Zagdim Reader Desk · Japan virtual office
Virtual office in JapanRegistered address, mail and conditions of use
If you need a business address in Japan, first be clear about what the address is for, then compare plans and contracts. The Zagdim Reader Desk first establishes your intended use, then shortlists Japanese professionals where needed.
Information checked: 29 October 2026
01 · ABOUT
What can a virtual office address be used for?
A virtual office provides a business address and an agreed level of mail handling. Company registration, online shop disclosure, receiving mail and telephone service are separate uses; before you apply, confirm item by item whether the operator accepts each one.
An address service is not a dedicated physical office. Bank account opening and visa applications each have their own requirements, and you need to prepare documents for each separately.
- Identity checksOperators subject to the statutory transaction rules verify your identity.
- Telephone featuresConfirm the number, call answering and overseas forwarding separately.
- Contract termCheck the term, renewal and termination clauses.
Handles registration where a company is formed or its head office (本店) address changes. Address and mail plans are handled by the operator.
Logos belong to the respective bodies and are shown only to identify where a matter is handled. Zagdim is not affiliated with them.
What will you use the address for?
Main use:
Company registration
- Can it be used?Some plans accept corporate registration. First confirm that the operator agrees to the address being used for registration.
- Moving the head officeRegistration and licence tax (登録免許税) is ¥30,000 (about US$190) within the same jurisdiction; across jurisdictions, ¥30,000 each for the old and the new.
- What to prepareCompany name and registration details.
Next steps
- Tell the Reader Desk your current head office address and the intended one
Online shop disclosure
- Can it be used?Subject to conditions: you must be effectively contactable, and the operator must hold your real address and telephone number.
- What to prepareYour products, platforms and existing disclosure page.
Next steps
- List your sales platforms and the information to be disclosed
Receiving and forwarding mail
- To confirmMail, parcels, overseas forwarding and telephone are separate items. Check each against the plan and the contract.
- What to prepareTypes, volume and size of items to be received, and the forwarding address.
Next steps
- List the types of mail you need to receive and where it should be forwarded
Applying for a Business Manager visa
A virtual office that is an address only, with no dedicated physical space, cannot be treated as meeting the place of business (事業所) requirement for the Business Manager visa. To apply for the visa, you need to find a physical office separately.
Next steps
- See the place of business conditions under “Japan Business Manager visa”
03 · CASES
When is an engagement not needed?
In every caseWhether an address can be registered, can receive mail and can be used for a residence application are three separate conditions.
You may not need this service: an ordinary address plan can be applied for directly with the operator. An engagement is needed only for head office relocation registration or business documents.
07 · EXPERTS & PROFESSIONALS
Which Japanese professionals are involved?
Depending on the case, different Japanese professionals are involved.
Judicial scrivener
司法書士 · shihō shoshiRegisters a change of a company’s head office address.
Administrative scrivener
行政書士 · gyōsei shoshiPrepares business documents and permit papers within the scope permitted by law; does not stand in for the bank’s review.
MATCHING
How Zagdim shortlists the right professionals
What you need
Zagdim Reader Desk- Clarifying the need
- Matching providers
- Follow-up at key points
The right professionalZagdim Reader Desk
Establishes what you need · sets out a written brief · introduces a professional where needed
No charge to readersProfessionals in Japan
Professional advice and handling
Quote · contract · payment · receiptTell the Reader Desk first which city you need an address in
- You tell the Reader DeskPreferred city and what the address is for
- The Reader Desk checksWhether a professional can be arranged locally where needed
- The Reader Desk repliesIf no suitable provider is available, we say so plainly
08 · CONSULTATION
What to have ready before you get in touch
Have the points below ready, then arrange a time by WhatsApp or email.
- Whether the address is for company registration, an online shop, receiving mail or a visa
- Types and volume of mail, and the forwarding address
- Whether you need a Japanese telephone number
The Zagdim Reader Desk handles contact and follow-up.
Send us your details
The more you tell us, the better the Zagdim Reader Desk understands your situation before we speak.Four steps after you get in touch
- Contact the Reader DeskYou explain what the address is for and what you need to receive.
- A written briefThe conditions and documents to confirm with the operator are listed; you confirm them.
- Introduced by locationAn introduction is made where registration or documents are needed. Before the introduction, the written quote, out-of-pocket costs and conditions for extra charges are confirmed with the provider.
- Quote and engagementYou decide whether to engage, and contract with and pay the provider directly.
