General reporting deadline is 20 days after acquisition
Under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act framework described by Japan’s Ministry of Finance, a non-resident who acquires real estate in Japan or certain rights connected with real estate generally must submit a prescribed report to the Minister of Finance through the Bank of Japan within 20 days. A Japan-resident agent, including a real estate intermediary, may submit the report on behalf of the purchaser, and online filing is available in addition to paper submission.
Exemptions changed for acquisitions from April 1, 2026
The Ministry’s FAQ explains that certain acquisitions made on or after April 1, 2026 are exempt. Examples include property acquired for the residence of the non-resident, specified relatives or employees, property used for qualifying non-profit activities, and property used as the non-resident’s own office. A vacation home or second home does not qualify for the residential-purpose exemption. The requirement therefore depends on residency status and acquisition purpose rather than nationality alone.
Investment buyers should include reporting in the closing process
International purchasers of rental apartments, income-producing buildings and second homes should treat post-closing reporting as part of the transaction timetable. The reporting framework is distinct from a general permission system for property ownership. Because treatment can vary according to the purchaser’s residency status, purpose and type of right acquired, parties should use the latest Ministry of Finance and Bank of Japan forms and instructions for each transaction.