Brokering without license is illegal?

3 years
Maximum imprisonment
¥3M
Max fine
Article 64
Prohibition clause
License require
For all brokerage acts
The Short Answer

Yes, brokering real estate transactions without a license is illegal in Japan under the Real Estate Business Law.

What the Law Says

The Real Estate Business Law strictly prohibits unlicensed persons from engaging in real estate brokerage activities in Japan.

Under Japanese law, anyone who mediates or brokers the sale, lease, or exchange of real estate — including land, buildings, or rights related to them — must hold a valid real estate broker license issued by the governor of the relevant prefecture.

This requirement applies even if the activity is occasional, unpaid, or conducted online. Merely introducing parties or negotiating terms on behalf of others qualifies as 'brokerage' under the law.

Violating this rule is a criminal offense with serious penalties, including imprisonment and fines.

Statutory Text

No person shall engage in real estate business without having obtained a license...

— Real Estate Business Law, s. 64 — Prohibition of Unlicensed Real Estate Business
Statutory Text

Any person who violates the provisions of the preceding Article shall be punished by imprisonment with work for not more than three years or a fine of not more than three million yen.

— Real Estate Business Law, s. 79 — Penalty

What to Do

1

Confirm whether your activity falls under 'real estate brokerage' as defined in the Real Estate Business Law.

2

Apply for a real estate broker license through the governor of your prefecture (requires passing the national exam and meeting eligibility criteria).

3

If you are not licensed, refrain from any act that mediates, negotiates, or facilitates real estate transactions for others.

4

Consult a licensed real estate broker or legal professional before assisting in property deals.

Sources

statuteReal Estate Business Law, s. 64 — Prohibition of Unlicensed Real Estate BusinessstatuteReal Estate Business Law, s. 79 — Penalty

Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.