Can I Buy a House in Japan Without Living There？

Are you thinking about buying a house in Japan but don’t live here?
Many people wonder whether it’s possible to own property in Japan without being a resident. The answer is simple: Yes, you can!

Here’s everything you need to know if you’re a non-resident interested in owning real estate in Japan.

1. Foreigners Can Buy Property in Japan

Japan has no legal restrictions on foreigners buying real estate. You do not need to be a Japanese citizen or permanent resident.
You can buy:

• A house
• A condominium
• Land
• Commercial property

Whether you are an individual or a foreign company, ownership is allowed.

2. You Don’t Need a Visa to Buy

Buying real estate in Japan does not give you a visa or residency status. Also, having a visa is not required to make a purchase.

✅ You can be living overseas and still legally own a house in Japan.

However, if you plan to live in the property, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate visa separately (such as a work visa, investor visa, or long-term stay visa).

3. How Can You Manage the Property from Abroad?

If you do not live in Japan, you’ll need to think about how to manage your property.

Options include:

• Hiring a property management company
• Asking a local friend or contact to help
• Visiting Japan occasionally for inspections

For rental properties, a management company can handle tenants, repairs, and taxes on your behalf.

4. What About Taxes?

Even if you don’t live in Japan, you’ll still need to pay:

• Annual fixed asset tax
• Property acquisition tax
• Income tax (if renting out)

Make sure you appoint a tax representative in Japan if you’re earning income from your property.

5. Registration and Legal Support

A judicial scrivener (司法書士) can help register the property and make sure everything is done correctly under Japanese law.
This is especially important for overseas buyers.

Conclusion

You don’t need to live in Japan to buy real estate here. But you do need proper legal support and a clear plan for managing your property from abroad.

Our office has years of experience supporting international clients.
If you have questions about buying a home in Japan, feel free to contact us anytime!