companies

While it is possible to set up a Japanese company from abroad, some of the requirements to establish a company become more difficult if the founder is not present in Japan.  Specifically, it can be quite difficult for the company founder to submit the required certificate of registration for their personal seal or find a company representative who is a resident of Japan.

A Gomei Kaisha is the Japanese equivalent of a general partnership. The partners represent the company and therefore any transfers of equity are subject to unanimous approval by all partners. Unlike general partnerships in other countries, Gomei Kaisha are incorporated, rather than contracted into. Hence, “pass‐through taxation” is unavailable, and partners cannot escape double taxation via profits and dividends.

Any company that has registered in Japan may obtain a Certificate on Registered Company Information from the Legal Affairs Bureau. The document officially certifies the company’s registration as a real company in Japan. It includes information about the company such as the company name, location, business purpose, directors and date of establishment among other things. This Certificate is normally required whenever there is a need to prove the authenticity of the corporation. Common situations that require the presenting of the Certificate include opening a bank account, filing notifications with administrative authorities, purchasing assets for which name registration is required (real […]