Starting a business in Japan? You’ll need a Corporate Number (法人番号) before you can open a bank account, file taxes, or sign most business contracts. We’ve helped over 100 foreign businesses navigate this process, and in this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to secure yours – without the confusion or delays that trap most newcomers.
Key Takeaways
| What is a Corporate Number? | A 13-digit unique identifier assigned to registered corporations in Japan. |
| Eligibility | Required for corporations, government organs, and associations involved in tax filings. |
| Process | 1. Designate (after company registration) 2. Publish (public info available) 3. Notify (notification sent to company) |
| Required Information | Corporate classification, representative name, and establishment date. |
| Publication Site | Access and download corporate information publicly. |
| When to Seek Help | 1. Designate (after company registration) 2. Published (public info available) 3. Notify (notification sent to company) |
Why Your Corporate Number is Non-Negotiable in 2025
Think of your Corporate Number (法人番号 – hōjin bangō) as your business’s digital passport in Japan. Without it, you’re essentially invisible to the Japanese business ecosystem.
This 13-digit identifier isn’t just another bureaucratic requirement – it’s your key to:
- Opening a corporate bank account (impossible without it at major banks)
- Filing taxes and claiming refunds (the e-Tax system requires it)
- Signing contracts with Japanese companies (they need it for their compliance)
- Accessing 135+ government services through the new gBizID single sign-on system
- Building business credibility (Japanese partners verify your legitimacy through it)
The Million Dollar Question: Corporate Number vs. My Number
Here’s what confuses 90% of our clients: Japan has TWO identification systems, and mixing them up can cause serious problems.
Corporate Number (法人番号)
- 13 digits
- Completely public – anyone can look it up
- For businesses only
- Published online immediately after assignment
- Used freely in all business transactions
My Number (マイナンバー)
- 12 digits
- Strictly confidential – illegal to share without authorization
- For individuals only
- Heavy penalties for misuse (up to ¥2 million fine)
- Never used for corporate purposes
Pro tip: If someone asks for your “number” in a business context, they mean Corporate Number. If it’s for personal taxes or employment, they mean My Number.
Who Gets a Corporate Number (And Who Doesn’t)
You WILL Get One Automatically If You’re:
- A registered corporation (K.K., G.K., etc.)
- A foreign company with a registered Japan branch
- Any entity required to file corporate taxes in Japan
You WON’T Get One If You’re:
- Because only one Corporate Number is designated to each corporation, it’s important to note that certain entities cannot be assigned one. These include:
- Branch offices
- Individual proprietors (個人事業 – kojin jigyo)
- Limited Liability Partnerships (合同会社 – godou kaisha)
- Certain associations (defined by the Civil Act
Special Cases for Foreign Companies
Foreign businesses face unique pathways depending on their structure:
Scenario 1: Setting up a Japanese subsidiary → Automatic assignment upon Legal Affairs Bureau registration
Scenario 2: Establishing a branch office → Must register with Legal Affairs Bureau first, then receive number
Scenario 3: No physical presence but Japanese tax obligations → Must apply directly to the National Tax Agency with specific forms
Reality check: 73% of foreign companies we work with fall into Scenario 1 or 2, making the process relatively straightforward with proper guidance.
Watch the Tax ID Application Process:
This video walks through the exact steps to obtain your Japanese tax identification number, including required documents and pro tips:
Key Moments:
- 0:45: Required documents checklist
- 1:30: Where to submit your application
- 2:15: How to avoid common mistakes
If you’re unsure whether your business qualifies for a Corporate Number, we recommend reaching out to a tax accountant for guidance. Our article ‘Accounting services for startups Japan‘ has a list of trusted accounting firms that can support you with establishing your company’s Tax Identification Number in Japan.
Before you get your Corporate Number
Check if you’re eligible
Before you start thinking about getting a Corporate Number, let’s check if you meet the specified conditions. To be eligible for a 法人番号 (hōjin bangō) you must be:
- A person who submits tax returns in accordance with the national tax laws
- A person who is requested to provide a Corporate Number by someone who submits a tax return, by the national tax laws, as it is necessary for the information to be entered on the tax return
- A corporation with its head office or main office in Japan
If none of the above conditions apply to you, you won’t be eligible for a Corporate Number.
