Best Incorporation Services in Japan
Are you thinking about taking your business global? Japan, known for its culture of innovation and skilled workforce, offers a stable and rewarding environment for ambitious entrepreneurs to start their corporate journey here. However, navigating the complexities of incorporation can be challenging, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the process. This is where using incorporating services can make a huge difference.
Working with experts in Japanese markets and company setups will save you time and money and ensure a smooth start. With their help, you won’t have to worry about handling the legalities or navigating the language barrier. Incorporation services provider will ensure your company is compliant with all regulations, allowing you to focus on your core business objectives.
What to look out for when choosing the incorporation services?
While there’s a variety of incorporation services available in Japan, selecting the right one is crucial for a successful entry into the market. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the incorporation service in Japan:
- Experience and Expertise: look for a service with a proven track record of successfully incorporating foreign businesses in Japan and experience in your specific industry.
- Services Offered: ensure the service offers a comprehensive package that includes everything you need, from initial consultation to document filing and post-incorporation guidance.
- Cost Transparency: get clear pricing upfront and avoid hidden fees.
- Communication and Language Proficiency: choose a service with a clear understanding of the needs of foreign entrepreneurs and strong English and Japanese-language communication skills.
- Customer Reviews and Reputation: look for industry accreditations or affiliations if available, and research online reviews.
- Accessibility and Availability: consider the service’s availability for communication and support during your preferred hours. For instance, time zone differences between Japan and your location might be a factor.
- Network of Professionals: some services have established relationships with local lawyers, accountants, and other professionals, which can be valuable for your business.
Top 7 Incorporation Services in Japan
1. Japan Rocket Start (Launch Lab)
Japan Rocket Start is a fast and affordable service offered by Launch Lab that provides clients with tax filing, back office, and incorporation support. With a team of certified professionals and an experienced juridical scrivener with over 300 successful incorporations, Launch Lab will help you set up your business in Japan and ensure a smooth transition with post-incorporation support.
| Service fees | From JP¥125,000 |
| Incorporation time | As short as 3 weeks |
| English support | Yes |
| Visa support | No |
| Services | ◦ Document submission ◦ Back office setup ◦ Tax accounting setup ◦ Management sheet template (idea stage to IPO Cap Table) |
| Additional assistance | ◦ Chat support in English or Japanese ◦ Templates and guides in English ◦ Pocket CFO – taxes labor subscription (JP¥11,000 a month) |
| Contact form | https://launch-lab.jp/contact/ |
2. SME Japan
If you’re looking for a one-stop partner business service, then SME Japan is perfect for that role. Beyond helping businesses get started in Japan, SME Japan also offers professional support of over 20 years in accounting and tax services, as well as recruitment and HR.
| Service fees | Upon your enquiry |
| Incorporation time | Around 4 to 6 weeks |
| English support | Yes |
| Visa support | No |
| Services | ◦ Choosing the structure and the type of your future company ◦ Reserving company name ◦ Registering the company with the relevant authorities ◦ Paying all the necessary fees |
| Additional assistance | ◦ Office rental ◦ Start-up support and strategic consulting |
| Contact form | https://www.smejapan.com/contact-us/ |
3. Hitodeki
Through Hitodeki’s online incorporation system, you can easily register your company remotely from anywhere in the world. Hitodeki offers free membership registration and detailed step-by-step guides on how to set up your business in Japan cost-efficiently.
| Service fees | KK: JP¥2,200 GK: JP¥3,850 |
| Incorporation time | 1-3 weeks |
| English support | No |
| Visa support | No |
| Services | ◦ Online incorporation ◦ Trade name investigation ◦ Creation of electronic Articles of incorporation |
| Additional assistance | ◦ Incorporation guides ◦ Branch establishment ◦ Online financial statements ◦ Power of attorney |
| Contact form | https://www.hitodeki.com/form/inq.php |
4. Venture Japan
Another reliable incorporation service that is fast and offers all-inclusive competitive fees is Venture Japan. Initially known for its free Japanese business guides, Venture Japan has been successful in supporting its clients with incorporation and office registration, ensuring seamless setup and ongoing support for new businesses.
| Service fees | Upon your enquiry |
| Incorporation time | Subsidiary (one shareholder): 3-4 weeks Investment (multiple shareholders): 2 weeks |
| English support | Yes |
| Visa support | No |
| Services | ◦ Hardwood Corporate Seal ◦ Articles of Incorporation ◦ All filling fees and stamp duty |
| Additional assistance | ◦ Branch-office registration ◦ Incorporation checklist and setup overview in English |
| Contact form | https://www.venturejapan.com/contact-venture-japan/ |
5. Tetra Consultants
Tetra Consultants is an international management consulting firm that helps its clients expand their businesses globally, including Japan. With its expertise in both the Japanese and foreign markets, Tetra Consultants is a great incorporation service for those interested in setting up an offshore company in Japan.
| Service fees | Upon your enquiry |
| Incorporation time | Within 3 weeks |
| English support | Yes |
| Visa support | Yes |
| Services | ◦ Company registration with the Japan Registry Office ◦ Provision of Japan nominee director ◦ Opening a corporate bank account ◦ Tax registration ◦ Business visa application |
| Additional assistance | ◦ Document translation in your preferred language ◦ Annual accounting and tax services ◦ Incorporation guide in English |
| Contact form | https://www.tetraconsultants.com/contact/ |
6. Kreston ProWorks
Led by qualified bilingual professionals, Kreston ProWorks is known for its global outlook and expertise in helping foreign clients enter the Japanese market. Unlike traditional accounting and business consulting firms, Kreston ProWorks prioritizes flexibility, offering multiple incorporation options to suit your specific needs and successfully launch your business.
| Service fees | Upon your enquiry |
| Incorporation time | Up to 3 months |
| English support | Yes |
| Visa support | Yes |
| Services | ◦ Business license and visa applications ◦ Business structure selection and entity incorporation ◦ Accounting and tax management |
| Additional assistance | ◦ Introduction of professional services, such as lawyers, banks, and real estate agents (if needed) ◦ Virtual office and co-working |
| Contact form | https://krestonproworks.com/get-in-touch/ |
7. JMC
JMC is a client-focused professional consulting services provider in Japan that supports its clients with business formation and beyond. A team of bilingual experts will be assigned to your company throughout the incorporation process to ensure a smooth transition into the Japanese market.
| Service fees | Upon your enquiry |
| Incorporation time | Case-based |
| English support | Yes |
| Visa support | No |
| Services | ◦ Advise on the corporate structure for your business ◦ Provision of registered address (under some conditions) ◦ Provision of a questionnaire that outlines the main issues to be considered on request to corporate clients |
| Additional assistance | ◦ Office setup ◦ Resident representative services ◦ Tax registration and accounting |
| Contact form | https://japanconsult.com/contact-us/ |
Final Thoughts
Don’t hesitate to contact the incorporation services that caught your eye if you have any questions. Keep in mind that some companies may offer extra assistance tailored to your specific needs, even if it’s not listed on their website. For example, if they aren’t able to help you with visa applications, they can connect you with someone else who’ll be able to assist you.
It’s also good to remember that most incorporation services don’t include entity setup costs, which are important to consider when allocating funds for your business. To avoid unexpected additional fees, we suggest reading our detailed guide to get realistic cost expectations for your business setup.
