Translation guide
The process by which a company's shareholders or owners decide to dissolve the company and settle its affairs, as opposed to being forced by creditors or a court.
The company itself decides to dissolve and liquidate assets.
Standard legal/business term for voluntary liquidation, where the company initiates the process.
当社は任意清算の手続きを開始しました。
Our company has begun voluntary liquidation proceedings.
Emphasizes the voluntary, self-initiated nature of the liquidation. Often used in contrast to forced liquidation.
自主清算を選ぶ企業が増えている。
More companies are choosing voluntary liquidation.
A more descriptive phrase meaning 'voluntary liquidation of a company'. Used when explaining the concept rather than as a set term.
会社の自主的な清算は、株主の決議によって行われます。
Voluntary liquidation of a company is carried out by resolution of the shareholders.
The company is solvent and can pay its debts; shareholders voluntarily wind up.
In Japanese corporate law, this refers to a standard liquidation where the company is solvent. Equivalent to members' voluntary liquidation.
通常清算の場合、残余財産は株主に分配されます。
In a members' voluntary liquidation, remaining assets are distributed to shareholders.
Explicitly distinguishes this as the solvent type of voluntary liquidation.
当社は任意清算（通常清算）を選択しました。
We opted for a members' voluntary liquidation.
The company is insolvent and cannot pay all debts; shareholders initiate liquidation but creditors are involved.
Under Japanese law, this is a court-supervised liquidation for insolvent companies, often initiated voluntarily but with creditor protection. Similar to creditors' voluntary liquidation.
負債超過のため、特別清算の申し立てを行った。
Due to insolvency, we filed for a creditors' voluntary liquidation.
A descriptive phrase for a voluntary liquidation where creditors take the lead, often used in explanations.
このケースは債権者主導の任意清算に近い。
This case is close to a creditors' voluntary liquidation.
Both mean voluntary liquidation, but 任意清算 is the formal legal term, while 自主清算 emphasizes the voluntary, self-initiated aspect and is often used in contrast to forced liquidation (強制清算). In practice, they are often interchangeable.
Do not translate 'voluntary liquidation' word-for-word as 自発的清算 or ボランタリー清算. These are not standard terms and may cause confusion.