AU Corporate incorporates an Indian subsidiary for USD 750 to 1,000 all-inclusive for INR 10 lakh share capital, covering Indian government fees and our professional fees through to the FC-GPR filing. A Japanese parent adds modest costs in Japan: certificates of registered matters from the Legal Affairs Bureau, a notary's fee fixed by government order, Legal Affairs Bureau certification and the MOFA apostille (MOFA does not charge for it), and English translations. A large yen remittance may also need a payment report under Japan's foreign exchange law, usually handled through the bank. Running costs after incorporation are quoted as a fixed package.
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Key facts
| AU Corporate setup fee | USD 750 to 1,000 all-inclusive, for INR 10 lakh share capital |
|---|---|
| Japanese registry document | Certificate of registered matters (tokibo tohon) from the Legal Affairs Bureau |
| Notary fees | Set by government order (the Notary Fees Ordinance), not negotiated |
| Apostille | Issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs free of charge; some notary offices offer a one-stop service |
| Translations | English translations of Japanese documents |
| Payment report | Payments abroad above JPY 30 million are reported under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act, usually via the bank |
| Financial year | Both the Indian subsidiary and most Japanese parents close on 31 March |
| Running costs | Quoted separately as a fixed monthly or annual package |
Our fee in one line
USD 750 to 1,000 all-inclusive for a subsidiary with INR 10 lakh share capital, confirmed in writing before we begin. It covers Indian government fees and our work from the FDI check, digital signatures and DINs, name approval and SPICe+ incorporation with PAN and TAN, to bank account support, the share issue and the FC-GPR filing. A larger capital, or a state with higher stamp duty, raises the government part; we show the figure before you choose.
Document costs in Japan
| Document step | Where | Cost note |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of registered matters (tokibo tohon) | Legal Affairs Bureau, in person or online | A small official fee per certificate |
| Board resolution (torishimariyakukai ketsugi) approving the investment | Internal, in Japanese with an English version | Internal time |
| Notarisation of the resolution, certificates and directors' documents | A notary office (kosho yakuba) | Fees fixed by the Notary Fees Ordinance, per document |
| Legal Affairs Bureau certification of the notary's seal | Legal Affairs Bureau | Usually combined with the notary step in one-stop prefectures |
| Apostille | Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) | No MOFA fee |
| Courier to India | Courier company | International express delivery |
In some prefectures, including Tokyo, Kanagawa and Osaka, notary offices can arrange the Legal Affairs Bureau certification and the apostille in one visit. That saves time and courier costs within Japan.
English translation
Indian authorities need English versions of Japanese documents, such as the certificate of registered matters and the articles of incorporation (teikan). The translation is usually attached to the original before notarisation, with a translator's declaration. Prepare the board resolution bilingually from the start, and translate only the documents on our list; this is often the largest single cost on the Japanese side.
Sending yen: bank charges and the FEFTA report
- The share capital is remitted in yen or US dollars from the Japanese parent's bank to the Indian company's account. Japanese banks charge a remittance fee and, for currency conversion, an exchange margin; intermediary banks may deduct lifting charges, so instruct the bank that charges are paid by the remitter (OUR) to make sure the full amount arrives.
- Under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act, a resident making a payment to a non-resident above JPY 30 million files a payment report with the Minister of Finance through the Bank of Japan; banks usually prepare it with the remittance.
- Outward direct investment in most sectors needs no prior notification, but check with the bank if the Indian business is in a specially designated industry.
- On arrival, the Indian bank issues a foreign inward remittance certificate and obtains KYC on the Japanese remitter for the FC-GPR filing.
The internal cost: approvals in the Japanese parent
For many Japanese groups, the real cost of setting up in India is internal time: the ringi approval circulation, legal review of each document and the board resolution. Building the Indian document list into the first ringi, rather than discovering requirements later, avoids a second round of approvals. We provide the full list, sample wording and an English-Japanese glossary of the Indian terms at the start.
Costs after setup, in India and Japan
| Area | India | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting and tax | Bookkeeping, GST and TDS returns, income tax return | Consolidation of the Indian subsidiary |
| Audit | Statutory audit of the Indian company every year | Group audit review and, for listed groups, J-SOX scoping |
| Transfer pricing | Form 48 for dealings with the Japanese parent | Japanese local file covering the same transactions |
| Foreign exchange reporting | FLA return to the RBI each year | Payment reports for large dividends or fees received |
| Company law | Annual ROC filings and board meetings | None specific to the subsidiary |
Because the Japanese and Indian financial years both end on 31 March, one closing calendar serves both, which keeps audit and transfer pricing costs down. We quote the Indian work as a fixed package.
Budgeting tips for Japanese groups
- Use one-stop notary offices where available.
- Prepare bilingual resolutions to reduce translation.
- Keep the first board small: each foreign director adds documents and a digital signature.
- Remit enough capital at the start for the first year, so one remittance, one report and one FC-GPR cover it.
- Agree the intragroup services agreement before the first invoice.
How AU Corporate handles this
AU Corporate quotes a fixed all-inclusive price for the Indian incorporation, provides the Japanese document list with sample bilingual wording, and can run the subsidiary's accounting, tax, payroll and ROC compliance afterwards on the same 31 March calendar as the Japanese parent.
Related services: India subsidiary registration and accounting, reporting and audit support.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Japanese company pay to set up an Indian subsidiary?
With AU Corporate, USD 750 to 1,000 all-inclusive for INR 10 lakh share capital, plus Japanese certificate, notary, translation and courier costs.
Does MOFA charge for an apostille?
No. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues apostilles without a fee; the notary and Legal Affairs Bureau steps have small official fees.
What is the one-stop notary service?
In some prefectures, such as Tokyo, Kanagawa and Osaka, a notary office can arrange the Legal Affairs Bureau certification and the apostille in one visit.
Do we need to report the capital remittance in Japan?
Payments to non-residents above JPY 30 million are reported under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act, usually prepared by the bank.
Do Japanese documents need translating?
Yes. Indian authorities need English versions of the certificate of registered matters, the articles and any Japanese resolution.
Are running costs included in the setup fee?
No. They are quoted separately as a fixed package.
Related guides
How Long It Takes from Japan
The timeline from ringi to FC-GPR.
Read the guide →Documents and Apostille
Notary, Legal Affairs Bureau and MOFA.
Read the guide →Funding and FC-GPR
Yen remittance and FEMA reporting.
Read the guide →Japan Parent Obligations
Japanese reporting on the Indian company.
Read the guide →Sources
Last updated 3 November 2026. General information only, not legal or tax advice. Indian rules change often; confirm current requirements before acting.