Here are some of the most common questionsＩget asked by clients who come to my office for advice on how to start a business.
Q1. I want to establish a Godo-Kaisya (LLC).
A1. Many of my clients choose a Godo-Kaisya (LLC) from the start because of the many advantages of a Godo-Kaisya, such as lower initial costs, shorter establishment time, faster decision-making because the investors and management are the same, and the ability to freely decide on profit sharing. However, there are some disadvantages, so I try to ask my clients to make a final decision after consultation with me.
Q2. How much capital should I start with?
A2. Currently in Japan, by law, a company can be established with a minimum capital of one yen. Please prepare the capital necessary for the size of the business and the operation of the company. Even if the company is in the red, the corporate inhabitant tax is at least about 70,000 JPY a year. There is also a registration fee for the establishment of the company. The tax rate can also increase based on a capital of 10 million yen to 100 million yen.
There may be also capital restrictions if you are looking to obtain a management and administration visa.
Q3. Can we use a virtual office for the head office?
A3. If the company running the virtual office is in a location where it can be registered, it can be registered, however, if you would like to create a corporate account, it would be difficult to create without an entity.
Q4. Business purposes
A4. (1) There are certain purposes for which permits and approvals are required after the establishment of the company, and they would need to be acquired.
I can introduce administrative scriveners who are members of One-stop Business Startup Kawasaki and they work with you to obtain the license and approval on your behalf.
(2) Prior notification under the Foreign Exchange Act may be required.
Depending on the purpose of your business, your business may fall under the category of an industry that needs to be notified in advance by the Foreign Exchange Law, in which case we will assist you in notifying the competent authorities through the Bank of Japan prior to registration of your business.
Q5. Do the directors have to be domiciled in Japan?
A5. A Godo Kaisha (LLC) or a Kabushiki Kaisha (joint stock company) can be established even if the directors don’t have domicile in Japan.
Q6. How to invest in the company?
A6. Basically, you need to invest in your personal account, and open a corporate account after the company is established.
Q7. What is the minimum number of directors?
A7. A Godo-kaisha or a Kabushiki-kaisha basically requires at least one person.
A Kabushiki-kaisha, if it has a board of directors, requires three directors and one auditor, however, if it does not settle a board of directors, it can be established with only one director.
Q8. When should the fiscal year be?
A8. There is no statutory starting month for a fiscal year, so you can start your fiscal year at any time.
Privately held companies usually have one fiscal year as their fiscal year.
You have to take inventory to close the accounts, so you can set it at a time when your inventory is low. Please contact us because each company has a different situation.
Q9. I’d like you to make a seal for me.
A9. I can order a reasonable corporate stamp for your company on your behalf. Please contact us for more information.
Q10. How long does it take to set up a company?
A10. It takes normally about a week to 10 days to complete the registration after you sign your articles of incorporation and other documents. After the registration, we will obtain a certified copy of the company’s corporate seal and a corporate seal certificate.
Basic Flow
Document preparation/sealing → capital contribution → (Articles of Incorporation authentication only Kabushiki-kaisha) → Company representative’s seal made → application for registration → registration completed
