Can I register a company in Japan if I live overseas?

[Andreii]

Hello, I would like to start a company and for some reasons it would be the best if it's possible to register a company in Japan. I am currently living in Norway, I realize that I might need to go to do some travels in Japan but my question is: Can I open there a company if I am not a resident in Japan?
Thanks!

 

[nekojita]

企業登録（個人の方）

※ 外国籍の場合は、「在留カード」（特別永住者の場合は「特別永住者証明書」）のコピー若しくは市区町村が３ヶ月以内に発行した「住民票の写し」または在留資格を証するその他の書類が必要となります。

For foreign nationals, a copy of the residence card/certification of residence from the local authorities issued within three months/proof of your visa status is also required.

I presume that if you had a company set up in Norway, and had someone resident in Japan to represent your "branch office", you could do it that way.

 

[Dotanbatan]

The easiest way is to establish an operation in Japan for your existing company / business .... here is a guide from JETRO with lots of related information you should find useful.

http://www.jetro.go.jp/en/invest/setting_up/laws/section1/

If you don`t have a business in Noway yet, incorporate / register one quickly so it gives you more options.