A step-by-step guide to incorporate in Japan

1. Choose an office location: Secure a physical or virtual office address.
2. Make a company seal: Create a corporate seal and register it with the Legal Affairs Bureau, along with the personal seal for each director.
3. Create Articles of Incorporation: Draft the Articles of Incorporation detailing the company’s name, location, business purpose, capital, and other important information with the founders’ seals.
4. Get notarized: Notarize the Articles of Incorporation at a notary office, prepare the necessary documents, and pay the required fees.
5. Deposit capital: Deposit the startup capital in a bank and keep the bankbook copies to prove the capital deposit when registering the company.
6. Register your company: Submit the necessary documents like the application for authority to do business, registration license tax payment, and Articles of Incorporation to the Legal Affairs Bureau.
7. Notify various government offices: including the local tax office, Labor Standards Inspection Office, Japan Pension Service Office, and Public Employment Security Office if applicable.