Complete Guide to Company Incorporation in Osaka 2025

Osaka, Japan’s second-largest metropolitan area and commercial heart of the Kansai region, offers unique advantages for international companies looking to establish operations in Japan. This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire incorporation process.

Why Choose Osaka for Your Japan Base?

Strategic Location

• Gateway to the Kansai region (population: 20+ million)
• 30-minute train to Kyoto, 1-hour to Kobe
• International airport (Kansai International Airport)
• Major port city with strong logistics infrastructure

Business Environment

• Lower operating costs compared to Tokyo (20-30% less)
• Strong manufacturing and B2B ecosystem
• Growing startup scene with government support
• Friendly business culture (“merchants’ city”)

Market Access

• Access to Western Japan market
• Strong presence in pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, food processing
• Growing tech and innovation sector

Step-by-Step Incorporation Process

Step 1: Choose Your Entity Type

Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) - Stock Company

• Minimum capital: ¥1 (practical minimum: ¥1,000,000)
• Best for: Larger operations, companies seeking investment
• Requirements: At least 1 director (can be foreign national)
• Registration cost: Approximately ¥242,000

Godo Kaisha (GK) - Limited Liability Company

• Minimum capital: ¥1 (practical minimum: ¥1,000,000)
• Best for: Smaller operations, subsidiaries, holding companies
• Requirements: At least 1 member (can be foreign national or company)
• Registration cost: Approximately ¥100,000

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

For Foreign Companies:

1. Certified copy of articles of incorporation (translated to Japanese)
2. Proof of company existence in home country
3. Board resolution authorizing Japan incorporation
4. Representative seal certificate (translated)
5. Passport copies of directors
6. Personal seal certificates

Timeline: Document preparation: 2-4 weeks

Step 3: Secure a Registered Office

Requirements:

• Physical address in Osaka (virtual offices generally not accepted)
• Written consent from landlord
• Lease agreement

Options:

• Dedicated office space
• Co-working space with registered address service
• Serviced office

Popular areas in Osaka:

• Umeda/Kita: Central business district, corporate headquarters
• Namba/Minami: Retail and consumer-facing businesses
• Honmachi: Financial and professional services
• Shinsaibashi: Fashion, lifestyle, and retail
• Tennoji: Emerging business district, lower costs

Step 4: Establish Corporate Seal

Required Seals:

1. Jitsuin (Representative Seal): Most important, registered with Legal Affairs Bureau
2. Ginkoin (Bank Seal): For banking transactions
3. Kakuin (Square Seal): For contracts and documents

Cost: ¥10,000-¥30,000 for a complete set

Step 5: Open Corporate Bank Account

Required Documents:

• Certificate of incorporation
• Articles of incorporation
• Corporate seal registration certificate
• Representative ID and residence card
• Business plan (some banks require)

Recommended Banks in Osaka:

• MUFG Bank (Mitsubishi UFJ)
• Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
• Resona Bank
• Kansai Mirai Bank (strong local presence)

Note: Opening a bank account can be challenging for foreign-owned companies. Having a local representative and detailed business plan helps.

Step 6: Submit Incorporation Documents

Submit to: Osaka Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局)

• Main office: Osaka Chuo Legal Affairs Bureau
• Branch offices available in各区

Required Documents:

1. Application for company registration
2. Articles of incorporation (notarized)
3. Payment of capital proof
4. Director appointment letter
5. Corporate seal registration
6. Registration tax payment (approximately ¥150,000 for KK)

Processing Time: 1-2 weeks

Step 7: Post-Incorporation Procedures

Within 2 weeks:

• Register with tax office (Kita-zei Office or relevant district)
• Register with pension office
• Register with employment insurance office (if hiring)
• Register with labor standards office (if hiring)

Within 1 month:

• Apply for consumption tax exempt status (if applicable)

Total Costs Breakdown (Osaka)

Kabushiki Kaisha (KK)

• Notarization: ¥50,000
• Registration license tax: ¥150,000
• Certificate of seal registration: ¥450
• Company registry: ¥600/copy
• Seals: ¥15,000
• Total: Approximately ¥242,000

Godo Kaisha (GK)

• Registration license tax: ¥60,000
• Certificate of seal registration: ¥450
• Company registry: ¥600/copy
• Seals: ¥15,000
• Total: Approximately ¥100,000

Additional Costs

• Virtual office/registered address: ¥10,000-¥30,000/month
• Professional services (judicial scrivener): ¥100,000-¥300,000
• Translation services: ¥30,000-¥100,000

Timeline

Optimistic: 4-6 weeks Realistic: 2-3 months With complications: 3-6 months

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge 1: No Japanese Resident Director

Solution: Appoint a local representative or use a corporate services provider

Challenge 2: Bank Account Opening

Solution: Work with banks experienced with foreign companies (e.g., SMBC Trust Bank, Prestia)

Challenge 3: Language Barrier

Solution: Hire a judicial scrivener (司法書士) who speaks English

Challenge 4: Understanding Local Regulations

Solution: Consult with registered partners experienced in Osaka incorporation

Osaka-Specific Advantages

1. Osaka Startup Ecosystem Center: Free consultation and support
2. Osaka Innovation Hub: Co-working space and networking
3. Kansai Economic Federation: Business networking and advocacy
4. Foreign company support: Osaka Business & Investment Center (O-BIC)

Recommended Partners in Osaka

Our platform connects you with verified partners specializing in:

• Legal and incorporation services
• Accounting and tax advisory
• Office and workspace solutions
• Translation and administrative support

All partners are experienced in working with international companies and provide bilingual services.

Next Steps

1. Determine your entity type based on your business model
2. Secure a registered office in your preferred Osaka location
3. Prepare required documents with certified translations
4. Connect with registered partners for professional support
5. Submit incorporation documents to Osaka Legal Affairs Bureau

Resources

• Osaka Legal Affairs Bureau: osaka-houmu.go.jp
• Osaka Business & Investment Center: o-bic.net
• Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Osaka: jetro.go.jp/en/invest

Need help with company incorporation in Osaka? Browse our registered partners who specialize in Osaka company formation and can guide you through each step of the process.