“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:

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.

Managing currency risk and cash flows
For an expatriate, currency risk (EUR/JPY) is the leading source of wealth volatility.
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
Europe
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Asia
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Europe
Discover our tailored solutions for expatriates in Europe (Portugal, United Kingdom, Switzerland...)
Learn moreAsia
Discover our tailored solutions for expatriates in Asia (Vietnam, Philippines, South Korea...)
Learn moreTurning 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?
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.