JAPAN : incorporation, setting up business, company setup

HOME > English Homepage > Setting up business in Japan > Licenses

Setting up business in Japan: Different types of company in Japan; Sole proprietor (kojin jigyo) in Japan; Different types of operation for a foreign company
- Representative office
- Branch office (shiten)
- Subsidiary (company established under the Japanese Law); Registering a branch office in Japan; Procedures and costs : how to set up a company in Japan ?; Required documents and the details to decide in the Articles of Incorporation; FAQ

Business Licenses: Certain types of business require business licenses in Japan

Visa and Immigration Procedure in Japan: Working visa, spouse visa, status of residence, Premanent Residence, Nikkei...

Living in Japan: Social Security in Japan
Taxes in Japan
Driving in Japan

Setting up an office / company in Japan

Business Licenses in Japan

It is often necessary to obtain Business Licenses or permissions from Japanese Authorities in order to operate certain types of business in Japan. Here are some examples :

Activities	Authorities
Temp agency, executive search	Public Employment Security Office
Restaurants, cafes, bars	Health Center (Hokenjo)
Confectionary	Health Center (Hokenjo)
Import and sale of alcohol	Tax Office (Zeimusho)
Sale of used items (including auctions)	Police
Import and wholesale of cosmetic products, medical products	Prefecture
Accomodation such as hotels, pension and lodge	Health Center (Hokenjo)
Public Bath (including spa and sauna)	Health Center (Hokenjo)
Hairdressing, barber	Health Center (Hokenjo)
Industrial Waste Disposal	Prefecture
Construction	Prefecture
Real estate agent	Prefecture
Travel agency	Transport Bureau (Un-yu kyoku)
Management of bars, cabarets, etc.	Police

In order to obtain these licences or permissions, it is necessary to satisfy certain conditions and provide various documents in Japanese.

We can help you to obtain Business Licences and permissions in Japan.

For more information, click here