Establishing a branch or representative office in Japan
A company located overseas can set up a branch or representative office in Japan.
- Difference between a branch office and a representative office
- Establishment of a branch office
- Establishment of a representative office
Difference between a branch office and a representative office
The difference between a branch office and a representative office is whether they conduct business in Japan or not.
Branches can trade in Japan.
A representative office can NOT trade in Japan.
Establishment of a branch office
If you want to conduct business in Japan, you need to go through procedures such as registration.
In the case of conducting business as a separate legal entity from the company in the home country, you will set up a Japanese corporation.
Click here for detailed of incorporation in Japan.
When a company in the home country conducts business in Japan as the main entity, you will set up a Japan branch.
It is a little different from the procedure to establish a corporation in Japan.
A: Certificate of Incorporation and Capital
Certification of articles of incorporation and capital is not required.
B: Registration
Registration of the establishment of a business office is required.
C: The officers
The Company must appoint a representative (branch manager) of the Japan Branch.
It may be a different person than the representative of the home company.
Required documents: Affidavit of the registered matters of the company in the home country (Japanese translation must be attached)
After the registration is complete, the necessary procedures are just like the establishment of a company.
Click here for information on procedures after the establishment of a company.
Establishment of a representative office.
No special procedures are required to set up a representative office in Japan.
You don’t even need to register.
The representative office in Japan can collect and provide information about the business, conduct advertising activities, purchase goods for the home company, and liaison services.
If you want to continue to dealings in Japan, you need to appoint a representative in Japan and register it as a foreign company.
Until the registration is complete, you cannot continue to dealings in Japan.
