Job Discussion Forums

[AgentMulderUK]

Just an idea...probably stupid...but hey....

OK,so to get an apartment in Japan we need a guarantor.

Could 2 full-time English teachers be guarantor for each other, assuming each wanted an their own (different) apartment ?

Probably impossible, but does anyone know for sure....

[PAULH]

[PAULH]

Being a Guarantor
Citizens of certain countries require guarantors when they come to Japan. That is, generally citizens of non-OECD countries that do not have a visa exchange agreement with Japan (see Visa Exchange Agreements page here or from menu on left for details). The function of the guarantor is to provide a contact in Japan that the applicant can turn to in case of need, and to ensure that the applicant returns to their home country when their visa expires.

If someone asks you to be their guarantor, what does that mean? Before agreeing, make sure that you understand the full responsibilities and implications of what is being asked of you. The form that you will have to sign requires that you be legally, financially and morally responsible for the applicant in times of need (this is the official form in Japanese required by the Immigration Office). That is, you do not necessarily have to pay their expenses while in Japan, but should they experience financial problems, you are then responsible for the applicant's wellbeing. In English it renders to this:

Letter of Guarantee
Date:

To: (Ambassador/Consul General) of Japan
(the overseas Japanese diplomatic establishment where the application is made;)
(country)

Applicant
Full name:
Nationality:
Address (home country):
Date of birth:
Age:
Sex (male/female):

I hereby declare that if the above-mentioned applicant enters Japan for the purpose of ______________, I shall guarantee the following items:

I shall provide the necessary supervision to ensure that the applicant does not engage in activities other than those permitted for the purpose of entry into Japan and abides by Japanese laws and regulations.
I shall shoulder the cost of the applicant's living expenses and return travel expenses if the applicant is unable to pay them.
I shall serve as the applicant's guarantor if the applicant in any way becomes involved in Japanese legal proceedings.
(Guarantor's signature)

Guarantor
Full name:
Nationality:
Home address:
Tel.:
Date of birth:
Age:
Sex (male/female):
Occupation/Employer:
Work address:
Tel.:
Relationship to applicant:

If you know the applicant well then you can judge whether or not to be their guarantor based on what you know of the applicant's character. However, remember that you are legally responsible for the applicant and should they overstay their visa, you may find yourself charged with some of the fees for finding and repatriating them. Of course, if you know and trust the applicant, then there is no reason to doubt that they will return to their country and hence no reason not to be their guarantor.

If the applicant has a separate financial guarantor, then item 2 above is less of a concern - although if they become unable to pay for some reason then you may find yourself requested to pay the costs of repatriating them should it prove necessary. Such cases are very rare, however.

Another thing that is regularly requested is a "letter of invitation" to Japan. This is a document that invites a person to Japan, details their itinerary in Japan, and explains why they are coming to visit the country. The Japanese version is here, or see the English translation below:

Reason for Invitation
Date:

To: (Ambassador/Consul General) of Japan
(the overseas Japanese diplomatic establishment where the application is made;)(country)

Inviting person
Full name:
Address:
Phone:
Signature/Seal:

Visa applicant(s)
(If there is more than one applicant, please compile a separate list and here write "See list.")
Full name:
Nationality:
Date of birth:
Age:

The purpose of inviting the above person(s) is as follows:

Purpose of invitation
Background to invitation (Please explain the background to this invitation and details of relationship. If there is not enough space here, a separate sheet can be attached.)
Other
The responsibilities in writing are less than for a letter of guarantee, but the immigration office will almost certainly contact you to confirm details and may reject applications on the basis of how well you know the applicant.

Whether you write either letter for a friend is basically a matter of trust. If you genuinely know and trust the applicant, then there is no reason not to complete such a letter. For further details and advice, please feel free to contact us for assistance.

[Glenski]

Not all apartments require guarantors or key money. See this old thread.
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=4264&highlight=apartments+guarantor

[joncharles]

There are companies that specialize in renting to foreigners. Leo Palace and minimini are a couple that do not require Guarantors or key money. But, you better go in with someone who speaks Japanese.