AI-augmented advisory firm in France

Wealth management in Japan

“Alexis, I’m moving to Tokyo for the next five years. I’ve been told Japanese taxation is one of the heaviest in the world, especially on inheritance. How can I take advantage of the current momentum of the Japanese stock market without putting my global wealth at risk?”

Japan is no longer merely the "sleeping giant" it was described as a decade ago. With the corporate governance reform initiated by the Tokyo Stock Exchange and the return of moderate inflation, the Japanese economy now offers major new wealth opportunities. Yet, for an expatriate, Japan is a regulatory maze in which the notion of "tax residence" can turn straightforward management into a genuine administrative challenge.

At Balmont Conseil, we have developed dedicated expertise for French nationals living in Japan. As an Augmented Wealth Engineer, I combine my professional expertise with cutting-edge wealth-management AI to model the impact of the France–Japan tax treaties and optimise your financial planning as an expatriate in Japan.

The specifics of tax-resident status in Japan

This is the starting point of any diversification strategy: your status in the eyes of the National Tax Agency (NTA). Japan distinguishes between two categories of foreign residents:

The Non-Permanent Resident (NPR)

If you have lived in Japan for less than 5 years (over a 10-year period) and do not intend to settle there permanently, you are an NPR.

  • Advantage: You are taxed only on Japan-source income and on foreign income remitted to Japan (international money transfers).
  • Risk: Any transfer from your French accounts to Japan can trigger taxation on the dividends or rental income you receive in France.
  • The Permanent Tax Resident

    After 5 years of residence, you are taxed on your worldwide income. Your securities accounts in France, your rental income in Lyon or your interest earned in Luxembourg all fall within the scope of Japanese taxation.

    Taxation and Inheritance : A clash of cultures

    Japan is renowned for having one of the world’s most severe inheritance tax regimes, with a marginal rate reaching 55%.

    The 10-year rule

    For inheritance and gifts, Japan applies a "worldwide scope" rule. If the deceased or the heir has resided in Japan for more than 10 years over the last 15 years, the Japanese tax authorities may tax the entire worldwide estate, including assets located in France.

    The France–Japan Tax Treaty

    Fortunately, France and Japan have signed treaties to avoid double taxation. However, tax optimisation requires careful structuring: the use of certain French trusts or corporate structures may be misinterpreted under Japanese law (Civil Law vs Common Law).

    Optimising your wealth in Japan: the essential tools

    Saving and investing in Japan have recently been transformed to encourage household financial inclusion.

    The NISA (Nippon Individual Savings Account)

    It is the Japanese cousin of the French PEA. Since 2024, the "New NISA" allows you to invest up to 18 million yen (overall cap) with a full and permanent exemption from tax on capital gains and dividends.

  • Appeal: It is the perfect tool for capturing the performance and appreciation of the Japanese market.
  • Japanese real estate: an asset class of its own

    Unlike in France, buildings depreciate rapidly in Japan. Property investment in Japan often rests on the value of the land.

  • New opportunities: The luxury residential market in Tokyo and investments in hospitality are benefiting from a historically weak yen, attracting massive flows of foreign investment.
  • Managing currency risk and cash flows

    For an expatriate, currency risk (EUR/JPY) is the leading source of wealth volatility.

  • Currency operations: We advise on hedging strategies to protect your capital against a sharp rebound of the yen should you plan to return to Europe.

  • International money transfers: It is essential to document the origin of your funds to prevent cash reserves accumulated before your arrival from being reclassified as taxable income when transferred to an international Japanese bank.
  • Why choose Balmont Conseil for your wealth in Japan?

    Navigating between the Nikkei 225, Japanese government bonds and your European assets calls for high-precision financial planning.

    Our "Augmented" expertise

    Thanks to our specialised AI, we carry out cross-referenced market analyses. We simulate the impact of Japanese inflation and interest rates on your capital allocation.

    • Wealth audit: We scrutinise your French and Japanese assets to verify their compliance with corporate governance and the tax laws of both countries.
    • Financial services in Japan: We guide you in selecting modern asset-management products (ETFs, actively managed funds) while providing financial education tailored to the local context.

    Case study: Anticipating the return from expatriation

    A French executive who has been in Tokyo for 8 years wishes to return to France. Without preparation, liquidating his Japanese assets can generate tax friction of 20% to 30%. Balmont Conseil organises the exit through European diversification strategies while making use of the treaty allowances.

    FAQ : Your questions about wealth management in Japan

    Is it easy to open a securities account in Japan as a foreigner?


    What is the impact of the yen’s devaluation on my wealth?


    Is the NISA available to non-permanent residents?


    How is real estate held in France taxed for a resident of Japan?


    What are the specifics of wealth management in Japan for foreigners, expatriates or investors?


    What tax, legal and inheritance aspects should you be aware of?


    What services are offered by wealth-management firms in Japan?


    How can you optimise your wealth (investments, taxation, transmission) when you reside in Japan?


    Are there notable differences between wealth management in Japan and in other countries?

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    Turning the archipelago into a growth lever

    Japan is not only a place of expatriation, it is a laboratory of new wealth opportunities. Between the dividend performance of Japanese companies and the tax advantages of the NISA, the levers are real for those who know how to master currency risk.

    At Balmont Conseil, we turn Japanese complexity into a serene growth trajectory. Stop being constrained by regulatory barriers—turn them to your advantage.

    Your ambition deserves borderless expertise.

    Alexis Sagnier

    With over 17 years of expertise in financial engineering, Alexis Sagnier supports business leaders and expatriates in securing their cross-border interests.

    Sources & References:

    • French General Tax Code (CGI): Article 155 B.
    • Official Public Finance Bulletin (BOFiP): Inbound-expatriate regime (BOI-RSA-GEO-40).
    • 2025 Finance Act: Analysis of recent developments.
    • Case law on inbound expatriation: Conseil d'État rulings on the reference remuneration.
    • ANACOFI Member Handbook: Standards for wealth-engineering advice.

    Ready to structure your future?

    Whether you are in Lyon or on the other side of the world, Alexis Sagnier and the Balmont Conseil team are here to listen.

    Your wealth deserves a borderless vision

    Being a non-resident offers exceptional opportunities to build capital, provided you do not let non-resident taxation absorb your performance. At Balmont Conseil, we combine Alexis Sagnier’s expertise with technological power to secure every euro invested in France or internationally.

    Do not let tax complexity hold back your ambitions.

    Book an appointment for a personalised non-resident tax audit.

    Alexis Sagnier

    With over 17 years of expertise in financial engineering, Alexis Sagnier supports business leaders and expatriates in securing their cross-border interests.