Overseas buyers can hold Japanese property as an individual or through a company, and even a minor can become an owner of Japanese property. The documents required differ somewhat in each case, though the general requirements are broadly similar — it is the sworn declaration document that needs the most careful attention.
The “Declaration” Needed to Buy a Japanese Property
When buying a Japanese property, the buyer generally does not travel to Japan in person; the transaction is usually handled by proxy instead. To verify the buyer’s identity, a sworn declaration document dated within the last three months is required.
For buyers going through Hong Kong, this declaration can be arranged through most law firms, at a cost of roughly HKD 400-1,200. To save on cost, an alternative is to go to a Home Affairs Enquiry Centre in Hong Kong and have the declaration sworn there free of charge, as long as it carries an official government office stamp; its content mainly confirms the buyer’s identification documents.
Buyers going through other jurisdictions should ask a local lawyer, notary, or equivalent government office what sworn or certified identity declaration is accepted for an overseas property purchase in their case, since the specific document, office and fee will differ from the Hong Kong example above.
Documents Needed When Buying in an Individual’s Name
- Power of attorney
- Engraved personal seal
- Two copies of a sworn or notarized declaration document (a notarial deed for mainland Chinese buyers, or a Hong Kong-style declaration, valid within the last three months)
- Household registration transcript (for Taiwan-based buyers, one original Chinese-language copy plus one Japanese translation)
- Copy of ID card
- Copy of passport
An individual buyer’s declaration document must state the buyer’s residential address and ID number.
Documents Needed When Buying Under a Company or Corporate Name
- Power of attorney
- Company seal
- Two copies of a sworn or notarized declaration document (a notarial deed for mainland Chinese buyers, or a Hong Kong-style declaration, valid within the last three months)
- Copy of the company’s business registration (Business Registration Certificate for Hong Kong companies; Certificate of Business Registration for Taiwan companies)
A company or corporate buyer’s declaration document must state the company’s business registration details and registered address, in addition to which the company seal must be affixed.
Minors Can Also Buy Japanese Property
A buyer under 18 is treated as a minor in Japan for this purpose (Japan’s civil age of majority has been 18 since April 1, 2022). A minor buyer generally needs the same documents as an ordinary individual buyer, but because they are a minor, an additional sworn declaration from a parent is required.
Documents needed for a minor buyer:
- Lawyer’s engagement (to be provided by the lawyer at the relevant stage)
- A sworn declaration from the father or mother, containing 4 elements
(name, address, signature certification, proof of the parent-child relationship)
For an example of this kind of declaration document, buyers can ask their local lawyer or notary what format is accepted, since the exact form will vary by jurisdiction.
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