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Business registration in Naha falls under national Japanese corporate law and is administered through the Legal Affairs Bureau in Okinawa. Filing and record keeping ensure your company name, registered address, and officers appear on public records. In Okinawa, local licensing and prefectural regulations can intersect with corporate filings for certain industries.
The registration framework applies to corporations such as Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) and Godo Kaisha (GK), as well as branch offices of foreign entities. Practitioners such as bengoshi (licensed attorneys) help navigate starting, expanding, or restructuring a business in this jurisdiction. For individuals setting up a sole proprietorship, you may encounter trade name (商号) registrations and related disclosures.
Because filings are handled at the jurisdictional Legal Affairs Bureau, the Okinawa region, including Naha, often involves coordination with the Naha District or Okinawa local offices. You should plan for document preparation, fees, and potential translations if collaborating with partners outside Japan. This guide outlines practical steps and legal concepts for residents seeking reliable counsel in Naha.
The core framework for business registration in Japan includes several key statutes. The Companies Act (会社法) governs corporate incorporation, structure, and filings handled by the Legal Affairs Bureau. It provides the modern foundation for corporate governance and registration processes in Japan, including Okinawa and Naha.
The Act on Registration and License Tax (登録免許税法) imposes fees for various registration tasks, such as establishing a KK or GK, or filing amendments. Fees are set by the type of entity and filing, and they are payable to the Legal Affairs Bureau at the time of filing.
The Act on the Use of Corporate Numbers (法人番号法) assigns a unique 13-digit corporate number to registered entities for tax and administrative purposes. This number is used across government portals and official reporting mechanisms in Japan, including Okinawa and Naha filings.
The Companies Act governs company formation, registration, and governance in Japan and is enforced through local Legal Affairs Bureaus nationwide, including Okinawa.
Source: Companies Act - e-Gov
Registration taxes apply to corporate filings and vary by entity type, as defined in the Registration and License Tax Act.
Source: Act on Registration and License Tax - e-Gov
The Corporate Number Act establishes a nationwide framework for corporate identifiers used in tax and administrative processes.
Source: Act on the Use of Corporate Numbers - e-Gov
Practical note: In Naha and Okinawa, you will typically engage with the local Legal Affairs Bureau for filings and with the Prefectural Tax Office for tax matters. Online filing options are increasingly available, aligning with national reforms to streamline processes. For authoritative details on these laws, consult the official e-Gov law texts linked above.
Business registration creates a public record of a company’s legal name, address, and officers. It enables the entity to legally operate, contract, and sue or be sued in Japan. It also determines tax and regulatory obligations tied to the entity.
First decide the entity type, draft the Articles of Incorporation, set up corporate seals, and prepare a registration package. Then file with the Legal Affairs Bureau in Okinawa, either directly or via a lawyer who handles corporate filings.
Common documents include Articles of Incorporation, register of directors or members, identity and seal verification, proof of address, and payment of registration taxes. Additional items may apply for foreign nationals or foreign entities.
A bengoshi is not always required, but many individuals hire one to ensure accuracy and compliance. An attorney can coordinate with the Legal Affairs Bureau and handle complex filings efficiently.
Typical filings take several weeks from document preparation to approval. Complexity, changes, or completed translations can extend timelines by a few weeks.
Registration taxes vary by entity type and filing. A common reference point is that KK registrations incur a higher fixed fee than GK filings, plus legal fees if you hire counsel.
Register with the Okinawa region’s Legal Affairs Bureau, which administers corporate registrations for the prefecture, including Naha. The filing location depends on the company’s principal place of business.
Yes. Foreigners can establish a Japanese branch or form a local subsidiary. This requires additional documentation and possibly residence or work authorization considerations.
Registering a 商号 can prevent name disputes and protect branding. It is advisable if you operate under a name different from your legal corporate name or as a sole proprietor.
Obtaining a corporate number is typically required for tax reporting and official interactions with government agencies. It helps unify filings across agencies.
Online filing has been expanding nationwide, including for many corporate filings. Check the e-Gov portal for the current online filing offerings in Okinawa.
A KK is a stock company with shareholders and a board; a GK is a simpler, member-managed form. Both types require different articles, governance structures, and filing requirements.
