Starting a business
Can I be the sole director of a Japanese company?
Generally yes for a Japanese corporation: foreign or non-resident directors can serve, and a resident director is not universally required for incorporation.
VerifiedPrimary topic verifiedLast checked: 18 Aug 2026
What you need to know
Requirements & exceptions
- Practical banking, notarization, tax and address issues can still make a Japan-based representative useful.
- Foreign-company branches follow different representative rules.
Documents
- Identity documents
- Company/business plan documents
- Corporate registration documents where applicable
Likely cost
Company setup costs depend on structure and filings: registration tax, notarization where required, certificates, professional fees and initial capital are separate. Use JETRO/Legal Affairs Bureau figures for the chosen entity.
Where to act
Legal Affairs Bureau for corporate registration; tax offices and sector-specific licensing authority as applicable; Immigration separately if residence status is involved.