What documents do Japan expats need for a UK mortgage?
UK lenders commonly request a passport, Japanese residence card (zairyu card), a juminhyo (certificate of residence) or utility bill, recent payslips and an employment contract, gensen choshuhyo withholding slips, three to six months of bank statements and a documented source of deposit. Self-employed applicants usually add kakutei shinkoku tax returns and company registration (tokibo tohon).
- Provide full statements rather than cropped screenshots.
- Explain bonuses and allowances clearly.
- Keep records of every JPY-to-GBP transfer.
- Certification rules differ by lender, so confirm them first.
Key takeaways
- Identity and residency: passport, Japanese residence card (zairyu card) and a juminhyo (certificate of residence) or utility bill.
- Income: payslips, employment contract and gensen choshuhyo withholding slips; self-employed applicants usually need two years of records.
- Banking: three to six months of complete statements showing salary credits.
- Deposit: a clear evidence trail for savings, investments, a sale or a gift, including JPY-to-GBP transfer records.
- Japanese documents normally need certified English translation.
The checklist
Identity, residence and address
- Valid passport and any second nationality documents relevant to the application.
- Proof of residence status: Japanese residence card (zairyu card).
- Proof of address in Japan: a juminhyo (certificate of residence) or utility bill.
Income — employed
- Recent payslips, commonly the latest three months.
- Employment contract or employer letter confirming role, salary, start date and any fixed allowances.
- Tax evidence: gensen choshuhyo withholding slips.
- Evidence and explanation of bonuses, commission, share awards or other variable pay.
Income — self-employed or company director
- Usually two years of records: kakutei shinkoku tax returns and company registration (tokibo tohon).
- Recent business bank statements and, where requested, an accountant's letter.
Banking, liabilities and credit
- Three to six months of full personal bank statements showing salary credits.
- Details of loans, credit cards and property owned in Japan, the UK or elsewhere.
- Where the lender requests it: a CIC credit report.
Deposit and source of funds
- Savings: statements showing the money accumulating over time.
- Investment or property sale: contract notes or sale documents and the proceeds credit.
- Gift: signed gift letter, donor identification and supporting bank statements.
- JPY-to-GBP transfer: retain transfer and currency-conversion records.
Buy-to-let or UK limited company
- A letting agent's expected-rent assessment and details of existing rental properties.
- Company incorporation and ownership documents if buying through a UK limited company.
Certifying documents in Japan
UK lenders may ask for copies to be certified, for example by a Japanese notary (koshonin), with an apostille if requested. Japanese documents normally need certified English translation. Requirements vary, so confirm the acceptable certifier, wording and validity period before arranging certification.
Timing and next steps
Payslips, statements and address evidence can expire during an application, so gather them close to the application date. A complete overseas case commonly takes around six to ten weeks (indicative only). See our UK mortgages for Japan expats page, the expat mortgages hub, the non-resident stamp duty guide and our currency hub for moving JPY to GBP.
Frequently asked
Questions from readers
What documents do Japan expats need for a UK mortgage?
Usually a passport, Japanese residence card (zairyu card), proof of address, payslips and an employment contract, gensen choshuhyo withholding slips, three to six months of bank statements and evidence of the deposit's source. Exact requirements vary by lender.
Who can certify my documents in Japan?
The lender may accept a Japanese notary (koshonin), with an apostille if requested. Confirm who is acceptable, and whether an apostille is needed, before arranging certification.
Do my documents need translating?
Japanese documents normally need certified English translation.
How far back should bank statements go?
Three months is a common minimum; six months may be requested where income varies or a longer source-of-funds trail is needed.