Flow to open KK

There are several steps to open KK company  in Japan. It takes 1-4 weeks normally to finish registration process. Let’s see how to move.

 

Flows for registration:

1: Research of the similar trade names

Legally it’s allowed to use the identical trade name to another company.  But it can be considered as an unfair competition and cause some trouble.  It’s better to avoid using similar trade name to well known famous companies, big companies, or companies located near to the head office of company to open.

We can do the research instead of you. It’s better to think 2 or 3 trade names before starting procedures.

2. Purchase a company seals

It’s required to register a company seal to Japanese legal affair bureau (Homukyoku). Registered seal can be used same as the signature of the director of company. For many procedures, it’s required in Japan.

Normally Japanese companies purchase 3 seals for their business. One rounded seal for registered seal, another rounded one for seal registered to the banks, and squared one for putting on invoices.

We can buy it for you, if you want. It  has price range depending on the numbers of seals to purchase, and their materials.

3. Prepare certificate of seal impression or affidavit of incorporators

Certificates of seal impression of initial director and incorporators (initial shareholders) is required documents for company registration. They are issued by Japanese ward office.

For foreign residents, affidavit or declaration notarized by foreign notary public is required instead.

4. Draft articles of incorporation

Articles of incorporation is a document which specify structure of the company, for example organs, business purposes, place of head office, shares, stock option and etc.

Basically it is prepared in Japanese language. With option service, we can prepare it in a bilingual form, Japanese and English.

5. Make the articles of incorporation notarized

Articles of incorporation must be notarized by Japanese notary public. Notary’s fee is about 52,000 JPY.

6. Decide location of head office

Location of head office is one of the registered matters. Normally you will need to rent a place to use it as registered head office.

Residential property can be also used as registered office. But if you need some type of business license, you need  to check its requirement. You can’t get some types of licenses if the lease agreement is for residential purpose.

7. Payment of capital

Incorporators pay paid in capital into a Japanese bank account of one of incorporators. If no one has Japanese bank account, an initial director or their agent can receive it on their behalf.

8. Application for the registration

It takes 0.7% of stated capital, but minimum amount is 150,000 yen, as registration tax.

9. Company is registered

It takes 3 days to 2 weeks from the date of the application. After it’s done, you can get company certificates of your company.

 

Procedures after the establishment

1. Notification to tax office

It’s required to submit notifications to the tax office which has jurisdiction over head office of the company. It is  about commencement of business. It must be submitted within 2 months after the establishment.

The date of establishment is not the date when the registration is done. It is the date of application for registration, as you can see it in company certificate.

2. Notification to Bank of Japan

If a foreign resident, including foreign company, acquire shares of Japanese company, he/she needs to submit notification to Bank of Japan. Bank of Japan is not normal bank. It is Japanese national bank, and something like government.

3. Creation of corporate bank account

You can apply for bank account. You need a company certificate to apply for one.

4. Apply for business licenses

Certain types of businesses require license to start related businesses. For applications for most of licenses, company certificate is required.

5. Apply for business visa

Company certificate is one of the required document to apply for visa. Also notifications to tax office must be submitted before working visa applications.