[Question]What formalities are needed if I wish to establish a company on my own? Are there any business start-up support programs?

[Answer]

First of all, you have to have a status of residence that enables you to operate your own company. If your resident status is either one of the following statuses, namely “long-term resident,” “permanent resident,” “spouse of Japanese national,” or “spouse of permanent resident,” you have no restrictions in your activities in Japan, thus your business operations pose no immigration problems. If you have more restrictive resident status, such as “Specialist in Humanities/International Services,” “Engineer,” “Skilled Worker,””Intra-company Transferee,” and “Dependent,” you have to change your resident status in order to operate your own business.  You can only apply for “Investment/Management” resident status that permits you to conduct business in Japan after you’ve actually established your own company. It is therefore advisable you do sufficient groundwork before you embark on a new business enterprise. If your resident status allows you to engage in any activity, however, you can choose the relatively easy option of sole-proprietorship.

Foreigners wishing to start their own company need to follow the Corporation Law in the same way as their Japanese counterparts. Depending on the line of work, you need to contact competent authorities to complete the legal procedures needed to obtain a license, register, report or get a permit. Check with the regulatory authorities for information to see if you need to go through such procedures.  

In May 2006 the new Corporation Law replaced the former Commercial Code and Limited Liability Company Law. Following the revisions in other relevant laws as well, you can choose the form of business from “joint-stock corporation,” ”limited liability company,” and “limited liability partnership.” To set up your own business, you may well consult with attorneys, judicial scriveners, administrative scriveners and other specialists.

Relevant central and local government offices and agencies provide information and consultation services and offer loans.

Here are some of the services you can access for business information.
1)      The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) provides information and consultation about trade and investment. 06-6447-2307
2)      Osaka Industrial Promotion Organization 06-6947-4375
3)      Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry International Section 06-6944-6400
4)      Foreign Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Consulate General in Japan
5)      International Business Organization provides business matching services for foreign business 06-6942-2674
6)       Osaka Business and Promotion Center provides supports foreign investors to Osaka 06-6944-6298

Loans
Start-up loans, small-scale business operating loans, and other regular business operating loans are available, depending on your resident status. Contact the Support Division, Financial Section of Osaka Prefectural Government for more information.