Zagdim Reader Desk · Japan property ownership
Holding property in JapanPersonal, company or trust ownership compared
Before you buy property in Japan or reorganise what you hold, note that personal, company and trust ownership differ in the registered name, the tax treatment and how the property can later be disposed of. The Zagdim Reader Desk first establishes your purpose in buying and your family plans, then shortlists suitable Japanese professionals.
The tax position described on this page depends on whether you are resident in Japan, which is judged on facts such as domicile and place of residence, not on nationality alone. The page describes the general Japanese rule; residents and passport holders of the United Kingdom, United States, Singapore, Australia, Canada and other countries should confirm the position for their own circumstances.
Information checked: 29 October 2026
01 · ABOUT
Personal, company or trust? Start with the stage you are at
How you hold a property determines the registered name, who is liable under contracts, who the income belongs to and the steps needed for any later transfer. Personal ownership, company ownership and a civil trust (民事信託) should be compared once your purpose in buying, your funding and your family plans are settled; the choice cannot be decided on a single tax rate.
- Name and liabilityThe registered owner and the actual arrangement of rights must match.
- Personal taxFirst establish where you are domiciled and the type of income.
- Link to successionRecords of acquisition cost must also be kept for a later sale.
Certificates of registered matters and registration of title. Jurisdiction depends on where the property is.
Handles the relevant national tax filings, tax agent notifications and related tax matters.
Logos belong to the respective bodies and are shown only to identify where a matter is handled. Zagdim is not affiliated with them.
Start with the stage you are at
Closest to your situation:
Deciding the name before buying
- What to compareThe registered owner, each party’s share of the funding and your residence status for income tax. Whether you are a resident is judged on facts such as having a domicile in Japan, or a place of residence there for a continuous period of 1 year or more, not on nationality alone.
- What to prepareThe source of funds, the intended use and how long you expect to hold.
Next steps
- Before signing, tell the Reader Desk who is funding the purchase and what it is for
Holding through a company
- What to compareThe limited liability of those who invest does not relieve the company of its own obligations. The costs of formation, bookkeeping, tax filing and a later sale must be counted together.
- What to prepareCompany details, and the capital and financing arrangements.
Next steps
- Say whether you already have a Japanese company, and the capital and financing you expect
Long-term management by family
- What to compareThe duties of the settlor, the trustee and the beneficiary. Placing a property in trust requires a trust registration, and whether an existing loan can accommodate it must be confirmed with the bank case by case.
- TaxIf you acquire another person’s beneficial interest without proper consideration, gift tax may arise.
- What to prepareFamily relationships, the assets and the arrangements for beneficiaries.
Next steps
- First list the assets to be managed and each family member’s role
Already an owner, changing the name
- What to compareWhere moving the property to a company or to family members involves a transfer of title, transfer registration and tax follow; work out the overall cost before you decide.
- CostsRegistration and licence tax (登録免許税) on a transfer of land is 2% under the standard rule (1.5% until 31 March 2029 where the conditions are met) and 2% on buildings, normally calculated on the value in the fixed asset tax ledger. Professional fees are additional.
Next steps
- Have the registration details and evidence of acquisition cost ready
Sources: National Tax Agency – determining resident status, beneficial interests in trusts, registration and licence tax / Ministry of Finance – trust registration. Checked 29 October 2026.
03 · CASES
What should you check before changing the registered name?
In every caseThe overall cost must be calculated before the name is changed; the tax comparison must not be left until after the transfer.
07 · EXPERTS & PROFESSIONALS
Which Japanese professionals are involved?
Depending on the case, different Japanese professionals are involved.
Certified tax accountant
税理士 · zeirishiAnalyses the tax consequences of holding, income and transfer.
Judicial scrivener
司法書士 · shihō shoshiChecks company or property registrations and files them on your behalf.
Lawyer
弁護士 · bengoshiReviews legal authority, liability and the arrangement.
MATCHING
How Zagdim shortlists the right professionals
What you need
Zagdim Reader Desk- Clarifying the need
- Matching providers
- Follow-up at key points
The right professionalZagdim Reader Desk
Establishes what you need · shortlists and introduces · follows up
No charge to readersProfessionals in Japan
Professional advice and handling
Quote · contract · payment · receiptCan a professional be arranged to compare ownership structures?
- You tell the Reader DeskWhere the property is, the structures you are considering and your family situation
- The Reader Desk checksWhether a certified tax accountant can be arranged, with a judicial scrivener or lawyer found separately where needed
- The Reader Desk repliesIf it can be arranged, we say which kind of professional will take it on. If no suitable provider is available for now, we say so plainly
08 · CONSULTATION
What happens next?
Four steps after you get in touch
- Contact the Reader DeskArrange a call by WhatsApp or email.
- A written briefThe Reader Desk sets out your purpose, assets and family relationships. Once you confirm it, you agree to the introduction.
- Introduction to a suitable professionalBefore the introduction, the written quote, out-of-pocket costs and conditions for extra charges are confirmed with the provider.
- Quote and engagementYou read the quote and decide whether to engage. You contract with and pay the provider directly.
Before you get in touch, think through your purpose in buying (own use, letting or succession), who is funding the purchase and how long you expect to hold, and whether you already own the property.
The Zagdim Reader Desk handles contact and follow-up.