Prepare and submit a disclosure agreement
If you meet the conditions, you’ll need to fill out a “Notification to be Designated a Corporate Number and the Consent Form to the Publication of the Corporate Number or the like”. This can be downloaded from the National Tax Agency’s Corporate Number Publication Site.
Fill out the necessary information, such as the corporate classification, representative name, and date of establishment, and submit it to the NTA’s Corporate Number Management Office. If you decide to bring it to the National Tax Agency, the hours for submission are from 8:45–18:00, Monday to Friday, excluding public and New Year holidays.
Note: the disclosure agreement is only required for certain entities that haven’t automatically been assigned a TIN (Corporate Number) but meet the eligibility criteria.
The 3-Step Process: How to Actually Get Your Number in 2025
Thanks to Japan’s digital transformation initiatives, what used to take weeks can now happen in days. Here’s the exact process:
Step 1: DESIGNATE (Day 1-2)
Once you complete your company registration at the Legal Affairs Bureau, the National Tax Agency automatically assigns your Corporate Number within 48 hours.
What’s new in 2025: The system now processes registrations twice daily (10 AM and 3 PM JST), dramatically reducing wait times from the previous weekly batch processing.
Foreign company alert: Your documents will be in Japanese. We strongly recommend having a bilingual representative or service provider handle this step to avoid costly errors.
Step 2: PUBLISH (Day 2-3)
Your company information goes live on the National Tax Agency’s Corporate Number Publication Site immediately after assignment.
Published information includes:
- Your Corporate Number
- Company name (in Japanese and romanized)
- Registered head office address
- Date of establishment
Digital advantage: The site now offers enhanced English support and real-time API access, making it easier for international businesses to verify and share their information.
Step 3: NOTIFY (Day 7-10)
The official notification arrives at your registered address via mail. But here’s what most guides won’t tell you:
You don’t need to wait for the paper notification! Once your number appears on the public database (Step 2), you can:
- Start your bank account application
- Register for e-Tax services
- Begin business operations
2025 Digital Option: Companies using the one-stop online incorporation service receive notifications electronically through the same platform – no waiting for mail.
Breaking Through the Real Barriers Foreign Businesses Face
Let’s address the challenges you’ll actually encounter (not the theoretical ones):
Challenge #1: The Japanese Language Wall
The Reality: All official notifications arrive in Japanese only. The Corporate Number notification is 4 pages of dense legal Japanese.
Our Solution:
- Use the public database’s English interface to verify your number immediately
- Partner with a bilingual service provider for document translation
- Set up Google Translate’s camera feature for quick document scanning
Challenge #2: The Banking Bottleneck
The Reality: Japanese banks have become increasingly strict. Even WITH your Corporate Number, foreign-owned companies face 4-7 week delays in account opening.
Our Solution:
- Start your bank application immediately after your number appears online
- Prepare a Japanese business plan (banks actually read these)
- Consider digital banks like GMO Aozora or PayPay Bank for faster processing
- Build a relationship with a local tax accountant who can provide introductions
Challenge #3: The Verification Loop
The Reality: Many Japanese companies will verify your Corporate Number before doing business with you, but the verification sites are entirely in Japanese.
Our Solution:
Add this to your email signature and business cards
Create a one-page “Corporate Number Verification Sheet” in Japanese and English
Include a QR code linking directly to your NTA publication page
Leveraging Japan’s 2025 Digital Revolution
Japan’s Digital Agency has revolutionized the Corporate Number system. Here’s how to use these improvements to your advantage:
gBizID: Your Digital Master Key
This single sign-on system connects your Corporate Number to 135+ government services:
- Apply for subsidies and grants
- File all tax returns electronically
- Access business support programs
- Submit regulatory compliance documents
Setup tip: Register for gBizID immediately after receiving your Corporate Number. The verification process takes 2 weeks but unlocks massive time savings.
e-Tax Integration
The new e-Tax system accepts smartphone-based My Number Card authentication, making tax filing dramatically simpler for foreign business owners who struggle with traditional Japanese tax software.
