Licenses and Permits Required to Do Business in Japan

Navigating the complex landscape of Japanese business licenses and permits can be a daunting task, even for domestic companies. RSM Shiodome Partners understands the challenges faced by foreign businesses and offers expert assistance in obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, enabling you to focus on your core operations.

Types of Licenses and Permits

Numerous business activities in Japan require specific licenses and permits. Some of the most common licenses include:

Construction Business License (for projects exceeding a certain scale)
Building Lots and Buildings Business License (for real estate brokers)
Antique Dealer License (for buying and selling used goods)
Paid Employment Placement Business License (for recruitment agencies)
Employment Agency License (for temporary staffing agencies)

Additionally, various other licenses are required for specific industries, such as the dispatch business license, telecommunications business license, general cargo transportation business license, and private car rental business license.

Comprehensive Licensing and Permit Processing Services

RSM Shiodome Partners offers comprehensive support in obtaining various licenses and permits, including:

Business Type	Name of License/Permit	Authorization	Contact Point
Restaurant	Food Business Permit	Prefectural Governor	Public Health Center
Liquor Store	Liquor Sales License	Tax Office Chief	Tax Office
Construction Industry	Construction Business License	MLIT or Prefectural Governor	Prefectural Office
Real Estate Business	Real Estate Transaction Business License	MLIT or Prefectural Governor	Prefectural Office
Secondhand Shop, etc.	Secondhand Goods Dealer License	Public Safety Commission	Police Station
Pawn Shop	Pawn Shop Business License	Public Safety Commission	Police Station
Security Company	Security Business License	Public Safety Commission	Police Station
Dry Cleaning Store	Dry Cleaning Store Opening Notification	Prefectural Governor	Public Health Center
Travel Agency	Travel Agency Registration	MLIT	Transport Bureau
Inns, Hotels, etc.	Inn Business License	Prefectural Governor	Public Health Center
Parking Lot	Rental Parking Lot Notification	Prefectural Governor	Prefectural Government
Staffing Agency	Labor Dispatch Business License	MHLW	Public Employment Security Office
Entertainment Venues	Adult Entertainment Business License	Public Safety Commission	Police Station

Our experienced professionals will handle the entire application process, including document preparation, submission, and communication with relevant authorities. We strive to ensure a smooth and efficient process, allowing you to focus on launching and growing your business in Japan.

Licenses and permits required to do business in Japan – Fee Structure

Regarding the fee structure for our Licenses and permits required to do business in Japan, we will provide a quotation either on a time charge basis or a fixed fee arrangement calculated from the estimated hours to be spent on the expected scope of work. Depending on the matters to be consulted, there may be cases where it would be difficult to apply the fixed fee arrangement. Nevertheless, RSM Shiodome Partners takes on the mission to provide excellent cost-effective services within the budget of the client. Please feel free to contact our consultants for the details of our fee structure.