Plan before you incorporate
What does it really cost to start a company in Japan?
Estimate company setup, visa readiness and runway in one place. Built for foreign founders comparing a G.K., K.K. or startup visa route.
Based on current Immigration Services Agency and JETRO guidance. Estimates only—not legal or immigration advice.
Build your scenario
The important distinction
Capital is not the same as cost.
Visa capital threshold
For the current Business Manager route, qualifying paid-in capital must generally be available to the company. It is not automatically “spent” at incorporation.
Statutory formation
Registration, articles and seals vary by entity and filing method. Professional support is separate.
Operating runway
Office, payroll, employer contributions and professional services usually drive the real first-year burn.
Decision guides
Understand each moving part.
Business Manager Visa requirements
Run the current capital, staffing, experience and language gates.
Read guide →02G.K. vs K.K. cost comparison
Compare formation overhead, governance and how each structure is perceived.
Compare →03Japan Startup Visa route
See how municipality-backed preparation differs from residence status.
Explore route →04Full first-year cost model
Separate capital, one-time setup, company burn and personal relocation.
View model →