House Loan Screening in Japan (Simple Guide)

Buying a home in Japan?

Before you get the keys, you need to pass house loan screening (住宅ローン審査 / Jūtaku Loan Shinsa).

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What Is Loan Screening? Banks check if you can safely repay a home loan.

There are 2 steps:

① Pre-Screening (事前審査 / Jizen Shinsa)

• Quick check

• Takes: 1–3 days

• Tells you if you’re likely approved

② Final Screening (本審査 / Hon Shinsa)

• Full detailed check

• Takes: 1–3 weeks

• Final decision

  
  
  
  

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What Do Banks Check? 1. Employment (雇用形態 / Koyō Keitai)

-Full-time (正社員) → Best

-Contract → Depends

-Self-employed → More documents needed

💡 Tip: Stay at your job at least 1 year

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2. Income (年収 / Nenshū)

-Minimum guideline: ¥3–5 million/year

-Higher income = higher loan amount

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 4. Visa Status (For Foreigners)

-Permanent Resident → Strong

-Work visa → Depends on bank

-Spouse visa → Good chance

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 5. Credit History (信用情報 / Shinyō Jōhō)

Banks check:

-Missed payments

-Credit cards

-Loans

⚠️ Even late phone bills can hurt!

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6. Existing Debt (借入状況)

-Car loans

-Credit cards

-Other loans

👉 Less debt = better chances

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7. Property Itself

Banks look at:

-Age of building

-Type (wood / concrete)

-Location

💡 Older homes may reduce loan amount

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📊 Tips to Get Approved

✔ Stay at your job ✔ Don’t change jobs before applying ✔ Pay everything on time ✔ Reduce credit card use ✔ Save some money ✔ Apply with spouse (if possible)

⚠️ Common Reasons for Rejection

❌ Short job history ❌ Low income ❌ Bad credit ❌ Too much debt ❌ Visa issues

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Getting a home loan in Japan can feel strict, but it’s very doable.

If you prepare properly, you can: 👉 Get approved 👉 Buy your home 👉 Start your life in Japan ✉️ Need Help? If you’re buying in Japan and unsure about loan screening, feel free to reach out — getting the right advice early makes a huge difference.