Opening a restaurant or eatery in Japan (2026): Requirements, costs, and procedures from A to Z.

Permanent residents (永住者), settled residents (定住者), spouse visa holders of Japanese citizens, or spouses of permanent residents are free to open and operate restaurants just like Japanese citizens. These residency statuses do not restrict business activities. Therefore, you only need to focus on... establishing a Japanese company and apply for a F&B industry license.

If you are coming from Vietnam to Japan to open a restaurant, this is the residency status you need. According to the Japan Immigration and Residence Bureau (2025), From October 16, 2025, the conditions for this visa have been significantly tightened.Applicants for a visa must currently meet the following conditions simultaneously.

New regulations for applying for a Business Manager visa.

• Capital size of 30 million yen or more: The capital has been increased from 5 million yen to 30 million yen, a six-fold increase compared to before. For legal entities, this is the actual capital contribution paid; for individual business households, this is... Total investment in premises, annual employee salaries, and equipment..
• Hire at least one full-time employee: The hiring at least one full-time employee This is now mandatory, no longer an alternative to capital. This employee must be a Japanese citizen, a special permanent resident, or a foreigner with a status such as permanent resident, spouse of a Japanese citizen, or permanent resident.
• Japanese language proficiency equivalent to JLPT N2: A business person or a full-time employee needs to have Japanese language proficiency Level B2 or higher, equivalent to JLPT N2.
• Education or management experience: What business people need Master's degree, doctoral degree, professional qualification, or a minimum of 3 years of management experience..
• Business plan reviewed and approved by experts: The business plan must be an expert Regarding management and feasibility studies, for example, small and medium-sized enterprise diagnosticians, certified public accountants, or tax attorneys.
• A de facto independent office: Businesses must have independent business establishment, and, in principle, residential buildings should not be used as offices.

In terms of time, the Business Manager Visa application process takes 3 to 4 months. The average processing time is 124,5 days as of December 2025.

If you hold an Engineer/Humanities/Intellectual Visa (技術・人文知識・国際業務), you are not allowed to own and operate a restaurant. This type of visa is for individuals employed by businesses and does not permit them to establish and operate their own companies.

To become a restaurant owner, you need to switch to a Business - Management status and meet all the conditions mentioned above.

If you already held a Business Manager Visa before the reform, you are entitled to a three-year transition period. until October 16, 2028During this period, your renewal will not be denied simply because you haven't met the new standards. Instead, the agency will consider your business performance and prospects of meeting the new standards in the next renewal.

Furthermore, with each renewal, the authorities always check compliance with tax obligations and mandatory contributions (公租公課). Therefore, even during the transition period, you still need to maintain stable business operations and fulfill all tax obligations.

According to GLA experts, in reality, many applications are rejected because they were prepared based on the old capital threshold of 5 million yen. After the reforms effective October 16, 2025, misestimating the capital threshold of 30 million yen is the biggest risk that Vietnamese businesses need to avoid.

The food service industry in Japan maintains a steady growth rate, creating many opportunities for new investors.

According to the Japan Foodservice Association, the size of the food service industry in 2023 reached 24,1 trillion yenIf we include revenue from takeaway services, the total market size reaches 31,8 trillion yen.

The growth momentum continued into 2024, with industry-wide revenue increasing by 8,4% year-on-year. This marks the third consecutive year that the F&B industry has recorded positive growth, primarily driven by recovering consumer demand and a strong increase in international tourist arrivals.

The record increase in international tourists is becoming a major driver of revenue for restaurants in Japan.

In 2025, Japan is expected to welcome approximately 40 million international tourists, with total spending exceeding 9,4 trillion yen – the highest level ever recorded. Notably, spending on food and beverages will account for about 22–23% of total tourist spending, equivalent to approximately 5 trillion yen.

This means that restaurants, eateries, and cafes have the opportunity to reach not only domestic customers but also a large number of international visitors who want to experience local cuisine and international dishes.

Consumer trends in Japan are creating many opportunities for foreign restaurant models, including Vietnamese cuisine.

