What Documents Do Foreigners Need to Rent an Apartment in Japan?
What Documents Do Foreigners Need to Rent an Apartment in Japan?
A Complete Rental Application Guide
Many foreigners looking for housing in Japan often have questions like:
“What documents do I need to apply for an apartment?”
“Is a passport enough?”
“What if I don’t have proof of income in Japan?”
In Japan, rental applications usually require several documents so that both the property management company and the guarantor company can review your application.
Preparing these documents in advance can significantly improve your chances of getting approved ✨
1. Residence Card (在留カード)
The Residence Card is the most important form of identification for foreigners living in Japan.
When applying for a rental property, you will usually need to provide:
A copy (front and back) of your residence card
Confirmation of your visa status
Confirmation of your p
eriod of stay
If your remaining visa period is short, some properties may apply stricter screening criteria.
If you are still overseas and do not yet have a residence card, you will typically need to submit a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). This type of application is commonly referred to as “overseas screening.”
However, many properties in Japan do not accept overseas applications, so it is important to confirm this with your real estate agent in advance
2. Passport
Some property management companies may also request a copy of your passport (information page).
This is mainly used to confirm:
Correct spelling of your name
Nationality
Date of birth
These details are used to verify the information on your rental application.
3. Proof of Income
A stable income is one of the most important factors in rental screening.
Commonly required documents include:
Salary slips (usually from the last 3 months)
Certificate of employment (such as a business card or employee ID)
Job offer letter (for those about to start a new job)
Japanese health insurance card
For international students, landlords may request:
A bank balance certificate from a Japanese bank account
Ideally covering at least 6 months of rent
In many cases, applicants may also submit:
Overseas bank balance certificates
Financial support documents from parents
If you are using a parent’s financial proof, it is recommended that the amount can cover around 2 years of rent, which can greatly improve your chances of approval ✨
4. Japanese Bank Account
In Japan, rent is usually paid via automatic bank transfer.
Therefore, tenants are typically required to have:
A Japanese bank account
If you have just arrived in Japan and do not yet have an account, some management companies may allow alternative payment methods temporarily.
For newcomers (especially those in Japan for less than 6 months), Japan Post Bank (Yucho Bank) is often recommended, as it is relatively easier for foreigners to open an account.
5. Emergency Contact
In Japan, rental contracts usually require an emergency contact person.
Typical requirements include:
Living in Japan
Having a Japanese phone number
Being reachable by phone if needed
In most cases, the emergency contact does not need to be Japanese.
For foreign tenants, an additional contact in your home country may also be required, such as:
Parents
Siblings
The required information usually includes:
Name
Date of birth
Address
Phone number
They do not need to speak Japanese.
While some management companies may still require a Japanese national as an emergency contact, this is becoming less common
Summary ✨
To rent an apartment in Japan, foreigners typically need to prepare:
✔ Residence Card
✔ Passport
✔ Proof of income or financial documents
✔ Japanese bank account
✔ Emergency contact
The more complete and organized your documents are, the higher your chances of getting approved.
三丸商事株式会社
Mitsumaru Real Estate
