許認可・ビザ・補助金　全国対応　国内最大級の行政書士法人

更新日：2025年3月27日

When Acquiring an Existing Hotel,

the Hotel Business Permit Can Also Be Transferred!

In cases of business transfers, acquisitions, or M&A involving existing hotels,
it is now possible to take over the hotel business through prior notification, without having to obtain a new permit.

Thanks to this regulatory change, new operators are no longer required to apply for permits from scratch,
significantly simplifying the procedures and shortening the time required to reopen the hotel.

Below, we explain the procedures related to business succession and organizational changes using specific examples.

Acquiring an Existing Hotel
Without Renovation After Succession

If the hotel has already obtained the necessary permits and is used as-is, this is the smoothest form of business succession.
The process typically follows these steps:

１．Business Succession Notification
　Submit the notification to the relevant local authority before the transfer of business rights takes effect.
For hotel businesses, prior approval is required.
The review process usually takes about 2 weeks to 1 month.

２．Completion Notification of Business Succession 　（※may vary by municipality）　
　Once the transfer of business rights is completed, submit the completion notification.

３．Change Notification
　If there are changes to soft aspects such as the hotel name or person in charge, a change notification must be submitted. Some municipalities allow post-opening notifications, but it is advisable to consult the local authority as early as possible once changes are known, to ensure a smooth procedure.

Partial Renovation and Reopening After Hotel Acquisition

When renovating the exterior or interior of a hotel after acquisition and planning to reopen,
you must consult with the public health center in advance regarding the scope of the renovation.

As each municipality defines “partial renovation” differently, prior consultation is essential.　

If the renovation is deemed to be partial, the process typically follows these steps:

１．Consultation on Renovation Plans
　Bring detailed floor plans specifying the renovation areas to the public health center for consultation.

２．Business Succession Notification
　Submit the notification to the relevant local authority before the transfer of business rights takes effect.
For hotel businesses, prior approval is required.
The review process typically takes 2 weeks to 1 month.

３．Completion Notification of Business Succession　（※may vary by municipality）　　
　Submit the completion notification once the transfer of business rights is finalized.

４．Temporary Business Suspension Notification
　Since operations will be paused during renovation and guests will not be accommodated,
a suspension notification must be submitted to the local authority.

５．Change Notification
Around the time the renovation is completed, submit a change notification.
Depending on the municipality, a new on-site inspection may be conducted.
If there are no issues following the inspection, the hotel can proceed with its renewal opening.

Acquiring a Hotel and Reopening After Major Renovation

If you plan to carry out major renovation work after acquiring a hotel,
you may be required to obtain a new hotel business permit from scratch.

Since each municipality defines “major renovation” differently, prior consultation is essential.
Typical cases include renovations involving more than half of the existing building
or structural changes such as the removal of walls, piles, or beams.

In such cases, a business succession notification alone is not sufficient.
You must prepare a full set of documents, just as you would for a new hotel permit application.

Succession Through Merger or Company Split

When the operator (corporation) of a licensed hotel facility undergoes a merger or company split,
business succession can be carried out by submitting a succession approval application before the merger or split is officially registered.

The process typically follows these steps:

１．Application for Business Succession Approval
Submit the application to the relevant local authority before registering the merger or split.
For hotel businesses, prior approval is required.
The review process generally takes 2 weeks to 1 month.

２．Completion Notification of Business Succession　（※may vary by municipality）　
　Once the transfer of business rights is finalized, submit the completion notification.

３．Change Notification
　If there are changes to soft elements such as the hotel name or responsible person, submit a change notification.
While some municipalities allow post-opening submissions, consulting the local authority as soon as any changes are known will help ensure smooth processing.

Other Permits to Be Transferred (e.g., Restaurant Business Permits)

Large-scale hotels often hold multiple permits in addition to the hotel business permit,
such as restaurant business permits or public bathhouse business permits.

Depending on which permits the hotel has,
the necessary procedures may vary before and after the transfer.
Therefore, prior confirmation with the public health center is required.

Handling of the Previous Operator’s Business Permits

When succeeding a hotel business, it is not only necessary to obtain a new hotel business permit,
but also to submit a notification of business closure for the previous operator.

If the facility also holds other permits such as a restaurant business permit,
separate closure notifications for those permits must be submitted as well.

For Hotel Business Permit Applications, Consult SG Administrative Legal Services

Our firm has extensive experience handling business succession procedures related to the sale and acquisition of existing hotels.

While succession procedures may seem simple, it is essential to secure prior approval before the succession takes legal effect.

In cases involving renovation, whether the project can proceed under succession procedures varies by municipality.
Therefore, it is crucial to coordinate with administrative authorities smoothly and within tight timelines.

Our specialists have experience filing applications across prefectures throughout Japan.
Please feel free to contact us for a consultation.

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