Japanese people have a habit of eating out frequently and are increasingly fond of new culinary experiences. Besides traditional dishes, consumers are also paying more attention to:

• International cuisine and local dishes from many countries.
• Healthy menu
• Plant-based dishes
• Takeaway and delivery services.

This trend gives Vietnamese restaurants more opportunities to reach Japanese customers and expand revenue through various sales channels.

The large Vietnamese community is one of the biggest advantages when opening a restaurant in Japan.

According to the Japan Immigration Bureau, by the end of 2025, There are 681.100 people. Vietnamese people living in Japan rank second among foreign communities.

At the same time, the total number of foreigners in Japan has reached 4.125.395 people, surpassing the 4 million mark for the first time and increasing by 9,5% compared to the previous year.

For Vietnamese restaurants, this community offers many advantages, such as:

• A stable customer base right from the start of the business.
• We are looking for personnel who are fluent in Vietnamese and knowledgeable about Vietnamese culinary culture.
• Word-of-mouth effect and brand promotion within the Vietnamese community in Japan.

Tokyo and Osaka remain the two most vibrant F&B markets, but many other cities in Japan also offer attractive investment opportunities at lower costs.

If you want to optimize your initial investment costs, cities like Fukuoka , and Sapporo These are worthwhile options to consider. Compared to Tokyo, these locations often offer:

• Lower rental costs
• More reasonable operating costs
• Policies to support startup businesses
• Support programs for foreign entrepreneurs, including Startup Visas in certain locations.

Choosing the right city from the start will help you balance your budget, reach the right target customer group, and create a favorable foundation for future expansion plans.

According to GLA experts, many Vietnamese businesses tend to prioritize Tokyo when opening restaurants. However, for some F&B models targeting local customers or aiming to optimize operating costs, cities like Fukuoka, Sapporo, or other developing areas may offer higher investment returns. The choice of business location should be based on the restaurant model, target customer group, and investment budget, rather than focusing solely on major cities.

You need to have legal status to be allowed to operate a restaurant in Japan.

If you are a foreign investor and want to operate a restaurant as a business, you need to establish a company in Japan. Two common business types leaves Godo Kaisha (GK) , and Kabushiki Kaisha (KK).

If you directly manage a business in Japan, you will also need to meet the residency requirements or apply for a visa. Business Manager Visa if you are eligible to apply for a visa.

Restaurants must have a fixed business location and comply with regulations regarding the use of premises.

The business address will be used for:

• Registering a business
• Applying for a food service business license
• Tax registration
• Implement fire safety procedures (if applicable).

Before signing a lease agreement, you should check the land use plan (用途地域), renovation requirements, and the ability to meet food safety standards.

This is a mandatory requirement for all restaurants, eateries, and cafes serving food and drinks in Japan.

The license is issued by the Public Health Center (保健所) after the business establishment fully meets the standards for hygiene, processing area, and equipment.

Businesses are only permitted to operate restaurants after obtaining the necessary permits.

Every food service establishment in Japan must have at least one Food Safety Officer. This individual does not necessarily have to be the owner or manager, but must be a permanent staff member and not simultaneously manage multiple establishments.

This person is responsible for overseeing the storage of raw materials, processing procedures, kitchen hygiene, and compliance with food safety regulations.

If you do not have the appropriate certification, you or your designated staff member must participate in training as required by local regulations.

Businesses must meet hygiene and design standards before being granted an operating license.

Depending on the location, restaurants often have to meet requirements such as:

• The preliminary processing and processing areas are arranged logically.
• There are separate sinks for washing hands and for washing utensils.
• The water supply and drainage system meets standards.
• Suitable food storage equipment
• The ventilation and waste disposal systems ensure hygiene.

Authorities will conduct on-site inspections before issuing business licenses for food and beverage services.

Depending on your business model, you may need to complete some additional procedures before opening your restaurant.

For example:

• Fire safety procedures for facilities subject to these regulations.
• Declare business activities involving the sale of alcoholic beverages after midnight if the primary activity is serving alcoholic drinks.
• Tax registration and payroll reporting
• Register for social insurance and labor insurance if you employ staff.

