Japan Company Establishment Costs for Foreigners: Complete Guide 2025

When establishing a company in Japan, the cost is the most concerning issue for foreigners. As of 2025, various expenses are incurred when a foreigner establishes a company in Japan. Accurately understanding the diverse costs, such as capital, registration fees, accountant fees, and registration fees to the Legal Affairs Bureau, is the first step to a successful company establishment. This article provides a detailed explanation of the costs incurred when a foreigner establishes a company in Japan, and we recommend utilizing Check Visa Eligibility to simultaneously check the possibility of obtaining a visa.

Basic Cost Structure for Establishing a Company in Japan

The basic costs for establishing a company in Japan mainly consist of the following items. Firstly, "Capital," secondly, "Registration Fees," thirdly, "Accountant Fees," and fourthly, "Registration Fees to the Legal Affairs Bureau." These costs vary depending on the size and type of company, but generally, at least 500,000 to 1,000,000 yen is required.

Capital Setting and Costs

Regarding capital, as of 2025, it is possible to establish a company with as little as 1 yen. However, practically speaking, if the purpose is to obtain a visa, it is recommended to prepare a capital of at least 5 million yen or more. This is because sufficient business funds are required as a requirement for obtaining a business manager visa.

Registration Fees and Registration Fees to the Legal Affairs Bureau

Regarding registration fees, a registration license tax of 150,000 yen (in the case of a stock company) will be charged to the Legal Affairs Bureau. In addition, approximately 50,000 yen will be charged for the certification fee of the articles of incorporation. These costs are required when establishing a company.

Expenses and Points to Note Specific to Foreigners

When a foreigner establishes a company in Japan, additional expenses different from those for Japanese individuals may be incurred. Firstly, "Visa Application Fee," secondly, "Status of Residence Change Fee," thirdly, "Translation/Interpretation Fee," and fourthly, "International Remittance Fee." These costs are unique to foreigners and need to be added to the total cost of establishing a company.

Visa Application Fee and Status of Residence Change Fee

Regarding visa application fees, the application fee for a business manager visa is approximately 4,000 to 8,000 yen. In addition, regarding the status of residence change fee, if you are already residing in Japan, the status of residence change application fee is approximately 4,000 yen. These costs are not always incurred when establishing a company, but they are always incurred when the purpose is to obtain a visa.

Translation/Interpretation Fees and International Remittance Fees

Regarding translation/interpretation fees, translation of necessary documents and interpretation fees may be incurred during procedures at the Legal Affairs Bureau and tax office. These costs vary depending on Japanese language proficiency, but it is generally recommended to estimate around 100,000 to 300,000 yen.

Latest Trends in Company Establishment Costs in 2025 and Points for Saving

In 2025, company establishment costs are trending toward reduction due to the advancement of digitalization, which allows some procedures to be performed online. However, on the other hand, accountant fees and judicial scrivener fees are trending upward due to the increasing demand for highly specialized services.

Cost Reduction Through Digitalization

Due to the advancement of digitalization, the creation of articles of incorporation and the preparation of registration application forms can be done online, reducing some costs. However, it is recommended to seek advice from experts for parts that require specialized knowledge.

Cost Optimization by Consulting with Experts

Points for saving costs include: first, "Do what you can yourself," second, "Use only the necessary services," and third, "Get quotes from multiple experts." Especially when the purpose is to obtain a visa, it is essential to seek advice from experts.

First, Check Your Visa Eligibility for Free

If you are considering establishing a company in Japan and obtaining a visa, we recommend that you first receive a free visa eligibility check. Experts will analyze your situation in detail and tell you the accurate cost calculation and the possibility of acquisition.

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