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

Can I start a trucking 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.

VerifiedExact primary sourceLast checked: V2.5 framework reviewed

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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