Japan Inheritance Guide for Nepal (ネパール) Nationals
This guide explains how Japanese inheritance law and tax apply to Nepal nationals living in or inheriting property from Japan. There are approximately approx. 156,000 Nepal nationals residing in Japan.
1. Applicable Law (準拠法)
Under Japan's Act on General Rules for Application of Laws (法の適用に関する通則法, Article 36), the inheritance of a person is governed by the national law of the decedent.
Nepal's National Civil Code (2017) governs succession. It provides for equal inheritance rights regardless of gender.
Renvoi (反致): Generally Does Not Apply
Nepal does not have a well-developed conflict-of-law framework for renvoi in succession matters.
2. Tax Obligation Type (課税範囲)
Unlimited Taxpayer
Taxed on all worldwide assets.
Applies if: domiciled in Japan, OR foreign national with residence visa who has lived in Japan for 10+ years.
Limited Taxpayer
Taxed only on assets in Japan.
Applies if: not domiciled in Japan, OR foreign national who has lived in Japan for less than 10 years.
3. Nepal Inheritance Law
- •Equal inheritance rights for sons and daughters (reformed in 2017)
- •Surviving spouse inherits equally with children
- •No inheritance tax in Nepal
Statutory Inheritance:
Spouse and children inherit in equal shares. If no children, parents and siblings.
4. Required Documents
Citizenship Certificate (नागरिकता प्रमाणपत्र)
Nepalese citizenship document proving identity and family relationships.
Consular Authentication
Nepal is not a Hague Convention member. Consular legalization required.
Certified Japanese Translation
Nepali documents translated into Japanese.
Affidavit of Family Relationship
Sworn statement before Nepalese consulate.
5. Professional Fees
| Professional | Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Tax Accountant (税理士) | ¥300,000–¥800,000 |
| Lawyer (弁護士) | ¥300,000–¥600,000 |
| Judicial Scrivener (司法書士) | ¥80,000–¥200,000 |
| Translation & Authentication | ¥50,000–¥200,000 |
6. Important Notes
- ⚠Nepal does not have inheritance tax
- ⚠Many Nepalese residents in Japan are students or technical workers — documentation may be limited
- ⚠Consular legalization (not Apostille) required
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nepal have inheritance tax?
No. Nepal does not impose inheritance tax. However, if the heir or decedent is subject to Japanese tax jurisdiction, Japanese inheritance tax applies.
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This tool provides rough estimates only. It does not constitute tax advice or tax filing services. Actual tax obligations may differ significantly. Please consult a licensed tax professional (税理士) for accurate calculations.