API Access for Automation
The Corporate Number database now offers robust API access, allowing you to:
- Automatically verify business partners
- Integrate verification into your CRM
- Build Japanese-compliant invoicing systems
Your Next Steps: From Number to Operational Business
Getting your Corporate Number is just the beginning. Here’s your roadmap for the next 30 days:
Week 1: Immediate Actions
- [ ] Verify your number on the NTA public site
- [ ] Start your corporate bank account application
- [ ] Register for gBizID access
Week 2: Digital Setup
- [ ] Complete e-Tax registration
- [ ] Set up electronic certificate for digital signatures
- [ ] Apply for relevant business licenses using your Corporate Number
Week 3: Compliance Foundation
- [ ] Engage a local tax accountant
- [ ] Set up your accounting system with Corporate Number integration
- [ ] Create templates for tax-compliant invoices
Week 4: Growth Preparation
- [ ] Research applicable subsidies and grants
- [ ] Build relationships with key service providers
- [ ] Establish corporate credit with your number
Common Mistakes That Will Waste Your Time (And How to Avoid Them)
Mistake #1: Waiting for the Paper Notification
Lost weeks: 1-2 Fix: Use the online database immediately after publication
Mistake #2: Using Personal Guarantees Instead of Corporate Number
Lost credibility: Significant Fix: Always use your Corporate Number for business transactions
Mistake #3: Confusing Corporate Number with Company Registration Number
Lost time in corrections: 3-5 days Fix: Corporate Number = 13 digits for tax. Registration Number = For legal affairs.
Mistake #4: Not Preparing Banking Documents in Parallel
Lost weeks: 4-7 Fix: Start bank document preparation during incorporation
Special Considerations for Your Industry
Tech Startups & SaaS Companies
- Register for the IT Introduction Subsidy (requires Corporate Number)
- Join the J-Startup program for government support
- Access AWS startup credits through government partnerships
Import/Export Businesses
- Link your Corporate Number to NACCS for customs clearance
- Register with JETRO for trade support programs
- Apply for AEO certification to expedite customs
Consulting & Service Businesses
- Use your Corporate Number for qualified invoice system registration
- Access business matching platforms requiring verification
- Join relevant industry associations requiring Corporate Number
When Professional Help Makes Sense
While the Corporate Number process has been digitized, these situations benefit from expert assistance:
✓ You’re incorporating a complex structure (multiple shareholders, foreign parent company) ✓ You need same-day banking relationships (through professional introductions) ✓ You’re applying for immediate government contracts (requiring verified status) ✓ Japanese isn’t spoken fluently in your team (for ongoing compliance) ✓ You’re establishing multiple entities (requiring strategic structuring)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use my Corporate Number before receiving the official notification? A: Yes! Once it’s published on the NTA site, it’s officially valid for all business purposes.
Q: What if I’m a freelancer or sole proprietor? A: You won’t receive a Corporate Number. Use your My Number for tax purposes, but remember the strict privacy rules.
Q: Can foreign companies without a Japan presence get a Corporate Number? A: Only if you have Japanese tax obligations. Most foreign companies need some form of Japanese registration first.
Q: How long is a Corporate Number valid? A: Forever, unless your company is dissolved. Even then, the number remains in the database marked as inactive.
Q: Can I choose my Corporate Number? A: No, numbers are automatically assigned using a specific algorithm. The first digit is always a check digit for validation.
Take Action Today
Your Corporate Number is the foundation of your business legitimacy in Japan. With the 2025 digital improvements, there’s never been a better time to establish your business presence here.
Ready to fast-track your Japan business setup? We’ve guided over 100 foreign companies through incorporation and Corporate Number acquisition, typically completing the entire process in 7-10 business days.
Our comprehensive incorporation package includes:
- Complete incorporation handling
- Corporate Number acquisition and verification
- Bank introduction and support
- gBizID and e-Tax registration
- First-year compliance calendar
- English-language support throughout
Or download our free “Corporate Number Checklist” with all the documents you’ll need, timeline templates, and insider tips for avoiding common delays.
Final Thoughts
Even if you’ve already prepared your incorporation documents, registered your company at the Legal Affairs Bureau, and are now waiting for your 法人番号 (hōjin bangō) to be published, we encourage you to have professional legal and tax advisors assist you throughout this journey. This will help you avoid unnecessary delays and stay compliant with Japanese regulations. Once you get your Tax Identification Number, it’s worth investing time in learning about corporate taxes and ways to reduce them in Japan. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to make informed financial decisions, optimize your tax burden, and maximize your company’s profitability.
If you have any questions about the Tax Identification Number in Japan, feel free to contact us today!
