Can You Buy Property in Japan While Living Overseas?
Written by：SUMIMOTO Inc.Editorial Policy
Yes. Acquiring property in Japan is generally not restricted by nationality or residence status, and you can take ownership while living overseas. What differs from local buyers is the registration procedure, how you finance the purchase and how the property is managed after handover. How well you prepare before signing largely decides how smoothly it goes.
What documents does registration need?
If the owner lives overseas, a certificate of residence or signature certificate from a Japanese embassy or consulate, or a sworn affidavit, replaces the Japanese resident record and seal certificate. These are translated and certified where needed and submitted to the Legal Affairs Bureau. Obtaining and translating them can take several weeks, so plan backwards from the settlement date.
Before the contract is concluded, a licensed real estate transaction agent must give and explain a statement of important matters, which discloses the property's rights and restrictions. Whether this can be done in your language depends on the company, so ask before signing.
How to plan financing and management
Without stable income or residence status in Japan, domestic mortgages are hard to obtain, so a more realistic route is a lender with products for foreign buyers or financing mainly at home. Settle where the money comes from before choosing a property.
Note that buying property does not itself give you a residence status. If you will not live in Japan after handover, arrange a management company or similar early.
The provisions underpinning the transaction
- Real Estate Brokerage Act, Article 35
- Before a contract is concluded, a registered real estate transaction specialist must deliver and explain a written statement of important matters — this is where rights and restrictions on the property are disclosed.
- Real Estate Brokerage Act, Article 37
- Once the contract is concluded, a document setting out its terms must be delivered to the parties without delay.
- Real Property Registration Act, Article 60
- Registration of rights is in principle applied for jointly by the party acquiring and the party disposing of the right. Identity requirements do not relax because you live abroad.
FAQ
- Q. Can you complete a purchase without travelling to Japan?
- A. Powers of attorney and signature certificates are commonly used in practice. Requirements differ per transaction, so confirm early with your agent and judicial scrivener.
- Q. Can the important-matters explanation be given in another language?
- A. It depends on the company. Ask before contracting whether explanation or translation in a language you understand is available.
This is general information. Required documents vary by transaction, so check early with the broker and a judicial scrivener.
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The provisions underpinning the transaction
References & Sources
This article provides general information as of its publication date and is not individual legal, tax or investment advice. It was written with the help of generative AI.Editorial Policy
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