CICan I Japan?
Can I Japan?/Starting a business/Can I start a delivery company in Japan as a foreigner?
Starting a business

Can I start a delivery company in Japan as a foreigner?

YES, BUT

Yes, but this is not just ordinary company formation. If the business transports goods by motor vehicle for compensation as a general motor-truck transportation business, the applicable MLIT operating permit is required. You must satisfy that sector requirement before operating, in addition to ordinary company, tax, premises and immigration rules.

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What you need to know

Requirements & exceptions
  • Ownership and permission to personally work/manage are separate.
  • Regulated industries need the relevant license before operation.
Documents
  • Identity documents
  • Business plan
  • Company documents
  • Premises/license documents where required
Likely cost
Costs depend on entity registration, premises, capital, sector license and professional support.
Where to act
Legal Affairs Bureau + sector regulator; Immigration separately if residence status is involved.
Official sources
General Motor Truck Transportation Business — Permit ApplicationsMinistry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism · Official sourceJETRO — Setting Up Business in JapanGovernment of Japan · Official source

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