Can a foreign national or non-resident inherit Japanese real estate?

Answer

Yes. Foreign nationality or overseas residence alone does not prevent inheritance of Japanese real estate. Registration of the inheritance and Japanese inheritance-tax issues should, however, be reviewed separately.

Information to organize first

• Nationality and residence of the deceased and heirs
• Date of death and whether a will exists
• Japanese property registry information
• Other estate assets

Tax caution

Filing requirements and taxable scope depend on residence relationships and the estate. Residential condominium units also have specific valuation rules for inheritances from 2024 onward. Obtain case-specific tax advice.

Sources and verification

This Q&A uses the same primary official sources as the related Guide and was verified as of September 2, 2026. Confirm current requirements for individual cases.

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