Business succession and organizational change support

Updated: July 2026, 2

When acquiring an existing hotel,

The hotel business license can also be transferred at the same time.is!

When transferring, acquiring, or conducting M&A of an existing hotel,
It is now possible to carry out business succession by submitting a prior notification without having to obtain any new licenses, etc.

With this amendment, new operators will no longer need to obtain a license from scratch.
This will significantly simplify procedures and shorten the time it takes for hotels to reopen.

Here, we will explain the procedures for business succession and organizational changes.
Let me explain using a concrete example.

A collection of support cases to help smooth business succession

Hotel and inn business succession (M&A, business transfer, etc.)To business owners and those in charge who are considering this.

While the demand for accommodation has surged with the recent recovery in foreign travel to Japan, amendments to the Inns and Hotels Act and ordinances are being made frequently, making the licensing procedures for new establishments and succession more complicated.
Do you have concerns such as "I don't fully understand the laws and regulations, so I'm worried about the procedures," or "I can't handle all the complicated procedures"?

Now[Limited time]Based on the latest legal reform information, we provide materials to support the smooth start of business after M&A.FreeIt is distributed at.

[Free] Download materials

Main procedures required for business succession and organizational changes

Acquire an existing hotel
If you take over the property without renovating it

This is the smoothest method of succession as the hotel that is already licensed can be used as is.
Specifically, we will proceed in the following steps:

1. Business succession notification
　Before the business rights succession takes effect, notification will be submitted to each local government.
　The hotel industry isPrior approval required.
　It will take approximately 2 weeks to 1 month to process.

2. Notification of completion of business succession　(※Varies by municipality)　
　Once the business succession is complete, we will submit a completion notification.

3. Notification of changes
　If there are any changes to the intangible aspects of the hotel, such as the name of the hotel or the information of the person in charge, a change notification must be submitted.
　Some municipalities allow you to submit notifications after opening your business,
　When you find out about the changes, consult with your local government as soon as possible.
　You can proceed with the procedure smoothly.

After acquiring the existing hotel,
Partial renovation and reopening

If you purchase a hotel, renovate the exterior and interior, and reopen it,
You will need to consult with your local health center in advance about the scope of your renovation.
Each local government has its own definition of "part," so prior consultation is essential.　

If the scope of renovation is considered to be partial,
Specifically, we will proceed in the following steps:

1. Consultations regarding renovation
　We will go to the health center with a drawing that clearly shows the areas to be renovated.

2. Business succession notification
　Before the business rights succession takes effect, notification will be submitted to each local government.
　Prior approval is required for the hotel business.
　It will take approximately 2 weeks to 1 month to process.

3. Notification of completion of business succession　(※Varies by municipality)　
　Once the business succession is complete, we will submit a completion notification.

4. Business closure notice
　During the renovation, the hotel will be closed and unable to accept guests.
　You will need to submit a notification of closure to your local government.

5. Notification of changes
　Once the renovation is complete, we will submit a change notification.
　In some cases, the local government may conduct further inspections.
　After checking the site, if there are no problems, the facility will be able to reopen.

Acquire an existing hotel
When reopening after major renovations

If you are going to carry out major renovations after acquiring a hotel,
There are cases where you have to obtain a business license from scratch.

Since the definition of "large-scale" is determined by each local government, prior consultation is required.
"When renovating more than half of an existing building","When making repairs by destroying walls, piles, beams, etc.".

In this case, a business succession notification will not be sufficient.
Similar to applying for a business license for a new hotel, you will need to prepare the paperwork from scratch.

Succession through merger/division

In the case of a merger or division of a business operator (corporation) of a hotel and accommodation license facility,
Before the registration of a merger or divisionBusiness succession can be carried out by applying for approval of succession to the company.

Specifically, we will proceed in the following steps:

1. Application for approval of business succession
　Before registering a merger or division, notification must be submitted to each local government.
　The hotel industry isPrior approval required.
　It will take approximately 2 weeks to 1 month to process.

2. Notification of completion of business succession　(※Varies by municipality)　
　Once the business succession is complete, we will submit a completion notification.

3. Notification of changes
　If there are any changes to the intangible aspects of the hotel, such as the name of the hotel or the information of the person in charge, a change notification must be submitted.
　Some municipalities allow you to submit notifications after opening your business,
　When you find out about the changes, consult with your local government as soon as possible.
　You can proceed with the procedure smoothly.

Restaurant business licenses and other succession

Large hotels have licenses to operate restaurants and public baths, etc.
In addition to the inn/hotel business license, we have also obtained other licenses and permits.

Pre- and post-event measures will differ depending on the licenses and permits held by the hotel to be taken over.
Prior confirmation from the health center is required.

Handling of business license of previous business operator

When inheriting a hotel business, not only do you need to obtain a hotel business license again,
Former operatorNotification of business abolitionmust be submitted.

If you have obtained a restaurant business license within the accommodation facility, you will also need to submit a notification of abolition.

Benefits of requesting

Proven results

We have experience in new projects, succession projects, and renovation projects, so we can help you understand in advance what checks and necessary documents you need to take before the succession, making the process go smoothly.

Meet additional requirements from each local government

Depending on the local government, additional requirements may be required, such as school inquiries and public notification.

We will investigate and respond in advance to reduce the burden of procedures on your company.

Advice in line with current regulations and laws

Laws and regulations are constantly being revised, so it is important to keep up with the latest information.

As specialists, we can provide advice based on the latest laws and regulations.

Specialist Team Support

We have a multi-person team, so we can respond quickly.

\Let's start with the materials/

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For hotel business applications, please contact the Support Administrative Scriveners Corporation.

Our company handles many succession procedures associated with the sale and purchase of existing hotels.

Although the succession procedure is a simple procedure,
It is essential to obtain prior approval before the succession takes effect.

In addition, when carrying out renovations, it is up to each local government whether they can be carried out through the succession procedures.
Because the decisions differ, it is necessary to proceed with administrative discussions smoothly within the limited time frame.

Our staff has a track record of applying in all prefectures across the country. Please contact us by all means.

Available nationwide!