Got Your Year-End Bonus and Eyeing Property in Japan? The Essential Guide to “Signature Witnessing” & “Identity Verification”

Chinese New Year is almost here. Red packets are being prepared, inboxes are buzzing with year-end bonus notifications, and for many professionals in Hong Kong, one thought quietly slips in between holiday plans:

“Is this finally the year I buy property overseas?”

Japan, in particular, has become a hot favourite. Stable legal systems, attractive property prices, strong rental demand, and the lifestyle appeal of cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka make Japan an increasingly popular destination for Hong Kong buyers.

But before you start browsing listings or wiring deposits, there’s a less glamorous but essential part of the process you must understand:

Signature Witnessing and Identity Verification.

This is where working with an experienced notary public becomes not just helpful, but critical.

1: Buying Property in Japan as a Hong Kong Resident: What’s Different?

Unlike local property transactions, overseas purchases, especially in Japan, often require documents to be signed outside the country, yet are recognised as legally valid within Japan.

Japanese lawyers, banks, developers, and land registries typically require:

• Properly witnessed signatures
• Verified identification
• Notarised statutory declarations
• Certified copies of passports and proof of address

In other words, simply signing documents at home or scanning your passport is not enough. You’ll need a qualified notary to make sure everything is done correctly, legally, and efficiently.

2: What Is “Signature Witnessing” and Why Does It Matter?

Signature witnessing means that a qualified legal professional personally verifies that:

1. You are who you claim to be, and
2. You signed the document willingly, in their presence

In Japanese property transactions, this is often required. Without it, your documents may be rejected, delayed, or require costly re-execution.

A trusted notary service ensures your signature is accepted by Japanese counterparties, avoiding unnecessary back-and-forth across borders.

3: Identity Verification: More Than Just Showing Your Passport

Identity verification is not a box-ticking exercise. A professional notary public will:

• Examine original identity documents
• Confirm consistency across documents
• Verify residency details
• Certify true copies when required
  

This step protects both you and the transaction. It reduces the risk of fraud, impersonation, or disputes that can become very expensive when overseas property is involved.

4: Why the Chinese New Year Is Peak Season for Overseas Property Planning

There’s a reason these enquiries surge around Lunar New Year.

• Bonuses are paid
• Families discuss long-term wealth planning
• Investors reassess portfolios
• Many aim to “start the year right” financially

Buying property in Japan often begins during this window, but delays caused by incorrect notarization can easily derail momentum.

Having your documents properly handled before or during the holiday season keeps deals moving while others wait.

5: Why Choosing the Right Notary Matters

Not all notaries are the same.

Overseas property transactions require someone who understands:

• Cross-border legal standards
• Japanese documentation expectations
• Time-sensitive deal structures
• Clear communication in English and Chinese
  

This is why many clients turn to Andrew Wang Solicitor and Notary Public, a Kowloon-based law firm that focuses exclusively on notarial work.

Our team regularly handles notarization for overseas property purchases, including Japan, ensuring documents are completed correctly.

6: What Notary Services Are Typically Required?

When purchasing property in Japan, a notary service may include:

• Signature witnessing for purchase agreements
• Notarization of statutory declarations
• Certified true copies of passports and IDs
• Proof of address certification
• Identity verification for banks or developers

By consolidating these steps with a single experienced notary, clients avoid fragmented advice and inconsistent documentation.

7: Let’s Talk About Notary Price (Because Everyone Asks)

One of the most common questions is:

“What is the notary price?”

The honest answer is: it depends on:

• Number of documents
• Type of notarization required
• Urgency
• Jurisdictional requirements (Japan vs other countries)

That said, professional notary price structures are generally transparent and far more affordable than the cost of correcting rejected documents later.

At  Andrew Wang Solicitor and Notary Public, fees are explained upfront so clients know exactly what to expect before proceeding.

8: Avoiding Costly Mistakes: What We See Too Often

Clients often come to a notary public after problems arise:

• Documents signed incorrectly
• Signatures not properly witnessed
• Identity verification done by unqualified parties
• Japanese lawyers refusing documents

Fixing these issues often means redoing everything, sometimes under tight deadlines. Engaging a qualified notary early prevents these headaches entirely.

9: A Smarter Start to the New Year

Chinese New Year is about fresh beginnings, good fortune, and long-term prosperity.

If buying property in Japan is part of your 2026 plan, the smartest first step isn’t browsing listings; it’s making sure your legal documents are in order.

With a reliable notary service, you can move forward confidently, knowing every signature and identity check meets international standards.

10: Final Thought

Cross-border property investment should feel exciting, not stressful.

By working with an experienced notary public like Andrew Wang, Solicitor and Notary Public, you ensure that signature witnessing, identity verification, and documentation are handled smoothly, professionally, and efficiently.

So enjoy your year-end bonus, plan your next chapter, and let the legal details be handled properly, right from the start.

As we step into the Year of the Horse, it’s a year symbolising momentum, confidence, and forward movement.

Andrew and the entire team at Andrew Wang Solicitor and Notary Public wish you  Ma Nian Xing Da Yun, Gong Hei Fat Choy! Good Fortune, Smooth Transactions, and A Year Filled With Successful Investments and Well-Earned Bonuses.

The information provided is for reference only and is not meant to be legal advice.