samurai Translators specializes in business and legal documents, including notarization.
- Japan Translation Center supports over 30 languages with a large team of professionals.
- Gengo offers quick and cost-effective translations for various industries.
- RushTranslate provides professional Japanese-English translation services.
Using a trusted translator ensures your documents meet Japan’s legal requirements.
The Role of Personal Seals (Hanko)
In Japan, a Hanko is traditionally required for company registration, but electronic seals (e-seals) are now accepted for online incorporation. Using the Registration and Deposit Online Application System (登記・供託オンライン申請システム), single-member K.K. and G.K. can register with an e-seal and a digital certificate.
However, some steps, like registering the company seal (Inkan Todokedesho), may still require a physical Hanko. Always check with the Legal Affairs Bureau for the latest requirements.
Choosing an Online Service
A good online registration platform makes setting up a company in Japan easier by guiding you through document preparation, submission, and compliance. Many offer automated forms, legal checks and submission tracking, while others help with banking and taxes.
For expert assistance, SmartStart Japan helps startups and foreign businesses smoothly navigate Japan’s incorporation process. Our services include company registration, back-office support, and market entry strategies, ensuring a hassle-free and compliant setup.
Completing the Application
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Gather all necessary documents, including the Articles of Incorporation (Teikan), company seal registration (Inkan Todokedesho), and capital deposit verification.
- If registering a K.K., have the Articles of Incorporation notarized. This can be done digitally using electronic notarization tools.
- Upload and submit all required files through the Registration and Deposit Online Application System (登記・供託オンライン申請システム).
- Track the status of your application through the system to check for updates or any required corrections.
Post-Registration Actions
Once your business is officially registered, there are a few important steps to complete:
- Set up a corporate bank account – Required for handling business transactions and financial operations. Some banks may require an in-person visit.
- Obtain necessary documents – Collect your company registration certificate and tax IDs to finalize your legal setup.
- File required taxes and permits – Notify the national and local tax offices and apply for any necessary business permits.
- Maintain compliance – Follow Japanese business regulations, including annual filings, tax payments, and employee insurance registrations if applicable.
Completing these steps ensures your company is fully operational and legally compliant in Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Incentives for Online Registration?
Online registration offers lower administrative costs and faster processing and eliminates the need for physical visits. Some regions may provide tax benefits or subsidies for new businesses, so it’s worth checking with local authorities.
What are Common Challenges?
Entrepreneurs may encounter several obstacles during online registration, including:
- Language barriers – All official documents and registration portals are in Japanese.
- Document preparation – Ensuring accuracy and proper formatting can be time-consuming.
- Digital certification requirements – Obtaining and using a digital certificate for online submissions may be unfamiliar to some.
- Seal registration – While the process is online, some steps, like company seal (Hanko) registration, may still require in-person submission.
- Regulatory changes – Laws and procedures can evolve, requiring businesses to stay updated.
For bilingual support with company registration in Japan, services like VentureINQ, Venture Japan, Japan Management Consulting (JMC), and JETRO provide expert guidance on incorporation, tax compliance, and business setup.
Comparison with Traditional Methods
Compared to in-person registration, online processes are cheaper, faster, and more convenient. There’s no need for physical paperwork or office visits, and businesses can be registered in as little as 24 hours if everything is in order.
Conclusion
Registering a company online in Japan is fast, affordable, and efficient, with some businesses completing the process in as little as 24 hours. Single-member K.K. and G.K. can be fully registered online, though seal registration may still require in-person steps. Ensuring proper documentation and compliance, and obtaining a digital certificate will help avoid delays.
To make the process even smoother, double-check all documents before submission, stay updated on regulations, and consider professional assistance if needed. Don’t forget post-registration tasks like opening a corporate bank account and handling tax filings. By following these steps, setting up a business in Japan becomes simple and hassle-free.
