Business Setup in Japan
Start Your Business in Japan with Safari Star
Expert Guidance for Seamless Company Formation
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Start Your Business in Japan with Safari Star Expert Guidance for Seamless Company Formation
Japan is the world’s third-largest economy and one of the most technologically advanced nations globally. With its highly skilled workforce, robust infrastructure, and stable legal system, Japan offers a strategic gateway into the Asia-Pacific region. Whether you’re entering the market for trade, innovation, or expansion, Safari Star provides complete support for foreign investors looking to establish and operate a business in Japan.
Why Choose Japan for Your Business?
Advanced, Innovation-Driven Economy
Japan excels in automotive, robotics, electronics, renewable energy, biotech, and digital services. It is a hub for high-tech industries and global R&D.
Gateway to Asia-Pacific Markets
With strong trade agreements and strategic location, Japan connects businesses to China, Korea, ASEAN nations, and the United States.
Strong Legal and Regulatory Framework
Transparent legal systems, intellectual property protections, and low corruption make Japan a secure place for long-term investment.
Government Support for Foreign Businesses
Incentives include:
Subsidies for office space and employment
Visa and immigration support for investors
Startup support programs in key cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka
Our Business Setup Services in Japan Include
Tax and social security registration
We assist with business incorporation, obtaining a business license, and approvals from Japan authorities.
Legal entity incorporation
Expert guidance on Japan corporate tax structure, VAT system, and compliance requirements.
Corporate bank account opening
Assistance in opening a Japanese business bank account and navigating foreign currency transactions.
Accounting and compliance
Support with branding, marketing, and business development in Japan.
Steps to Start a Business in Japan
Choose the Right Business Structure
The most common business entities for foreign investors are:
Kabushiki Kaisha (K.K.) – Similar to a joint-stock company or corporation; widely trusted and used by both Japanese and international companies
Minimum capital: ¥1 (recommended: ¥5,000,000 or more for visa sponsorship)
Godo Kaisha (G.K.) – Similar to an LLC; suitable for small businesses and startups
More flexible and cost-effective
Branch Office – Extension of a foreign company; must register with the Legal Affairs Bureau
Representative Office – For market research or liaison; cannot conduct sales or sign contracts
Register Your Business
Safari Star manages the full incorporation process, including:
Business name verification
Drafting and notarizing Articles of Incorporation
Deposit of share capital into a Japanese bank
Company registration with the Legal Affairs Bureau
Tax registration with the National Tax Agency (NTA)
Notification to local Labor Standards Office and Pension Office if hiring staff
Application for business permits (if required)
Open a Corporate Bank Account
To open a corporate account in Japan, you typically need:
Certified company registration documents
Representative’s resident card or visa
Company seal (registered hanko)
Business plan and capital source documentation
Safari Star works with major Japanese banks and fintech alternatives to assist with account setup. Initial capital must be deposited in a personal account before company formation, then moved to the company account.
Obtain Business Licenses & Sectoral Permits
Certain industries in Japan require additional licenses or regulatory approvals:
Import/Export License – Required for trading goods internationally
Food Sanitation Permit – For restaurants, food production, or retail
Financial Services Licenses – Required for fintech, crypto, and financial advisory businesses
Construction or Real Estate Licenses – For businesses in regulated sectors
Hire Employees & Comply with Labor Laws
Japan has strict employment regulations, requiring:
Register for employment insurance, health insurance, and pension (Shakai Hoken)
File with the Labor Standards Inspection Office
Prepare compliant Japanese employment contracts
Set up monthly payroll, social contributions, and year-end tax adjustments
Understand Taxation & Financial Compliance
Japan’s tax system includes the following obligations:
Corporate Income Tax: Effective rate of approximately 30% (includes local enterprise taxes)
Consumption Tax (VAT equivalent): Standard rate of 10%, reduced to 8% for food and newspapers
Dividend Withholding Tax: 20.42% (can be reduced via tax treaties)
Annual Financial Statements: Must be filed with the Tax Office and Legal Affairs Bureau
Accounting and Audit: Required for large companies; voluntary for smaller entities
Why Safari Star?
Safari Star offers professional accounting services and compliance support to keep your business on track year-round.
Japan Market Experts
Our multilingual consultants have extensive knowledge of Japanese business, legal, and immigration processes.
Full Business Setup
From company formation to tax filing and HR compliance—we handle it all, locally and remotely.
Visa & Residency Support
We assist with Business Manager Visa applications for foreign owners and investors.
Trusted by Global Clients
Safari Star has helped businesses from over 50 countries enter and thrive in the Japanese market
Key Industries for Investment in Japan
Technology & Innovation
Robotics, AI, IoT, semiconductors
Fintech & Digital Banking
Supported by open banking reforms
Healthcare & Aging Services
High demand driven by Japan’s aging population
Food & Beverage
Strong interest in international cuisine and premium imports
Renewable Energy & Green Tech
Focus on carbon neutrality and sustainable development
Education & Training
ESL, vocational training, and digital learning platforms are in high demand
Client Testimonials: Hear From
Our Satisfied Partners
Discover how Safari Star has helped businesses and individuals successfully
set up offshore companies in the UAE:
Akira S.
Director, SkyTech Robotics (Singapore)Safari Star helped us navigate every step of launching our tech firm in Tokyo. From incorporation to visa assistance, their support was flawless.
Laura M.
Co-Founder, Casa Verde Japan (Italy)Our entry into the F&B market in Osaka was smooth thanks to Safari Star. They handled our food licensing and staff registration with local authorities efficiently.
Omar A.
CEO, Horizon Trading (UAE)Establishing a trading company in Japan would have been overwhelming without Safari Star. They set up our K.K., opened a bank account, and registered us for taxes in record time.
Daniel W.
Founder, EduBridge Japan (USA)As an education startup, we needed help with visas, legal setup, and payroll. Safari Star covered everything—we couldn’t have asked for a better launch partner.
Fatima R.
Managing Director, MedNext Asia (Qatar)The healthcare space in Japan is complex, but Safari Star handled every regulatory detail for us. Their bilingual team made the difference.
Our dedicated local experts collaborate seamlessly to bring your vision to life
Amy Ai
Co-Founder & Chairman
Richard Kupce
Co-founder & CEO
Sara-Gargiulo
Marketing Manager
Denzil Dsouza
Tax Consultant
Anoush Khan
Human Resource Manager
Sultan Alhindi
General Manager
Hadeel Alsayed
Account Manager
Ibrahim Alhindi
Business Set up Advisor
Ananthakrishnan Saji
Account Manager
FAQ's
What’s the best business structure for foreigners in Japan?
Do I need to be in Japan to set up a business?
Can I sponsor my own visa?
What are the taxes I must pay in Japan?
How long does it take to register a company in Japan?
How can Safari Star support my setup process?
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
Take the first step toward building your business in Japan.
Let Safari Star handle the legal, administrative, and compliance aspects—so you can focus on strategy and growth.