Want to start my own English School but not sure about the administration side..???

[ijalijal]

Originally Posted by ijalijal
Hi,

I've got a question in regards to starting up a business in Japan.
I'm interested in starting my own English school in Osaka. I have my own set of private students and the number has been growing. So I've decided that I would like to rent a medium sized office and establish the place as my own English School.

My question is on the administrative issue. I know that i would need to register the company in order to start legally, but I am not able to do so as i do not have the capital amount (as stated in `setting up your business` forum by Trip Hop) in my bank account. I have asked around, and some people suggested that I try out the business and after 3 months, if its succesful, then only register it. Is this OK?

This English school would be managed by myself and my partner. I dont know if this has any relation, but both my partner and I work as ALT (Junior high school) for a subcontracting company, hence both of us are independent proprieters. Should that make as a legal business entity and would not require any registration??



Any one with any ideas?

Appreciate it....
Thanks

cheers

[tommy d]

Easiest way round this is to become an English Franchise. I heard that Modern English or Smith's would be able to sort everything out for you.

Just a thought

[Fujay]

The two of you can start an LLP (a Limited Liability Partnership). It will cost you a 60 000 yen processing fee, but you dont need any capital at the start.

Check out the jalt website for more information on the specifics of starting an LLP. You will get the most accurate information there.

[ijalijal]

Thanks for the info guys. Yes, I've read somewhere about the LLP thing. It's either 0.7% of your capital or a minimum fee of 60K.

I'll go and have a look.

But just one more thing though, Ive heard that some Eikaiwas just register their business name only? Is that true?

Cheers

[ijalijal]

Ok.

I received some advice from a Japanese friend of mine, who works for an accounting firm. He told me that it wasn't necessary for me to register the company to the Ward Office/Tax office.

All I had to do was register to the ward office (tax department) that I am engaged in a private business that involves teaching english and things related to Language. By doing so, we are notifying the tax office of my 2nd source of income (being the 1st source of income - ALT position). Hence all my business expenses and income would then be included in the next tax return.

All those thing about registering a company wasn't necessary in my case.

Ok.

I wanna thank everyone who helped out in this thread. Really appreciate it....

THanks..

If you wanna ask questions , please feel free to mail me..

cheers

[Wonky]

Easiest way round this is to become an English Franchise. I heard that Modern English or Smith's would be able to sort everything out for you.

Just a thought

Smith's is a pyramid scheme. AVOID.

[donpaulo]

if you are netting a profit and wish to stay in Japan for a reasonable amount of time then registering is the best way to go.

city hall would also be a good starting place. I am sure there is alot of information on this kind of thing.

The tax department will be very happy to see you. But I would hold off on visiting them until you get your ducks in a row...

I also suggest you seriously consider a tax accounting service. I joined one and they take care of everything, they also allow me to network within their system and I picked up a few new students in the first month or two of joining...

as a small business your paperwork could make or break you so take the time to setup your business plan accordingly.

[paully]

One poster mentioned that information about setting up an LLP is listed on the JALT sight, but I couldn't find it there. Can anyone send me a URL to that page?

donpaulo, do you know what kind of visa status is necessary to set up and run an LLP with no other line of work? I have an instructor visa and am wondering if I'd have to change it to something else if I managed to take on running my own English school full time. Any info is appreciated. Thanks

p

[ijalijal]

Thanks guys, appreciate it.

Yes at the moment we are holding of any registration with the city hall/tax office untill we are able to have a comfortable outlook of the business.

We are commencing our business from next week onwards and really look forward in having a succesful business.

Plus, I read that if you were to do your own bookkeeping and accounts you will be exempted a certain amount of $ from your tax return. Though bookkeeping has to be done in line with the requirement of the tax office. Luckily, I am an accountant, so i have a few years of bookkeeping under my belt.


I will post more information about the business on the forum again soon. I hope that i could help out other guys wanting to start their own eikaiwa. Or vice versa...


ok take care.

ciao

[Fujay]

One poster mentioned that information about setting up an LLP is listed on the JALT sight, but I couldn't find it there. Can anyone send me a URL to that page?

My apologies, I typed the wront acronym. Its not JALT, its JETRO. Look on their website.

[jinseinosensei]

I recommend getting registered with and helped by your local Chamber of Commerce. Mine advised me not to bother with registering as a company unless it was necessary for MY own personal reasons. I've been operating a private school for more than twenty years without being registered anywhere but the local Chamber of Commerce. I file and pay taxes every year. Other than these two things, I've never had to be a member of ANY group or have a bank account full of cash in order to be considered a small business owner. Even during my best years, pulling in over twelve million yen, I've never had a problem. I guess there might be some advantages to being registered as a YK or KK, but I have yet to see them. Just my two cents. Hope it helps somebody.

[Enigma]

Even during my best years, pulling in over twelve million yen

Reminds me of back in Showa 64 when I cleared 12.5 million from my old school in Yamaguchi --- welcome to the 12 million club --- lets tell others of our wonderful achievement!

[jinseinosensei]

Pointing out potential and statements of success are frowned upon here, by SOME members. Regardless of the reasons. Unless you happen to be a Socialist... Then they don't mind. In fact..., anything goes, as long as you're not one of those filthy rich Confounded Repugnican bastards... And we all KNOW that there aren't any middle class folks among 'em. Repugnicans are for the filthy rich and the Democrats are for regular folks, right Guys...?

Beware the double standards of the Left.

[hennagaijin]

Looking for an English speaking accountant or bookkeeper in Nagoya or Handa who can help me with business paperwork.
Anyone know anyone?