New FEFTA Reporting Requirement in Japan: What Non-Residents Need to Know

When people think about buying a home in Japan, they usually focus on finding the perfect property, signing the contract, and preparing for settlement.

However, there's one important step after the purchase that some international buyers don't know about.

If you're planning to buy property in Japan, understanding the new FEFTA reporting requirement in Japan is essential.

From April 1, 2026, Japan introduced an important change to its reporting requirements under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (FEFTA).

What Changed on April 1, 2026?

Before April 1, 2026, non-residents who purchased property in Japan for their own residential use were generally exempt from submitting a report under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act.

However, this exemption was removed on April 1, 2026.

As a result, non-residents who acquire real estate in Japan on or after April 1, 2026, may now be required to submit a report, even if the property is for their own personal use.

This doesn't mean foreign buyers are restricted from purchasing property in Japan. It simply means that more overseas buyers now have a reporting obligation after completing their purchase.

The Ministry of Finance's official announcement regarding the updated FEFTA reporting requirement for non-residents acquiring property in Japan.

When Does the Report Need to Be Submitted?

If the reporting requirement applies to you, the report generally needs to be submitted within 20 days after acquiring the property.

The report is submitted to the Minister of Finance through the Bank of Japan, and the form must be completed in Japanese.

A Real Example

We've already assisted our international clients with this reporting process after they purchased a property in Japan.

Below is an example of the reporting form that was submitted. All personal information has been removed to protect our client's privacy.

Example of a FEFTA reporting form submitted for one of our international clients. Personal information has been removed to protect the client's privacy.

Although the form itself may look straightforward, it includes information that must be completed accurately. For overseas buyers who aren't familiar with Japanese administrative procedures, understanding what needs to be included can often be the most challenging part.

Something Many Overseas Buyers Don't Know

One thing I've noticed is that many international buyers assume someone involved in the transaction will automatically take care of this report.

However, the responsibility ultimately belongs to the buyer.

Depending on the transaction, your real estate agent or judicial scrivener may not prepare or submit this report for you unless it has been specifically arranged.

That's why I wanted to write this article—to help overseas buyers become aware of the requirement before the deadline passes.

Need Help With Your FEFTA Filing?

If you are required to submit a FEFTA report, Akiya Supporter can assist you with the filing process.

FEFTA Filing Support: ¥27,500 (tax included)

For jointly owned properties, an additional filing is required for each owner.
Additional owner: +¥11,000 (tax included)

→ View FEFTA Filing Support

A Quick Note

This article is intended to provide general information based on the current rules at the time of writing.

Because every buyer's situation is different, the reporting requirement may not apply in the same way to everyone.

If you're unsure about your own circumstances, I'd be happy to discuss them with you during a 30-min meeting.

I hope this article has helped you better understand the new reporting requirement. My goal is to make buying property in Japan a little easier and less confusing for international buyers.

Many thanks !

Haruka from Akiya Supporter