Housing Support for Foreign Nationals

1) Is there a guarantee of receiving Housing Support?

The initial question that arises is whether foreign nationals coming to work in a new country can expect assistance with housing. The primary concern is whether foreign nationals are entitled to receive aid for their housing needs.

The availability of housing support is dependent on your residence status, as outlined below. Your residence status will be assessed to determine whether you are eligible for housing support.

・If you possess a Technical Internship residence of status, there is a legal requirement to provide housing assistance

・If you possess a Specified Skilled Worker Status of residence, housing support is only provided if securing accommodation independently has proven unsuccessful.

・In the case of Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International services, there is no legal requirement for housing support.

Despite the potential obligation mentioned above, it can be challenging for foreign nationals to secure housing in a new country. Therefore, regardless of your residency status, it is advisable to explore the availability of housing assistance whenever needed.

It would be highly inconvenient for foreign nationals to learn that they cannot secure a place to live in a new country, especially when they have made the decision to work there and have taken the necessary steps.

2) Options for Accommodation

When coming to work in a foreign country, you can choose from the following three modes of housing:

①Accommodation where you enter into a tenancy agreement yourself.

②Housing rented by the employing company.

③Housing or dormitories provided by the company.

（※Please note that when you arrive as a Technical Intern, housing support is only available for options (2) or (3).

You can access housing through one of the following means:

If you choose option (1), specific assistance may be provided in finding suitable housing.

・This assistance can include information provided by a real estate agent, along with support for viewing potential properties.

・You can also receive support when signing the rental agreement, including assistance with the Japanese language as needed.

Additionally, housing support will be available throughout the process.

In case you are unable to secure a guarantor, please note that the responsible person at your host company is obligated to act as a guarantor or provide emergency contact details, as outlined below.

If a lease contract requires a joint guarantor and there is no suitable candidate, the guarantor must be a member of the organization with the relevant expertise. Additionally, your organization should nominate an emergency contact person.

Reference: Ministry of Justice, "Operational Guidelines on Support for Foreign Nationals with Specified Skills No. 1 - Criteria for the Support Plan for Foreign Nationals with Specified Skills No. 1".

Next, let's discuss the rules for cases (2) and (3).

Several regulations exist for providing rented accommodation or company housing support.

①Room size is one of the key regulations.

The following regulations pertain to the room dimensions for technical training and designated technical foreign nationals.

〈Technical Trainees〉

Bedrooms for technical interns should have a minimum area of 4.5 square meters per person, excluding alcoves and wardrobe spaces. Measures should also be taken to provide individual storage facilities for personal belongings, windows with effective lighting covering at least one-seventh of the room area, and heating and lighting equipment.

For further regulations regarding technical training properties, please refer to the 

"Guidelines for the Operation of the Technical Training System - To All Concerned Parties" from the Ministry of Justice.

〈Specified Skilled Workers〉

In general, a room must have a minimum area of 7.5 m2 per individual, considering the typical room sizes in the host country. This requirement may vary if you are transitioning from Specified Skilled II to Specified Skilled I and have chosen lodging provided by the organization associated with the specified technical skills.

For more details, please consult the aforementioned website, which provides information on the specific technical requirements. Please note that in cases where your residence is not provided by your employing company, the total room area divided by the number of residents must be at least 7.5 m2.

Reference:

Ministry of Justice's 'Operational Guidelines on Support for Foreign Nationals with Specific Skills No. 1 - Standards for the Support Plan for Foreign Nationals with Specific Skills No. 1'.

It is important to be aware that specific requirements exist for the size of the living room when foreign nationals are hired for roles requiring technical training or specified skilled workers. The living room must meet minimum size requirements, which are 4.5 m2 and 7.5 m2, respectively.

②Subletting or Renting your company's housing is forbidden

Foreign occupants can be charged rent, but only up to the actual costs incurred.

The amount to be collected is regulated accordingly.

When collecting fees from a foreigner, the following guidelines must be followed, depending on whether the property is rented or owned: 

- For rented properties, the specified skilled foreigner who moves in must pay the required rental fees, which include management and common service fees, but exclude the deposit, key money, security deposit, broker's commission, etc.

In the case of a property owned by oneself, the amount must fall within the following limits: a reasonable amount calculated based on the actual cost of constructing, renovating, etc.; the useful life of the property; the number of specified skilled foreigners moving in, among other factors.

Reference: Ministry of Justice.

Operational Guidelines on Support for Foreign Nationals with Specified Skills No. 1 - Criteria for the Support Plan for Foreign Nationals with Specified Skills No. 1.

4）Points to consider regarding housing support and living arrangements

Finally, here are some points that you, as a foreign national, should pay attention to when receiving housing support. 

①Submission of notification.

Once you have determined your new residence, it is crucial to submit a notice of your domicile within 14 days from the establishment of your new home. Failure to submit the notice within 90 days may lead to the revocation of your status of residence, so please do not overlook this requirement. Such notice should be submitted to the respective city, ward, village, or town where your new address is located.

②Furniture Costs

It’s important to communicate openly about any deductions from your salary for furniture costs. It can lead to issues if these deductions are made without prior notice. If your employer plans to provide furniture for your residence, it is advisable to have a discussion about the associated costs in advance.

③Waste Management

Waste management guidelines can vary between locations, which may be confusing for newcomers.

It is recommended to clarify the waste disposal and sorting rules specific to your area and to receive guidance on the correct days and times for waste disposal.

④Addressing Community Matters.

When you're renting a room in an apartment complex, it's important to consider any potential community issues.

Receiving guidance on how to navigate life in your new housing complex is essential. This is particularly relevant as there may be cultural differences leading to misunderstandings or noise complaints, especially if home parties are customary in your home country.

Be proactive in addressing any problems that may arise from cultural differences or misunderstandings due to your foreign status. Ensure that these differences do not lead to complaints or rumors that may cause issues within the community.

Lectures on building good relationships with your neighbors and promptly addressing and resolving any concerns at your workplace can help foster positive relations between foreign nationals and local residents.