Guides › Who is eligible
Can Residents of Japan Use Tax-Free Shopping?
The official JTA list of eligible purchasers covers non-residents only: short-term visitors, diplomats/officials, US forces under SOFA, people on landing permits, and Japanese citizens living abroad. Residence statuses such as work or student visas are not on the list.
- A friend or relative living in Japan cannot buy tax-free for you.
- If goods confirmed at customs are not taken out of Japan, the tax is collected and penalties apply (JTA FAQ).
| Situation | Answer |
|---|---|
| Expat with a work visa | Not on the eligible list |
| Visiting family member on Temporary Visitor status | Eligible (within 6 months of entry) |
| Japanese citizen back home for a visit | Only with 2+ years abroad — see next guide |
→ Estimate your refund with the free calculator · Departure checklist · All guides
Planning a Japan trip after Nov 1, 2026?
- Tax-Free Refund Field Guide ($7) — a step-by-step English guide to the new refund process, from shop to airport.
- Japan Trip Planner Pack ($9) — planning templates for a first Japan trip.
- Tax-Free Receipt Tracker 2026 (from $5) — spreadsheet that flags the ¥5,000 minimum, 90-day deadline and estimated refund per shop/day.
Paid products by GuroWorks, the publisher of this free site (advertisement for our own products). 14-day refund on Gumroad for the guide. The calculator stays free.
Related guides
- Who Can Shop Tax-Free in Japan (from Nov 1, 2026)?
- Japanese Citizens Living Abroad: Tax-Free on a Visit Home
Official sources
Rules checked October 30, 2026 (JST). Rules can change; always confirm with the official pages and your shop.
- Japan Tourism Agency — Eligible purchasers list (PDF, Japanese): www.mlit.go.jp
- Japan Tourism Agency — Traveler FAQ (Refund Method, Japanese): www.mlit.go.jp