How to Register a Company in Japan: Options and Timeline

Foreign founders often ask how to register a company in Japan. The short answer is that you choose a legal structure, register it with the official registry, and then complete your tax registration and any licences your activity needs. Below are the registration routes ORBIZLY lists for Japan, with their typical timeline.

How do you register a company in Japan?

Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) / Godo Kaisha (GK) Registration. Typical time: About 2 to 3 months from final company details. Where this comes from: Adviser guides, because the office does not publish an official figure. Bank account opening can add weeks. Official page: http://www.moj.go.jp/EN/MINJI/minji06_00023.html

NPO (Non-Profit Organization) Registration. Typical time: Varies. Confirm with the registry. Official page: https://www.npo-homepage.go.jp/

Pick the route that matches what you plan to do. If you are unsure which structure suits a business that will hire staff, sell abroad or take investment, ask an expert before you file.

What do you need after the company is registered?

A registered company usually still has to complete tax registration and, in some industries, extra permits. In Japan these are handled by the following bodies.

Tax and goods and services registration: the National Tax Agency (consumption tax registration). Official source: nta.go.jp

Sector-specific permits: the ministry that oversees your sector. Official source: meti.go.jp

Importing goods: Japan Customs and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (for restricted goods). Official source: customs.go.jp

Exporting controlled goods: the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Official source: meti.go.jp

Should you protect your brand when you register?

Registering a company does not protect your brand name. A trademark does. Filing early stops someone else from taking your name in Japan.

Trademark Filing (Japan Patent Office). Typical time: First examiner reply averages about 7 months, then registration follows. Where this comes from: Official source: JPO Status Report 2026 (6.8 months for a normal first action). Official page: https://www.jpo.go.jp/e/

What is the next step?

Take the free ORBIZLY eligibility assessment to see which countries and programs fit your business, or book a consulting session to talk through company registration in Japan with an expert.

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Timelines change and depend on your business. Ask for a quote for your case. Confirm the details with the official source linked above or with an expert before you apply.