diff --git a/java/README.md b/java/README.md
index bfee16268..4abe5f50e 100644
--- a/java/README.md
+++ b/java/README.md
@@ -73,6 +73,11 @@ reader usually expects:
 
 ## Development
 
+The parent POM includes `https://maven.lance.org` to resolve Lance beta and RC
+dependencies. Use an explicit `lance-core.version`; numbered beta and RC versions
+are Maven releases, not snapshots. Maven Central remains available for stable
+and historical versions, as well as other dependencies.
+
 Build:
 
 ```shell
diff --git a/java/pom.xml b/java/pom.xml
index a0ab50787..eb6d76c86 100644
--- a/java/pom.xml
+++ b/java/pom.xml
@@ -95,6 +95,16 @@
         </dependencies>
     </dependencyManagement>
 
+    <repositories>
+        <repository>
+            <id>lance</id>
+            <url>https://maven.lance.org</url>
+            <snapshots>
+                <enabled>false</enabled>
+            </snapshots>
+        </repository>
+    </repositories>
+
     <distributionManagement>
         <snapshotRepository>
             <id>ossrh</id>