“I want to live in Japan”—A Growing Sentiment Among the Global Elite

Each year, more high-net-worth individuals around the world express a desire to live in Japan—a country renowned for its exceptional safety, cleanliness, advanced healthcare, world-class cuisine, and deeply courteous culture. It’s natural that many would wish to purchase a residence here, creating a base that allows them to visit and stay whenever they choose.

But this desire raises an important question: Can foreigners purchase property in Japan without a visa?

The answer is: Yes. It’s a remarkably straightforward process.

This article provides a detailed overview of the legal framework and procedures for foreign buyers in Japan, along with how real estate ownership can serve as a gateway for foreigners seeking to relocate in Japan.

■ Japan—A Country Where Foreigners Can Purchase Property Without a Visa

Japan imposes no visa requirement for purchasing real estate.

This means that even foreign nationals visiting as tourists can legally acquire and register ownership of a condominium or house in Japan.

All that’s required is a few essential details and basic documentation:

• Passport
• Current address and contact information in your home country
• Personal seal — or signature as a substitute
• Bank details for transferring the purchase funds

Utilizing a corporate ownership structure has become increasingly common, allowing for strategic tax benefits and asset management flexibility.

■ Property Ownership Without a Visa Is Possible — But Residency Is Limited

While foreigners can legally own property in Japan without a visa, it’s important to note that ownership does not automatically grant long-term residency.

Unlike some countries that offer “golden visa” programs tied to real estate investment, Japan has no such system in place. As a result, stays are limited to the terms of your existing visa—such as a temporary visitor visa, which typically allows for a maximum stay of 90 days.

This means that while owning a home in Japan and visiting multiple times a year is feasible, those wishing to live full-time or relocate permanently will need to consider alternative visa options, such as:

1. Investor/Business Manager Visa – Requires establishing a company and investing at least ¥5 million in capital
2. Spouse or Family Visa – Available through marriage to a Japanese national or other family connections
3. Long-term Stay Programs – Japan currently does not offer a residency scheme equivalent to Thailand’s Elite Visa

■ Still a Worthwhile Investment—Not for Residency, but as a Strategic Base

So why is Japanese real estate in high demand, even without the promise of long-term residency?

The answer is clear: owning a home in Japan provides a sense of security and stability—a highly valuable asset.

• A temporary residence for medical visits
• A home for children studying abroad
• A second base to mitigate geopolitical risks
• A Residence for Experiencing Cultural and Spiritual Enrichment

For many affluent individuals, acquiring a second home in Japan is not merely a real estate purchase—it’s a thoughtful investment in lifestyle.

■ Real Estate + Company Formation: A Pathway to Residency

For those considering long-term stays or future relocation to Japan, combining property acquisition with the establishment of a company is becoming an increasingly common and effective strategy.

• Set up a small consulting firm and obtain a Business Manager Visa
• Purchase and manage real estate under the company’s name to build a verifiable track record
• After a few years, renew the visa or transition to a dependent/family visa if applicable

By taking this approach, discerning investors can establish a well-structured and legally compliant foundation for transforming their property in Japan into a long-term lifestyle base. While Japan’s policies are known for their rigor, they are also marked by exceptional transparency—making this a practical and strategically sound path for high-net-worth individuals with a clear vision and plan.

■ A Home in Japan Is Not a Visa—It’s Peace of Mind

Owning property in Japan does not come with residency rights.

But what it does offer is something equally valuable: the quiet reassurance of having a place to return to at anytime.

For high-net-worth individuals living in countries with political instability or rapidly changing tax regimes, this sense of security carries profound meaning.

Even without relocation, owning real estate in Japan provides a tangible connection to a country known for its stability, safety, and cultural depth.

And for many, purchasing a home in Japan is the first step.