Can a real estate brokerage license be obtained in Japan even if the company’s representative is a foreign national?

Conclusion:
Yes, a real estate brokerage license can be obtained.

However, compared to cases where the representative is a Japanese national, there are more points that must be carefully reviewed, and consistency with the representative’s status of residence is extremely important.

① Is it possible to obtain a real estate brokerage license even if the representative is a foreign national?

Under the Real Estate Brokerage Act of Japan,
the fact that a representative is a foreign national in itself does not constitute a ground for disqualification.

Therefore, a real estate brokerage license may be obtained as long as the legal requirements are satisfied, regardless of whether:

📌 the foreign national resides in Japan.

📌 the representative of the Japanese corporation is a foreign national, or

② Most Important Point | Relationship with Immigration Status

When a foreign national operates a real estate brokerage business as a representative,
the type of status of residence (visa) is extremely important.

Examples of statuses of residence that generally do not cause issues in practice

✅ Business Manager
✅ Permanent Resident
✅ Spouse or Child of Japanese National
✅ Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident
✅ Long-Term Resident

These statuses of residence allow business management and appointment as a company representative.

Statuses of residence requiring caution

❌ Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
❌ Skilled Labor
❌ Student
❌ Dependent

As a general rule, holders of these statuses cannot serve as company representatives or business managers.

③ Main Examination Points for a Real Estate Brokerage License
(When the Representative Is a Foreign National)

In addition to the requirements common to cases where the representative is a Japanese national,
the following points are examined more closely when the representative is a foreign national:

📌 Whether the status of residence (such as Permanent Resident or Business Manager) is legally appropriate
📌 Whether there is sufficient remaining period of stay
📌 Whether the office has substance, independence, and continuity
📌 Whether the representative does not fall under any grounds for disqualification
📌 Whether a full-time licensed Real Estate Transaction Agent (Takken-shi) has been properly appointed

※ There is no discrimination based on nationality.
However, any inconsistency with the status of residence can result in immediate disqualification, so particular caution is required.

④ Common Misconceptions

❌ “Foreign nationals cannot obtain a real estate brokerage license.”
→ Incorrect

❌ “If you have a Business Manager visa, approval is guaranteed.”
→ Incorrect
(Approval may be denied if requirements such as the office setup or appointment of a licensed Real Estate Transaction Agent are not properly met.)

❌ “Once the real estate license is granted, the visa will automatically be approved.”
→ Incorrect
(The real estate brokerage license and the status of residence are subject to separate examinations.)

⑤ Advantages of Hiring a Certified Administrative Scrivener

✅ Prevents the “simultaneous collapse” of both the visa and the real estate brokerage license
✅ Allows the application to be designed from both perspectives — Immigration Services and the real estate licensing authority
✅ Strengthens the explanation of the representative’s position and role through proper written documentation
✅ Identifies and eliminates potential risks of denial in advance

⑦ Summary

Even if the representative is a foreign national,
a real estate brokerage license can be obtained with the appropriate status of residence and a properly structured business setup.

However,
⚠️ Choosing an incorrect status of residence
⚠️ Underestimating office and licensed personnel requirements

are the two most common causes of failure.

Because of this, the initial planning and design stage is critical and often determines the final outcome.

For Those Considering Applying for a Real Estate Brokerage License in Japan

✅ For obtaining a real estate brokerage license, leave it to the Administrative Scrivener Fujita Taro Office
✅ We provide full application support at one of the most affordable price levels in the industry
✅ Membership application to a real estate guarantee association is free, and photo services are also provided at no charge
✅ Free consultations available — we support a smooth and reliable licensing process
✅ An English-speaking certified Administrative Scrivener will handle your case directly