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Requirement to Provide Nationality Information in Real Estate Registration (From FY2026)

Overview of the Ministry of Justice Policy

On December 16, the Ministry of Justice of Japan announced that it will introduce a system requiring individuals to provide their nationality information when acquiring real estate, such as land or buildings.
This requirement will apply at the time of ownership transfer registration, including transactions through sale, inheritance, or other forms of transfer.

Both Japanese nationals and foreign nationals will be subject to this requirement.

Implementation Timeline

• By the end of FY2025

  • Revision of relevant ministerial ordinances

  • Public comment process (public consultation)

• FY2026

  • Official start of system operation (planned)

• FY2027 (planned)

  • Establishment of a government-wide database to share nationality information

  • The Digital Agency will utilize the Real Estate Base Registry for this purpose

Details of the Nationality Information Requirement

• A new field for nationality will be added to real estate registration application forms.

• Applicants will be required to submit identity verification documents that confirm nationality, such as:

  • Passport

  • Certificate of residence (resident record)

Handling of Nationality Information

• The nationality information will be stored as internal administrative data only.

• It will not be recorded on the public real estate registry (title register).

• This is to protect personal privacy, as the registry is accessible to third parties upon request at Legal Affairs Bureau offices.

Purpose of the Measure

The primary objectives are:

• To clarify the actual situation of real estate ownership, including ownership by foreign individuals and foreign capital

• To create a data foundation for future policy making, including potential regulatory measures

• To support national land management and security-related considerations

Key Points Summary