Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) - Joint-Stock Corporation Registration, Incorporation, Formation

Kabushiki Kaisha (KK)[Joint-Stock Corporation] Registration, Incorporation, Formation. Setting up a Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) in Japan. Opening up a legal entity (KK) and business presence in Japan.

A Kabushiki Kaisha, commonly abbreviated KK, is defined under the “Companies Act of Japan.” A KK Company must include in Kanji KK ("株式会社") in its name either as a prefix (i.e., in Japanese “mae-kabu”) or suffix (i.e., in Japanese “ato-kabu”). The term KK is often referred to in English as “Joint-Stock Corporation.” However, as a company name in English, “KK” is used as "Co. Ltd.," "Corporation," and or "Incorporated." Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) enjoys a preferred status among the Japanese business community.

Japan "One-Stop Solution" "Since 1993"

A Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) under the “Companies Act of Japan” after the amendment in May 2006 it can be registered with a capital of 1(one) yen and with only one Investor/Promotor/Executive as “Shareholder and Director.” In the case of incorporating a KK with 2(two) or more Directors, it can choose a “Representative Director(s).” KK Company name can be registered in the English alphabet, i.e., “ABC Consulting KK” (ABC Consulting 株式会社) or “KK ABC Consulting”(株式会社 ABC Consulting) except for the “KK” in kanji character ("株式会社").

Under the amendment to the Companies Act introduced in March 2015, a Kabushiki-Kaisha(KK)/Joint-Stock Corporation can be incorporated in Japan without a "Resident of Japan" (Resident Promoter, Director). Only a Japanese address and telephone number are necessary for KK registration/ incorporation and compliance in Japan.

Kabushiki Kaisha (KK)/Joint Stock CorporationIncorporation, Registration, Formation Services

Japan Company Formation [Business & legal-entity establishment in Japan]

Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) Registration: A foreign individual or a company can incorporate a Kabushiki Kaisha (KK). Under the amendment in the Companies Act introduced in March 2015, registration of a KK company in Japan is possible without a "Resident of Japan." KK incorporation in Japan is possible with Non-Resident "Shareholder(s)" and "Director(s)."  

Under the amendment to the Companies Act introduced in March 2015, a foreign company or entrepreneurs can establish a Kabushiki-Kaisha(KK)/Joint-Stock Corporation in Japan without a "Resident of Japan" (Resident Promoter, Director).

The tax structure is the same for KK and other legal entities in Japan, such as GK. However, a KK company enjoys a more prestigious status as a legal business entity.  

The features of Kabushiki Kaisha (KK)/Joint Stock Corporation at a glance:

• Capital:  1(one) yen or more

• Promoters/Investors: 1(one) or more

• Corporation as an Promoter/Investor: Possible

• Liability of Promoters/Investors: Limited to the amount of investment/equity participation

• Directors / Executive officers: 1(one) or more. In the case of incorporating a KK with 2(two) or more Directors, it can choose a “Representative Director(s).”

• Legally stipulated term of office of Directors / Executive officers: In KK with capital less than 500 million and without committee [Kabushiki Joto Seigen Kaisha] 2 years in principle and extendable up to 10 years

• Transfer of share/equity: It can be transferred freely in principle unless stipulated in "Articles of Association" requires the board of directors' approval

• A Resident of Japan: A foreign individual or company can incorporate a Kabushiki Kaisha (KK). Under the amendment in the Companies Act introduced in March 2015, registration of a KK company in Japan is possible without a “ Resident of Japan.” KK registration in Japan is possible with Non-Resident “Shareholder(s)” and “Director(s).”

• Registered Office: A local address in Japan is required (physical address and not a PO Box)

• Company Secretary: Not required

• Yearly Tax Return Filing: Mandatory

• Yearly Auditing of Accounts: Not mandatory

The time frame for registration: It depends on the structure of promoters/investors, directors(executive officers), etc. Upon applying to the Legal Affairs Bureau for registration, it takes about 2(two) weeks to obtain a company registration certificate.

Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) registration procedures, steps, flowchart, and incorporation timeframe: please refer to the registration flowchart of KK

Kabushiki-Kaiska (KK) verses Godo Kaisha (GK) - Comparison At a Glance

For further information, please contact us by mail.