Is it possible to set up a company in Japan even if I live overseas?

Royal Office Official
Dec 26, 2025
2 min read

Q: I currently live overseas. Is it possible to set up a company in Japan?

The short answer is yes, it is possible to set up a company in Japan even if you remain a resident overseas. However, there are systems and practical restrictions that are unique to Japan when it comes to setting up a company in Japan, and many people feel anxious, wondering "how to start" or "is it really possible in my situation?"

In particular, if you are planning to obtain a Business Manager Visa in the future, how you proceed in the early stages will have a significant impact on the results of the subsequent examination.

Practical challenges commonly faced by overseas residents

If you are planning to set up a company in Japan while still living overseas, you will often face the following obstacles:

I don't have long-term residency status in Japan, so I can't open a bank account.
I don't know how to transfer or deposit capital to Japan.
Office contracts and registration procedures require assistance from someone in Japan
If I am assuming a business manager visa, I don't know how much preparation I need to do to pass the screening.

Proceeding without fully understanding these issues may result in a situation where a company is successfully established, yet the visa application is ultimately denied.

Why we need "Japanese collaborators"

In order for an overseas resident to establish a company in Japan and obtain a business manager visa in the future, it is essential to have collaborators and experts in Japan .

This is because a short-term stay status does not allow for actual business management or contract signing, and many procedures must be carried out in Japan .

In addition, immigration authorities conduct a comprehensive review that focuses on:

Whether there is a genuine business presence in Japan?
Whether a sustainable management structure is in place?
Can stable business operations be expected in Japan?

These points will be judged comprehensively.

Therefore, rather than simply establishing a company, it is necessary to proceed with cooperation from partners who understand the practicalities and systems in Japan.

What makes Royal Office different?

Royal Office has extensive experience supporting overseas residents with company formation in Japan and Business Manager Visa applications.

Based on each client's situation, we provide:

Company establishment strategies designed specifically for overseas residents
Practical solutions for banking, capital arrangements, and office setup
Support for business planning and organizational structure, tailored to immigration requirements