🏗️ 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 AI Consultation, 24/7
Ask our AI assistant, trained by administrative scrivener Takashi Oka, in English. Use the chat at the bottom right of the screen. It is free and available 24 hours a day.
⚡ Fast Processing
Documents prepared in as little as 3 days once the materials are ready. The AI chat is also available on weekends and evenings.
🗾 Nationwide Support
We handle applications for all prefectures across Japan. Consultation via the chat is available nationwide.
What is a Construction Business License (建設業許可)?
In Japan, construction work of ¥5 million or more per contract (tax included) requires a Construction Business License. For general building work (建築一式工事), the threshold is ¥15 million, except wooden houses under 150㎡. This license is called 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) | Prime contractors subcontracting ¥50M+ in total (¥80M+ for general building work) | 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: For a Tokyo Governor’s license, the standard processing period is 25 days after the application is accepted, excluding weekends and holidays. We can prepare your documents in as little as 3 days once the materials are ready.
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等) and a technical expert (営業所技術者 / Eigyosho Gijutsusha（formerly Sennin Gijutsusha）) — 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, Tokyo Governor’s license). Our professional fee varies by complexity. Ask our AI chat at the bottom right of the screen for a free estimate.
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. 11080007
- Graduate of University of Tokyo (Law) & Graduate School of Engineering
- Former Ota Ward Council Member (2011-2019)
- 15+ years (since 2011) 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)
💬 Contact: the chat at the bottom right of the screen (English OK, free, 24/7)
Ready to start? See how the application process works (Japanese page), or ask our AI chat at the bottom right of the screen for a free consultation about your construction business license in Japan.