Start A Sole Proprietorship

​This article is aimed at individuals already living in Japan, who want to establish their own business in the country. 

Nevertheless, there are basic information and links to different sources within the article to help those who are planning to move to Japan and start their own independent business as well.

If you're considering establishing a company, you probably have something you want to sell; whether it’s a product or simply your time in the form of services. However, that doesn't mean you need to establish a company.
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Starting A Sole Proprietorship In Japan

​For people want to run a business by themselves, one-man business or Sole Proprietorship (個人事業 kojin jigyo), can be a good option.

It has many advantages over a company; for example the process for filing taxes is simpler and you don’t have to hire an accountant. You can also expense a portion of your apartment rent if you work out of it. A sole proprietor does not necessarily work alone - you can still employ other people, and of course self-sponsor your visa.

It is possible for anyone to set up a Sole Proprietorship at any time and there is no need for a startup fee. Except in the case of some outside employment prohibition created by one’s current employer, it is even possible for an already employed individual (salaried employee) to set up a Sole Proprietorship to bring in some extra income. 

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What Visa Do You Need?

To establish a business in Japan you will need to hold either permanent residents status (永住者 - Eijusha), long term resident status (定住者 - Teijusha), a "Spouse or Child of Japanese National" visa (配偶者 - Haigusha), a "Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident" visa (永住者の配偶者等 - Eijusha no haigusha tou), or obtain an "Investor / Business Manager" visa (投資家/経営者 - Toshi-keiei).

Detailed information about working and long-term stay visas can be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan "MOFA" website.

You can also read the details about laws and regulations concerning the immigration services on Immigration Bureau of Japan website.

Individuals who would like to start their own Sole Proprietorship are required to file a Blue Form called "Notification of Commencement of Business" (個人事業の開廃業等届出書 - Kojin Jigyo no Kaihaigyo Todokedesho) with their local tax office at their Ward / City within 30 days of the business’s establishment.

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Do You Need A Special Permit?

Depending on the type of business you decide to establish you will require one or few permits. Since the most common businesses which foreign residents in Japan decide to establish are, export-import trading companies, restaurants and language schools, below only related permits to those activities are referred to. 

• Exporting & Importing – While you don’t need permit for this type of business, you need to pay required customs tariffs for Japan, and in some cases the country you are exporting to. Make sure you know about related import/export laws in all countries involved before commencing your business. On Japan Customs website you can read about outline of export and import.
• Restaurant – To start a restaurant you require a permit from the Local Public Health Center "保健所 - hoken-jo", and if you intend to operate after 22:00 or serve alcohol you also need to obtain a permit from the Public Safety Commission "公安委員会 - koan-iinkai". For more information click here: Starting A Restaurant In Japan
• Language School – For opening a specialized private school a permit from the Ministry of Education is required, however no permit is needed to run an "Eikaiwa  - 英会話" or other types of after-school class.

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Register With The Post Office

If you are using your home address as your business address, you’d better inform the post office. You just need to fill out a half-page form at your local post office.  Adding your company name to the name and address of your residential mail box would help too.

Note: if you are living in rented property, it might be necessary to obtain a written consent from the property owner, especially if you have regular visitors. 

Taxes

You will be required to pay sole proprietor tax "個人事業税 - kojin jigyo-zei", income tax "所得税 - shotoku-zei", and residential tax "住民税 - jumin-zei".

Make sure to keep records of revenues and expenses as well as bills and receipts issued or received in relation to your business; at the time of filing your taxes they may ask for these references. For more details visit National Tax Agency Japan Website.
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Do You Speak Japanese?

Unless your business is a niche business targeting foreigners who speak your language, a working level understanding of Japanese is vital. If you have to communicate with Japanese and do not speak the language, you will always be dependent on someone else, and that is a huge handicap as an entrepreneur.
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When Not To Use A Sole proprietorship?

If you want to share ownership of a business with other partners or perhaps investors, you need to establish a company. ​Also keep in mind that the sole proprietorship is not a separate entity, which makes you personally responsible for any negative outcome like bankruptcy.

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Related Reading:

• Taxed In Japan
• 5 Home-Based Small Businesses Ideas
• Why You Should Learn Japanese
• A SIM Card For Everyone In Japan