What reporting should an overseas buyer check when sending money for Japanese real estate?
Last verified: August 31, 2026
Answer
A cross-border payment and a non-resident’s acquisition of Japanese real estate are not the same reporting event under Japan’s Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act framework. Payment reporting depends on the payment method and applicable rules, while a non-resident acquisition of Japanese real estate can separately require Form 22.
Form 22
The Bank of Japan lists the April 1, 2026 version of Form 22 for acquisition of Japanese real estate or related rights. Where reporting is required, the non-resident generally reports within 20 days of the acquisition. Official guidance lists exceptions, including certain genuine residential use and the non-resident’s own office use; short-stay vacation-home use is not treated as residential use for this exemption.
Practical point
Do not assume that a bank transfer being accepted means all FEFTA reporting obligations are complete. Confirm the payment route, buyer status, purpose of acquisition and current reporting requirements separately.
This article does not state that every overseas remittance or every property acquisition requires a report. Check the current BOJ guidance for the specific transaction.