Foreigner-Friendly Banks for Home Loans in Japan

1. SBI Shinsei Bank (formerly Shinsei Bank)

  • Accepts non-PR residents

  • English-speaking support and documentation

  • Flexible on visa and employment if other conditions are strong

  • Good for salaried employees, freelancers, and foreign residents

  • Offers online pre-screening in English

2. Tokyo Star Bank

  • Offers loans to foreigners with non-permanent visas

  • English-speaking loan officers available

  • Accepts a wide range of employment types with proof of stability

  • Has an expat-dedicated mortgage service

3. Prestia SMBC Trust Bank

  • Very strong English support

  • Works well with expats in multinational companies

  • Usually requires higher income and down payment

  • Best for salaried workers with stable contracts

  • Customer service and contracts available in English

4.Suruga Bank (via real estate agents)

  • No direct English service, but many real estate brokers work with them

  • Known for accepting foreign buyers with less conventional profiles

  • Slightly higher interest rates

  • Often used by first-time foreign buyers who don’t qualify elsewhere

5.Flat 35 (via Japan Housing Finance Agency)

  • No PR required

  • Long fixed-rate term (up to 35 years)

  • Can be combined with bank loans

  • Must buy a property that meets Flat 35 technical standards

  • Available through partner banks like Rakuten Bank, ARUHI, or SBI Mortgage