🏗️ Construction Business License in Japan
English Support for Foreign Companies & Foreign Nationals
Get Your Japanese Construction License with English Support
Navigating Japan’s construction permit system can be complex. Our licensed administrative scrivener (行政書士) provides full English support to help your company obtain the necessary permits to operate legally in Japan.
🆓 Free First Consultation
Phone / ZOOM consultation available in English. We assess your situation at no charge.
⚡ Fast Processing
Documents prepared within 3 days. Weekend & evening appointments available.
🗾 Nationwide Support
We handle applications for all prefectures across Japan. Remote consultation available.
What is a Construction Business License (建設業許可)?
In Japan, any construction work exceeding ¥5 million (¥1.5 million for civil engineering) requires a Construction Business License (建設業許可 – Kensetsu Gyō Kyoka). This applies to both Japanese and foreign companies operating in Japan.
| License Type | Who Needs It | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Governor’s License (知事許可) | Companies operating in 1 prefecture | Prefectural Governor |
| Minister’s License (大臣許可) | Companies operating in 2+ prefectures | Minister of Land, Infrastructure |
| General License (一般建設業) | Most contractors | Either authority |
| Special License (特定建設業) | Large subcontractors (¥45M+ subcontracting) | Either authority |
Services We Offer
- ✅ New Construction License Application (新規申請)
- ✅ License Renewal (更新申請) — required every 5 years
- ✅ Annual Report Filing (決算変更届) — required every year
- ✅ Change Notifications (変更届) — for address, officers, etc.
- ✅ Business Manager Visa (経営管理ビザ) support for foreign nationals
- ✅ Foreign Worker Employment Support
- ✅ Public Tender Participation Registration (入札参加資格申請)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to get a Construction License?
A: Approximately 1 month after submission (Tokyo Metropolitan Government license). We can prepare your documents in as little as 3 days.
Q: Can a foreign company get a Construction License in Japan?
A: Yes. Foreign companies with a Japanese branch or subsidiary can apply. The key requirements are having a qualified manager (経営業務の管理責任者) and a technical expert (専任技術者) — these can be foreign nationals with appropriate qualifications and visa status.
Q: What are the main requirements?
A: (1) Business Management Experience — representative with 5+ years of construction management experience; (2) Technical Expert — qualified engineer in the relevant construction category; (3) Financial Stability — sufficient capital base; (4) Good Standing — no criminal record, no past license violations.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Government filing fee: ¥90,000 (new application, prefectural license). Our professional fee varies by complexity. Please contact us for a free quote.
Q: I want to hire foreign workers for my construction company. What do I need?
A: Foreign workers need appropriate visa status (e.g., Specified Skilled Worker – 特定技能, Technical Intern Trainee – 技能実習, Engineer/Specialist – 技術・人文知識・国際業務). We provide comprehensive support for both the Construction License and the visa process.
About Our Office
Takashi Oka (岡 高志)
Licensed Administrative Scrivener (行政書士)
Registration No. Tokyo 11080403
- Graduate of University of Tokyo (Law) & Graduate School of Engineering
- Former Ota Ward Council Member (2011-2019)
- 12+ years in construction licensing, company formation, visa applications
- Certified Management Support Institution (認定経営革新等支援機関)
- Location: Ota Ward, Tokyo (大田区)
📞 03-6315-6209 (English consultation available)
📧 Contact via chat or inquiry form
Ready to start? See how the application process works (Japanese page), or contact us for a free consultation about your construction business license in Japan.