Housing & property

Can I inherit property in Japan as a foreigner?

YES

Yes. Foreigners can inherit Japanese real estate, although inheritance, registration and tax procedures apply.

VerifiedPrimary topic verifiedLast checked: 18 Aug 2026

What you need to know

Requirements & exceptions
  • Cross-border succession law and Japanese inheritance tax may need review.
Documents
  • Identity documents
  • Purchase/contract documents
  • Source-of-funds evidence where requested
Likely cost
Market purchase price plus transaction costs such as registration, judicial scrivener fees, stamp duty, acquisition tax, agent fee where applicable and ongoing fixed-asset tax.
Where to act
Real-estate agent, judicial scrivener and Legal Affairs Bureau for registration; tax office/municipality for applicable property taxes.

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