Market & competition
Research customers, competition, prices and channels to define the plan.
GE · JAPAN
Japan entry & growth
From market research to entry structure, people, sourcing and operations. Choose support for each stage.
Six stages of Japan entry
- 01
Market & competition
- 02
Entry structure
- 03
Office & entity
- 04
People & permits
- 05
Sourcing & sales
- 06
Operate & grow
Entry structure
Compare operations, contracts, tax and liability.
Office & entity
Prepare location, representatives, registration documents, banking and accounting.
People & permits
Review roles, hiring terms, sector permits and residence status.
Sourcing & sales
Define suppliers, quality, logistics, labels and sales channels.
Operate & grow
Design reporting, customer support, outsourcing, improvement and growth.
Choose a structure around the business
Representative office
Preparatory work such as market research and information gathering. No sales activities; ordinarily cannot hold accounts or leases in its own name.
Branch office
Operates in Japan as part of the foreign company. Registration is required; no separate legal personality, and the head office is ultimately responsible.
Japanese subsidiary
A separate legal entity such as a K.K. or G.K. Coordinate incorporation and registration with accounting, tax, labor and immigration review.
JETRO · Types of operation in Japan
Also consider M&A, agencies and outsourcing
Compare acquisition, sales partnerships and outsourcing by objectives and terms, not an automatic ranking.
Connect each stage to the right support
Information to prepare
Head-office profile, business, customers, Japan objectives, budget, timing, hiring and permit/office requirements. An outline is enough to start.
Individual legal, tax, registration and immigration decisions or filings require the relevant qualified professionals and authorities. Scope, responsibility and fees are agreed before engagement.
Web consultation
Tell us what you are considering
Objective, budget and timing. You can start with your current situation even if some details remain undecided.