Required documents for real estate

Those living in Japan should prepare these items when purchasing real estate in Japan.

• Certificate of residence (juminhyo): Proof of your residential relationship in your city or ward.
• Residence card (Zariryu Card): A card for foreign nationals living in Japan.
• Registered seal (Jitsuin): A signature on official documents in Japan. The seal must be registered with the municipal office of a city, ward, town, or village.
• Certificate of seal impression (Inkan Shomei): Your seal has a certificate called an Inkan Shomei, which is similar to a notarized signature in the West.
• Japanese bank account information: not required when paying in cash
• Identification: A valid ID such as a passport and driver’s license.

Non-Japanese residents will need an affidavit, a document proving their address and signature.

It must be notarized by a notary public or the consular section of their home country. This document is important to verify the ID and legal standing of non-residents buying property in Japan.