[Updated October 10, 2026] We added the current official names for the “manager of business administration” and the “full-time engineer”, and added the standard processing period published by Chiba Prefecture.
What is a Construction Business Licence?
When undertaking construction work above a certain scale, you must obtain a construction business licence from the prefectural governor or the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Obtaining the licence leads to eligibility to bid on public works projects and to improved social credibility.
Conditions for Obtaining the Licence
To obtain the licence, you must satisfy requirements such as appointing a manager of business administration (now officially called a “full-time officer, etc.” — jōkin yakuin-tō, 常勤役員等) and a full-time engineer (now called an “office engineer” — eigyōsho gijutsusha, 営業所技術者), and having a financial basis. In addition, having no past violations of laws and regulations is an important condition.
Application Flow
- Preparation of required documents (career statements, qualification certificates, financial statements, etc.)
- Preparation and review of the application documents
- Submission to the prefectural counter
- Screening and correction period (approximately 2-3 months) [Updated October 10, 2026] For a licence from the Governor of Chiba Prefecture, the standard processing period published by Chiba Prefecture is 45 days from submission of the application, unless corrections are required. Any time needed for corrections is added to this period (Chiba Prefecture, Construction Business Licence Guide, April 2026 edition).
- Receipt of the licence notification
Document preparation involves many technical terms, and deficiencies in what is written may prolong the screening. Our office provides total support from confirming the requirements through document preparation and submission.