Who can shop tax-free in Japan: status and the six-month rule

Foreign visitors with Temporary Visitor status can shop tax-free if they entered Japan less than six months ago, by showing a passport. Diplomats and officials qualify too. People on a landing permission for cruise ship tourists, crew members, an emergency or distress show the permit with the passport. Japanese nationals qualify only after living abroad for two years or more.

Updated October 2, 2026

6months since entering Japan: you must be under this

2years abroad needed for Japanese nationals

10statuses and landing permissions on the official list

Foreign nationals

You must be a non-resident. Except for diplomats, officials and members of the US forces, the shop confirms that you entered Japan less than six months ago.

Foreign nationals who can shop tax-free from 1 November 2026 and what they show (Japan Tourism Agency)
Status or landing permission	What to show in the shop
Temporary Visitor短期滞在	Passport
Diplomat外交	Passport
Official公用	Passport
Landing permission for a port of call寄港地上陸許可	Passport
Landing permission in transit通過上陸の許可	Passport
Members of the US forces and others who enter under the Japan–US Status of Forces Agreement米軍構成員等	Passport
Landing permission for cruise ship tourists船舶観光上陸許可	Passport, or a copy of it, and the landing permit
Landing permission for crew members乗員上陸許可	Passport and the landing permit
Emergency landing permission緊急上陸許可	Passport and the landing permit
Landing permission due to distress遭難による上陸許可	Passport and the landing permit

Source: Japan Tourism Agency — Who can buy tax-free under the refund method (免税購入対象者一覧)

Japanese nationals living abroad

A Japanese national can shop tax-free after living outside Japan continuously for two years or more, within six months of returning for a visit.

What to show: Passport and one document that proves the two years abroad
Accepted documents: Copy of the family register attachment, Certificate of Residence, or My Number Card

Documents for Japanese nationals living abroad

Frequently asked questions

Can tourists shop tax-free in Japan?

Yes. A visitor with Temporary Visitor status who entered Japan less than six months ago can shop tax-free by showing a passport.

Can foreign residents of Japan shop tax-free?

The official list covers non-residents with Temporary Visitor, Diplomat or Official status and people on a landing permission. Other statuses of residence are not on the list.

Do cruise ship passengers need a passport to shop tax-free in Japan?

Yes, from 1 November 2026. Passengers who landed under a landing permission for cruise ship tourists show the landing permit and a passport. A copy of the passport is accepted.

What is the six-month rule for tax-free shopping in Japan?

The shop confirms that less than six months have passed since you entered Japan. Diplomats, officials and members of the US forces are not subject to it.