For Those Wishing to Establish a Company in Okinawa from Overseas
To start a business in Okinawa, it is essential to have a correct understanding of the systems and procedures related to company establishment.
When overseas companies consider expanding into Okinawa, the required preparations and procedures vary significantly depending on the form of entry and the manner in which business activities are conducted.
This page provides overseas companies and foreign nationals considering business development in Okinawa with a clear explanation of the company establishment process, major forms of market entry, required procedures, and residence status.
Main Forms of Entry into Okinawa from Overseas
When expanding into Okinawa from overseas, the following forms of entry are generally available:
- Establishment of a corporation (such as a joint-stock company)
- Establishment of a branch office of a Japanese corporation
- Establishment of a representative office
In addition, prior to actual market entry, it is also possible to proceed step by step by engaging in business matching or forming business partnerships with companies within Okinawa Prefecture.
Characteristics of Each Form of Entry
The establishment of a joint-stock company (Kabushiki Kaisha) is the most common form of entry and offers a high level of credibility within Japan.
However, it requires capital funding and company registration procedures. In particular, when applying for the Business Manager residence status, a minimum capital of JPY 5 million is one of the requirements.
Establishing a branch office does not require capital funding and allows business activities to be conducted in Japan.
However, at least one representative residing in Japan is required, and registration procedures must also be completed.
A representative office does not require registration but is not permitted to engage in business activities in Japan.
This form is suitable for limited activities such as market research and information gathering.
Estimated Costs and Time Required for Establishing a Joint-Stock Company
When establishing a joint-stock company, the registration process generally takes approximately one to two months and costs around JPY 300,000 to 400,000.
If procedures for residence status are included, the overall process may take approximately three to six months, with additional costs incurred.
The specific duration and costs may vary depending on the nature of the business and individual circumstances.
Main Procedures for Establishing a Joint-Stock Company
The following procedures are generally required:
- Determination of basic company information, including company name, business objectives, and capital amount
- Preparation of the articles of incorporation
- Acquisition of a certificate of seal registration for the representative
(For overseas residents, a signature certificate issued by the competent authority in the home country) - Notarization of the articles of incorporation at a Japanese notary public office
- Payment of capital
- Application for company registration
- Submission of various notifications to tax offices, social insurance offices, and other relevant authorities
As these procedures require specialized knowledge, it is effective to proceed in cooperation with professionals who can provide multilingual support.
Residence Status to Consider When Starting a Business
When conducting business in Okinawa from overseas, obtaining a residence status is not required if only a company or branch office is established.
However, if business activities are carried out in Japan as a manager or administrator, the Business Manager residence status is required.
Generally, to obtain residence status as a business manager, the following requirements must be met:
- Securing a business office in Japan
- Investment of at least JPY 5 million, or
- Employment of two or more full-time staff residing in Japan
To obtain residence status as an administrator, the following requirements are generally applicable:
- At least three years of experience in business management or administration
- Receiving remuneration equivalent to or higher than that of a Japanese national in a similar position
Obtaining the Business Manager residence status generally takes approximately three to six months.ることが多いとされています。
Cooperation with Specialists Regarding Residence Status
Procedures related to residence status are handled by specialists such as administrative scriveners.
Through the Asia Business Network Project, it is also possible to introduce specialists related to residence status who can provide multilingual support.
If you wish to organize matters related to residence status together with company establishment, early consultation is highly recommended.
Consultation Regarding Company Establishment in Okinawa
- Considering expansion into Okinawa from overseas
- Wishing to organize required procedures and forms of entry
- Seeking to understand the overall picture, including residence status
The Asia Business Network Project provides information on company establishment and offers support through cooperation with relevant organizations and specialists.
Consultations are also available from the early stages of consideration toward business commencement.
Please feel free to contact us.
