Can I get a mortgage in Japan as a US Citizen?

Hi- thanks for your post. You almost certainly need to have some ties to Japan prior to getting a mortgage. While foreigners (without a visa) can purchase real estate in the country, in order to get money from a bank you need a spousal visa, long term work visa, permanent residency, etc. Hope this helps.

I am on SSDI, and I'd like to move to japan for part-time opportunities.
How can I make a Mortgage work?
I want to buy cheaply.
I am in the range of around 1,000 USD per month. maybe up to 1,500 USD pr month. - @VIP-Member

Hey buddy, if you’re looking to get a mortgage in Japan, here’s what you need to know.

First off, to qualify for a home loan, having eijūken (permanent residency) makes things much easier. While some banks do offer mortgages to non-PR holders, they usually require a hefty down payment (sometimes 20–30%) and stricter conditions. On top of that, you need a stable income history—typically at least the past few years of steady employment in Japan.

As for banks, from my own experience, I took out a home loan from Yokohama Bank, which, as of now, offers some of the most flexible options with low-interest rates compared to other banks. They’ve made the process relatively straightforward, so if you’re looking for an easier route, I’d definitely recommend checking them out.

Most mortgage terms in Japan are 35 years, but shorter options are available. Interest rates can be fixed, variable, or mixed, depending on the plan you choose. And, of course, the total amount you can borrow depends on your income and creditworthiness.

If you’re thinking of applying, make sure you have all the necessary documents ready—proof of income, tax records, and residency details. If you meet the requirements, the process isn’t as complicated as it used to be.

So, are you planning to buy soon, or just exploring options?