Non Resident Buying a car in Japan
Discussion
I`ll be visiting Japan several times a year for the next two years. I would like to buy an NSX and drive some of the classic roads in that time. After two years i would import the car to the UK. I`ve read that its very difficult to own car as a tourist i.e. registration, proof of residence and parking spot regulations. A coiuple of dealers have hinted at ways but they said it would cost $$$
Are there other hidden pitfalls? Has anyone any suggestions how i could do this?
Are there other hidden pitfalls? Has anyone any suggestions how i could do this?
Having been through the process myself, I can say that buying a car in Japan is a complicated and bureaucratic process.
I am not sure it would be possible if you are not a resident here. A couple of issues I can think of...none of which are show-stoppers, as I am sure an English speaking dealer can help you with the processes.
1 - You need to have (own or rent) a parking space. You cannot purchase a car without providing a document from the local police proving that you have a parking space. If you are a regular visitor and are renting an apartment in Japan, you may have a parking space included in the apartment.
2 - You need to have a Hanko stamp registered at the local ward office. This is effectively your "signature".
3 - You need to remember that there are annual taxes to pay and also the bi-annual "Shaken", which is similar to an MoT in the UK. I think you need to have an address in Japan for these.
Again the dealer may be able to provide you with a way to get around these issues.
There a lot of articles in English which explain the process. This is pretty good...
http://www.tokyoweekender.com/2011/08/the-ins-outs...
Depending on how much you visit Japan, if you just want to drive a nice car occasionally, there are a lot of supercar rental companies in Tokyo.
I am not sure it would be possible if you are not a resident here. A couple of issues I can think of...none of which are show-stoppers, as I am sure an English speaking dealer can help you with the processes.
1 - You need to have (own or rent) a parking space. You cannot purchase a car without providing a document from the local police proving that you have a parking space. If you are a regular visitor and are renting an apartment in Japan, you may have a parking space included in the apartment.
2 - You need to have a Hanko stamp registered at the local ward office. This is effectively your "signature".
3 - You need to remember that there are annual taxes to pay and also the bi-annual "Shaken", which is similar to an MoT in the UK. I think you need to have an address in Japan for these.
Again the dealer may be able to provide you with a way to get around these issues.
There a lot of articles in English which explain the process. This is pretty good...
http://www.tokyoweekender.com/2011/08/the-ins-outs...
Depending on how much you visit Japan, if you just want to drive a nice car occasionally, there are a lot of supercar rental companies in Tokyo.
RLuck, Thanks for that. I managed to find a dealer that assures me he will help me round the issues and im travelling to Osaka next week to see what gives.
The supercar rental looks tempting but i`ve a hankering after an NSX-R (NA-2) and then import to the UK after 2 years. By owning and using it in Japan i will potentially save +/- 20KGBP UK import tax. Worthy of some hassle
Thanks again
The supercar rental looks tempting but i`ve a hankering after an NSX-R (NA-2) and then import to the UK after 2 years. By owning and using it in Japan i will potentially save +/- 20KGBP UK import tax. Worthy of some hassle
Thanks again
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