Switzerland Inheritance Guide for Kawasaki (川崎市)
This guide covers inheritance tax implications for Switzerland nationals who own or inherit property in Kawasaki, Japan. A major industrial city between Tokyo and Yokohama with one of the largest Korean communities in Japan.
Property Values in Kawasaki
Average Land Value (路線価)
¥280,000/㎡
100㎡ Land Assessed Value
¥28.0 million
Estimated Tax (100㎡, 2 heirs)
¥0 (Tax-Free — within basic deduction)
Based on average land values. Actual values vary significantly by ward/district. Use the calculator for a specific address.
Applicable Law for Switzerland Nationals
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.
Swiss Civil Code (ZGB, Book 3: Erbrecht) governs succession. Switzerland's Federal Act on Private International Law (IPRG) applies the law of the decedent's last domicile for succession, but a Swiss national may choose Swiss law.
Renvoi (反致): May Apply
Swiss IPRG (Article 91) applies the law of the decedent's last domicile but recognizes renvoi. If the decedent was domiciled in Japan, Swiss conflict rules may refer to Japanese law.
Tax Obligation in Kawasaki
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.
Japan has a tax treaty with Switzerland that may provide relief from double taxation on property in Kawasaki.
Required Documents
Erbbescheinigung (Certificate of Inheritance)
Swiss certificate of inheritance issued by the competent authority (varies by canton).
Familienschein / Personenstandsausweis
Swiss family or personal status certificate from the Zivilstandsamt.
Apostille
Switzerland is a Hague Convention member. Apostille from the cantonal authorities.
Certified Japanese Translation
German/French/Italian documents translated into Japanese (Switzerland has multiple official languages).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is inheritance tax on property in Kawasaki for Switzerland nationals?
With an average land value of ¥280,000/㎡ in Kawasaki, a 100㎡ property is valued at approximately ¥28.0 million. With 2 heirs, this falls within the basic deduction (¥42 million), so no tax would be owed.
Which law applies to Switzerland inheritance in Japan?
Swiss Civil Code (ZGB, Book 3: Erbrecht) governs succession. Switzerland's Federal Act on Private International Law (IPRG) applies the law of the decedent's last domicile for succession, but a Swiss national may choose Swiss law.
Do Switzerland nationals need to pay inheritance tax in Japan?
Yes, if the heir or decedent has a domicile in Japan. Japan has a tax treaty with Switzerland that may provide relief from double taxation.
Need Help with Inheritance in Kawasaki?
Get connected with English-speaking tax professionals experienced in international inheritance cases in the Kawasaki area.
Switzerland Guides for Other Cities
Kawasaki Guides for Other Nationalities
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.