Documents for a furnished Tokyo apartment

When you apply for a furnished apartment in Tokyo, the rental company may ask for ID, proof of income and an emergency contact. The list varies, so ask what you’ll need for the apartment you’re interested in before gathering everything.

If you won’t have a residence card, mention that in your first message. Find out whether you can apply with the documents you have before preparing copies. Once you know what’s required, ask how to send the files securely.

Passport and other identification

Check which ID is accepted and when you need to provide it. If you’re asked for a passport copy, find out which pages to send. There’s no need to include unrelated pages.

Use the same legal name on your application, booking and payment reference. If those names differ, explain why before transferring money so the payment can be matched to your booking.

Hotels and apartment leases can have different requirements. MHLW’s guidance for lodging establishments covers passport records and copies for foreign guests who have no address in Japan.

Residence cards and immigration documents

Explain whether you already live in Japan or will be arriving from overseas. If you’re waiting to enter Japan, ask which documents are needed now and which can follow after arrival.

For an existing residence card, check whether copies of both sides are needed. Mention any address update in progress so it’s clear why the card differs from your application.

If you’re coming on Japan’s digital nomad status, you won’t receive a residence card. The Immigration Services Agency confirms this, so don’t promise to send one after landing. Our digital nomad housing guide explains how this affects the search.

Sakura House’s check-in FAQ, for example, lists a passport and says to bring a residence card if you have one. If you’re considering one of its rooms, confirm what you’ll need when applying and at check-in.

If another application form requires a residence card, ask whether a passport or other document is accepted instead. Don’t upload a passport in its place without checking that it will be accepted.

For a short visit, explain how you plan to enter Japan and ask what evidence is needed.

Proof of savings or income

Find out whether you need to show savings, income or both. Before sending a statement, check how recent it must be, which currencies are accepted and whether you can hide unrelated transactions. If there’s a minimum balance or income requirement, ask for the amount; it varies between applications.

If your savings are spread across accounts or you work freelance, explain that and ask which records will be accepted.

For an employer-paid stay, check with your employer whether it will sign the agreement, pay the invoice or reimburse you. Explain that arrangement in your enquiry, and pass on any invoice requirements before the bill is issued. An employer paying the bill does not necessarily become the tenant or guarantor.

You’ll also need to agree the payment method, deadline and reference. Check these before relying on an overseas card or bank transfer to meet a payment deadline.

Emergency contacts and guarantors

An emergency contact is someone to call if needed. A guarantor takes on financial responsibility under a guarantee agreement. If an application asks you to name someone, make sure you both understand which role it is.

Ask the person before sharing their details. Check whether they must live in Japan and whether they can be someone travelling with you. Include the country code with their phone number.

Some rentals use a paid guarantee company instead of, or as well as, a personal guarantor. That can mean a separate application, fee and set of documents. Our guarantee-company guide explains what to check.

When a form asks for something you don’t have

You may come across a request for a Japanese bank account or phone number. A form might also ask for a personal seal (a stamp bearing your name) or a resident certificate (an official record that includes your registered address). Explain which item you’re missing and ask whether there’s an alternative for someone in your situation.

If there isn’t, finding out early gives you time to look elsewhere. Oakhouse advertises apartments without a guarantor, for example, though you’ll still need to check the other requirements for the room you want.

Don’t fill the gap with someone else’s details unless the rental company has said that’s appropriate and the person has agreed.

A first message you can use

Hello, I’m interested in [apartment] from [arrival date] to [departure date] for [number] people. I’ll be in Japan under [immigration status] and [will/won’t] have a residence card. Is the apartment available, and which documents would I need to apply?

If your employer will pay, add that too. Once you have the document list, ask how to submit the files securely. Keep the reply and any agreed deadline for documents you’ll send later.

Before travelling, check which originals to bring to check-in and whether each adult staying needs to bring their own ID.