Starting a business
Can I invoice Japanese clients from an overseas company?
Yes, an overseas company can invoice Japanese customers, but repeated business in Japan can create Japanese registration, consumption-tax, withholding, permanent-establishment or licensing issues.
VerifiedPrimary topic verifiedLast checked: 18 Aug 2026
What you need to know
Requirements & exceptions
- The place of contracting, service performance and business presence matter.
- Some Japanese payers must withhold tax on specified payments to non-residents/foreign corporations.
- A foreign company conducting continuous transactions in Japan may need registration.
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.