Note: Although all of the above conditions are important, Food service business license This is a mandatory requirement that all restaurants in Japan must meet before officially opening. Other procedures will depend on the size, type of business, and operating methods of each restaurant.

All restaurants, eateries, and cafes serving food and drinks in Japan must obtain a Food Service Business License before opening.

You will submit your application for a license to the Public Health Center (保健所) where your business is located. After receiving the application, the center will conduct an on-site inspection to assess food safety and hygiene conditions, processing areas, equipment, and layout before deciding whether to grant the license.

Since June 2021, Japan has merged the Beverage Shop License (喫茶店営業許可) with the Food Service Business License. This means that cafes that serve customers on-site now also have to register for the same type of license as restaurants and eateries.

The application for a license typically includes:

• Application for a license
• Business premises floor plan
• Information about the person in charge of food hygiene and safety.
• Business registration certificate (if established as a legal entity)
• Documents required by each locality

What will the authorities be checking?

• Food preparation and processing area
• Water supply and drainage system
• Food preservation equipment
• Handwashing and sanitation area
• Conditions for ensuring food hygiene and safety.

Only when the facility fully meets these standards will a license be granted.

Every restaurant in Japan must have at least one Food Hygiene Supervisor.

This person is responsible for establishing and overseeing food hygiene procedures, ingredient storage, controlling processing conditions, and instructing staff to comply with food safety regulations.

If you or the staff in charge do not have the appropriate certification, you must participate in a training course organized by the local authorities before the restaurant opens.

Some restaurants are required to complete fire safety procedures before opening.

If the establishment has a capacity of 30 or more people, including both guests and staff, or is subject to regulatory management, you need to:

• Appointing a person in charge of fire prevention and control.
• File a report with your local Fire Department.
• Complete the requirements for fire safety equipment and emergency exits.

Additionally, for some buildings with high traffic, you must also complete the procedure for declaring the building open for use before officially opening.

If the restaurant's main activity is serving alcoholic beverages after midnight, you must register with the police.

This regulation typically applies to:

• Bar
• Izakaya
• Lounge
• Pub

The application must be submitted to the local police department no later than 10 days before the opening date and can only be processed after you have obtained your Food Service Business License.

Conversely, restaurants whose primary activity is serving food, even if they sell beer or wine alongside the meal, are generally not required to follow this procedure.

Operating a business without proper registration can result in fines of up to 500.000 yen. This type of business is generally prohibited in residential areas, so it's necessary to check the area's zoning plan (用途地域) before signing any contract.

After establishing your Japanese company, you need to complete the tax registration procedures before opening your restaurant.

Some important procedures include:

• Declaration of establishment of a legal entity
• Registering a payroll payment facility
• Register for taxes as required.
• Perform accounting duties and maintain accounting records.

Completing these procedures in full helps businesses operate in accordance with regulations and minimize tax risks during the course of business.

Before opening your restaurant, you should keep the following points in mind:

• Check the area's zoning plan before signing a lease, especially if you plan to sell alcohol after midnight.
• Prepare the necessary permits right from the site renovation stage to avoid delays in the opening date.
• Establishing facilities that meet hygiene standards from the outset will minimize the need for repairs after inspections by authorities.
• If you lack experience working with Japanese authorities, you should use a consulting service to receive assistance in preparing your application and completing the necessary procedures in accordance with regulations.

The Japanese government maintains very strict regulations regarding tax, accounting, and labor compliance. For businesses with foreign owners or representatives, tax authorities or other relevant agencies may conduct regular or unannounced inspections to verify:

• Accounting records, invoices, and supporting documents.
• Tax declarations and payments are made in accordance with regulations.
• The actual operating status of the business.
• Employment practices and compliance with visa regulations (if applicable).

Therefore, from the outset, businesses should establish a transparent accounting system, maintain complete records, and utilize professional accounting services to minimize risks during audits.

In the F&B industry, location directly impacts revenue. Before renting a space to open a restaurant, you should conduct a survey:

• High pedestrian traffic during peak hours.
• Target customers in the area.
• The prices and business models of competing restaurants.
• Rental costs compared to projected revenue (rent should account for approximately...) 10% of revenue).

