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HPT Group
Office towers seen from street level

Asia Pacific · Jurisdiction

Japan

We advise on company formation, structuring and related work in Japan, and coordinate local formation agents, banks and counsel where the matter requires them.

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Our work in Japan

What clients most often ask us for here

Other HPT services are available in Japan where the matter calls for them.

  • KK and GK company formation
  • Real estate (Tokyo, Osaka, Hokkaido)
  • Designated tax-resident regimes

Key facts

Headline corporate tax
23.2%
Typical formation
4 to 8+ weeks
Formation, first year
From £3,400, government fees included
Annual renewal
From £2,300, government fees included
Classification
Onshore
Region
Asia Pacific

Headline tax rates and formation times are indicative and change. We confirm the current position in writing for each matter.

Talk to us

Sheung Wan and Mayfair

Hong Kong and London. Meetings by appointment only

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We aim to reply within 48 hours.

Advisers in discussion at a meeting table

Common questions

Japan: questions we are often asked

Is Japan suitable for my structure?
That depends on where you and the other owners are resident, where the business operates, where it will bank and how counterparties will view Japan. We review those points before recommending any jurisdiction.
Can a Japan entity open a bank account?
Often, but it depends on the activity, the owners and the bank. We consider banking before anything is formed and will tell you if we think an account is unlikely.
What substance is required?
Substance rules differ by jurisdiction and by activity. We set out what applies to your structure, and what it costs to meet, in the written recommendation.
What will it cost?
We agree our fee in writing before work begins. Formation and annual renewal fees include the standard government fees and the registered agent. Other third-party costs, such as local counsel, are set out separately in the same document.

Compare

Other Asia Pacific jurisdictions

Other Asia Pacific jurisdictions
JurisdictionClassificationHeadline corporate taxTypical formation time
SingaporeHybrid17%1 to 2+ weeks
Hong KongHybrid8.25 to 16.5%1 to 2+ weeks
AustraliaOnshore30%1 to 2+ weeks
New ZealandOnshore28%1 to 2+ weeks
Asia Pacific overview

Insights

Further reading

All insights
A panoramic view of the Tokyo Waterfront City seen from above the Shinkiba district in Koto Ward (the left end of the.

Corporate

Japan Company Formation: A Complete Guide

Shinjuku station, Tokyo, Japan. Aerial photo taken at night.

Tax Strategy

Japan Tax Residency: A Practical Guide

Corporate towers seen from below in a financial district

Corporate

Mauritius family offices need an entity, not an office

We do not give legal or tax advice in jurisdictions where we are not qualified to do so; where needed, we coordinate local counsel and tax advisers.

Fees agreed in writing before work begins. Where a bank or provider pays us for an introduction, we tell you before the introduction is made.

See also what we will not do and prohibited and restricted matters.

Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong, at night

Next step

Considering Japan?

Tell us about the structure you have in mind. A senior adviser will review it and reply with the questions we would need answered.

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