日本語
English
简体中文
繁體中文Who this is for
- Anyone who wants to buy a home to live in in Japan
- Anyone living overseas who wants to hold Japanese real estate as an investment
- Companies that want to buy or lease property for offices or stores
- Overseas residents who want to manage or sell Japanese property acquired through inheritance or other means
Rules on real estate acquisition by foreigners
Japan has no general restriction on purchasing real estate based on nationality. However, the following procedures may be required before or after acquisition.
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| FEFTA report | When a person living overseas acquires Japanese real estate, a report to the Minister of Finance through the Bank of Japan may be required |
| Land transaction notification | Transactions in land above a certain size, or in designated areas such as around defense facilities, require notification to the authorities |
| Nationality reporting | From 2026, rules requiring acquirers to report their nationality in registrations and land transaction notifications are being introduced in stages |
| Domestic contact for overseas owners | When a person living overseas becomes an owner, a contact in Japan is registered |
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Purchase process
- 01
Decide purpose, budget and ownership
Decide whether the property is a home or an investment, and whether to hold it personally or through a company. The form of ownership affects tax, inheritance and sale.
- 02
Make a funding plan
Confirm how you will remit your own funds and whether financing is possible. For remittances from overseas, it is important to keep records showing the source of funds.
- 03
Find and examine properties
Find properties that meet your criteria and look into legal restrictions, building condition and management status.
- 04
Offer and purchase agreement
We explain the important matters statement and the contract terms with interpretation and translation, followed by signing and payment of the deposit.
- 05
Settlement, handover and registration
The balance is paid, and a judicial scrivener registers the transfer of ownership.
- 06
Post-acquisition filings and tax preparation
Required filings such as the FEFTA report are made, and owners living overseas appoint a tax agent.
What we do
Purchase support
In coordination with partner licensed real estate brokers, we support you from property introductions and price negotiation through to the contract and handover. We explain the important matters statement and the contract in Chinese or English.
Registration and filings
A judicial scrivener registers the transfer of ownership, and we handle post-acquisition procedures such as the FEFTA report and land transaction notification together.
Leasing and management
Tenant recruitment, lease agreements, rent collection, maintenance and repairs are handled together with partner property management companies. We report income and expenses in Chinese or English. For use as private lodging (minpaku), we check the inn business rules and local ordinances.
Tax for owners living overseas
Rental income and gains on sale require a tax return in Japan. In some cases, the tenant or buyer must withhold tax. A certified tax accountant files the returns and serves as tax agent, and also checks how this relates to filing in your country of residence.
Sales
We support you through valuation, finding a buyer, the contract and settlement, and estimate and file the taxes on the sale.
Why TIMOA
- 01
Property search, registration, filings and tax move forward through one point of contact.
- 02
You can make decisions after understanding the contract in your own language.
- 03
We propose how to own and hold the property together with your visa, company setup and inheritance plans.
Fees
Fees are quoted once we understand the nature and scope of your engagement. Please contact us first.
Ask about feesFrequently asked questions
Can foreigners own land in Japan?
Yes. There is no general restriction on land ownership based on nationality. In some areas, notification is required before or after a transaction.
If I buy real estate in Japan, will I get a visa?
No. Buying real estate is not a requirement for any status of residence. To live in Japan, you need a status of residence that matches your purpose, such as running a business or working.
Can I buy without living in Japan?
Yes. The contract and settlement can proceed by mailing documents or through an agent. After purchase, you appoint a tax agent to act as your point of contact for tax in Japan.
Can foreigners get a home loan?
It is not easy, except for permanent residents and some others. Lenders look at status of residence, income in Japan and length of employment.
What should I watch for when selling while living overseas?
The buyer may withhold income tax from the price, which you settle by filing a tax return in Japan. A return is often also needed in your country of residence, so we estimate the taxes in advance.
Related articles
- Office Leases for Foreign Companies in Japan: Screening and Guarantees
- Renting Out Japanese Property from Abroad: Management and Tax Basics
- Housing for Foreign Employees in Japan: Company Housing and Leases
- Japan’s Important Land Act: Impact on Foreign Buyers and Notification
- Japan Rental Income Tax for Non-Residents: 20.42% Withholding Guide