GUIDE · REAL ESTATE
Real estate agency license in Japan
宅地建物取引業の免許Takken-gyo menkyo
Buying, selling or brokering property as a business in Japan needs a real estate business license — and licensed specialists on your staff.
Issued by
Governor
Or the minister, if offices in 2+ prefectures
Specialists
1 in 5
Full-time takken-shi per office staff
Valid for
5 years
Renew 90 to 30 days before expiry
Needed for
Brokering
Buying, selling and lease brokerage
Who issues the license
| Your offices | License from |
|---|---|
| In one prefecture only | The governor of that prefecture |
| In two or more prefectures | The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (applied online through eMLIT since May 2024) |
Main requirements
- At each office, full-time licensed real estate transaction specialists (宅地建物取引士) — at least one for every five people working in the business
- If you fall short, you must fix it within two weeks
- A real office used for the business
- A security deposit or membership of a guarantee association before you start
- The company and its officers must not fall under the disqualification rules
The takken-shi exam is in Japanese, so many foreign owners hire a licensed specialist.
Validity and renewal
The license is valid for 5 years. Apply for renewal between 90 and 30 days before it expires. Processing for a minister’s license takes around 100 days, so plan ahead.
Related guides
- Starting a business in Japan
- Hiring and social insurance — for the specialists you employ
- Websites and subsidies — for listing sites and marketing
FAQ
Do I need a license to run a real estate agency in Japan?
Yes. Brokering or trading land and buildings as a business needs a real estate business license from the prefectural governor, or from the minister if you have offices in two or more prefectures.
How many licensed specialists does a real estate office need?
At least one full-time licensed real estate transaction specialist for every five people working in the business at that office.
How long is a Japanese real estate license valid?
Five years. Renewal applications are made between 90 and 30 days before expiry.
Sources
- Real estate business licenses (宅地建物取引の免許について) — MLIT
- Scope, licensing authority, requirements and validity — Kinki Regional Development Bureau, MLIT
This page is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. The official Japanese guidelines always take priority.
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WHAT TO LOOK FOR
- Property listing sites
- Electronic contracts
- Customer management