Using a guarantee company is the standard approach for a lease in Japan, but some contracts also require a joint guarantor on top of the guarantee company (the basics of how guarantee companies and joint guarantors work are covered in How Guarantor Companies and Joint Guarantors Work in Japan). This article looks at the wall you can hit when asking a family member living overseas to act as your joint guarantor, and the procedures involved.
- Guarantee companies are the standard, but some leases also require a joint guarantor on top of that.
- Asking a family member who lives overseas hits a wall: they can't obtain a Japanese registered seal certificate.
- A "signature certificate" issued by a Japanese embassy or consulate abroad is commonly used in place of one.
- You'll typically also need a copy of an ID document, proof of income, and documents showing the relationship.
- Before asking, it's worth checking whether a letter confirming willingness to act as guarantor is required, and whether documents need to be translated.
- Talking to your management company or guarantee company early helps you find out what documents you'll need.
Some Leases Require Both a Guarantee Company and a Joint Guarantor
Using a guarantee company has become the norm in recent leases, but depending on the property or the owner's policy, a joint guarantor may be required in addition. It's common to ask a family member or relative, but if that person lives overseas, the process looks different from arranging a guarantor within Japan.
The Wall You Hit Asking a Family Member Overseas
When someone becomes a joint guarantor, they're usually asked to submit a registered seal certificate. But someone living overseas can't register a personal seal in Japan, so they can't obtain one. The format and language of income documentation being different from Japanese standards can also become a hurdle in the process.
The "Signature Certificate" That Replaces a Registered Seal Certificate
The document used in place of a registered seal certificate is a "signature certificate" (sain shōmei). This is issued by a Japanese embassy or consulate abroad, where the person signs in front of an official who certifies that the signature is theirs. It plays the same role as a registered seal certificate and can be submitted to the management company or guarantee company.
Documents You'll Typically Need
When asking a family member overseas to act as joint guarantor, you'll generally be asked for a copy of an ID document (such as a passport), proof of income, a document showing their relationship to you (such as a family register), and the signature certificate. Exactly which documents are needed varies by management company and guarantee company, so it's important to check in advance.
What to Confirm Before Asking
Before asking a family member to act as joint guarantor, check whether a letter confirming their willingness to act as guarantor is required, and whether submitted documents need to be translated into Japanese. Getting a signature certificate at an embassy or consulate can also take time, so it's worth building in plenty of margin for your contract schedule.
Talking to Your Management Company or Guarantee Company Early Is the Shortcut
The documents and process required to have someone living overseas act as your joint guarantor differ from contract to contract. The quickest path is to talk to your management company, leasing agency, or guarantee company early, explain your situation, and find out what documents and process you'll need.
FAQ
Where can I get a signature certificate?
You can get one at a Japanese embassy or consulate abroad. In many cases the person needs to visit in person, so it's worth checking the required documents and whether an appointment is needed in advance.
How long does it take to get a signature certificate?
It varies by embassy or consulate and by the nature of the application. It's best to start the process early and build in some margin around your contract schedule.
Do all documents need to be translated into Japanese?
This depends on the management company or guarantee company. It's reassuring to confirm whether translation is needed before making your request.
Summary
When asking a family member living overseas to act as your joint guarantor, a document like a signature certificate can be needed in place of a registered seal certificate. Because the required documents and process vary by contract, it's smoothest to check with your management company or guarantee company early.