In addition, many regions in Japan also have policies to support new businesses, like:

• Preferential interest rate loans are available through local Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (“JCCI”), for example, through programs such as Marukei Loan (マル経融資) JCCI and JFC are collaborating on the implementation.
• Startup support program.
• Tax incentives or subsidies vary by province and city.

Understanding and leveraging these policies can help businesses significantly reduce investment costs and improve cash flow during the initial stages of operation.

Support policies and preferential interest rate loans from the local Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Yes. Foreigners can absolutely open restaurants in Japan if they meet the regulations regarding business establishment, business licenses, and residency status under Japanese law.

If you directly manage and operate a restaurant in Japan, you may need to apply for a Business Manager Visa if you are eligible for one.

The cost of opening a restaurant in Tokyo varies considerably, depending on the business model, location, and size.

• For a small restaurant with 10 to 20 seats, the total startup capital typically ranges from 4 to 15 million yen.
• For a model with an average capacity of 40 to 80 seats, the cost can range from 15 to 75 million yen.

This is just an estimated cost. The actual cost depends heavily on the district you choose and the condition of the property, so you should create your own budget for your business model.

You should budget for six main expense categories:

• The initial cost of a business premises includes a security deposit, key money, and brokerage fees. This is usually the largest expense and can be equivalent to 3 to 10 months' rent, depending on the area.
• Costs for interior design and kitchen equipment.
• Licenses and processing fees.
• Raw materials and initial inventory.
• Working capital for the first 3 to 6 months of operation.
• Professional and contingency costs should typically add 10 to 20% of the total budget.

This cost structure is for reference only. For a more realistic estimate, you can contact the GLA expert team for advice based on your specific model.

There are several directions you might consider:

• Choosing a location with existing furniture from the previous establishment significantly reduces construction costs and improves ventilation.
• Rent or buy used kitchen equipment for low-risk projects.
• Start with a small-scale model or a delivery kitchen to test your idea before opening a larger restaurant.
• Consider partnering with a contractor to provide funding for the construction phase.

Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you need to consider them based on your business goals.

In most cases, yes. Establishing a business allows you to register for a food service business license, open a business bank account, sign a lease agreement, and fulfill tax obligations. The two most common types of businesses are Godo Kaisha (GK) and Kabushiki Kaisha (KK).

Contact the GLA team of experts for advice on the company formation process in Japan for restaurant and F&B businesses, tailored to the scale and goals of each enterprise.

If you want to optimize costs and operate flexibly, a Good Key Business (GK) is often the right choice. If you plan to build a brand, open a chain of restaurants, or raise capital in the future, a Limited Liability Business (KK) will provide an advantage in terms of reputation and scalability. The choice of business type should be based on the scale of your investment and your development direction.

Contact the GLA team of experts for advice on the right company structure for your business.

If you are familiar with legal regulations and proficient in Japanese, you can handle the procedures yourself. However, many foreign investors choose a consulting firm to assist them from business establishment, document preparation, license application, to post-establishment compliance consulting. This saves time, minimizes errors, and ensures a smooth opening schedule.

GLA accompanies businesses throughout the entire process of opening a restaurant in Japan, from advising on the choice of business type (GK or KK), company formation, preparing legal documents, assisting with obtaining food service business licenses, advising on opening bank accounts, tax registration, to post-establishment procedures.

Yes, but it depends on the worker's residency status. To qualify for a Business Manager Visa, full-time employees must be Japanese citizens, special permanent residents, or foreigners with status such as permanent residents, spouses of Japanese citizens, or permanent residents. Not all types of work visas are considered.

Yes. After establishing your company, you can open additional branches. However, each new location will still need to obtain its own food service business license and appoint its own person in charge of food hygiene. If you plan to expand with many branches from the start, a KK (Know Your Own) business model is usually more suitable than a GK (Good Customer) model.

One effective strategy is to collaborate with others. travel company established in Japan Alternatively, companies with tourism products in Japan, travel agencies, or tour operators in Japan can refer customers to your store. 

Through partnership agreements, stores can become a stop on tourists' sightseeing and shopping itineraries. This helps businesses reach a stable customer base without investing heavily in direct advertising.