Guide for Foreign Residents #04

Contacting Municipalities & Reading Japanese Guidelines
Practical Phrases & Checklist for Foreign Residents

Official public housing application brochures are predominantly published in Japanese.
Learn how to verify vital conditions, access municipal interpreter support, and use ready-to-speak Japanese inquiry phrases with English translations.

📅 Published: 2026-10-02🔄 Last Verified: 2026-10-02🌐 Language: English / 日本語版はこちら

1. 4 Vital Checks in Japanese Application Booklets

When examining an official Japanese application brochure (募集案内, Boshu Annai) downloaded online or picked up at a city hall, prioritize locating these four critical clauses:

1

Application Deadline & Delivery Rule

Check whether the deadline is Keshiin Yuko (消印有効, Postmark Valid)—meaning mailing it on the deadline day is fine—or Hitchaku (必着, Must Arrive By)—meaning the office must physically receive it by the stated date and time.

2

Foreign Resident Eligibility Clause (外国人住民の申込資格)

Look for the section discussing foreign residents. Confirm whether your specific visa type qualifies and if there is a minimum remaining period of stay required (e.g., at least 1 year remaining).

3

Application Category (Single vs Family Quotas)

Check whether the unit code applies to general families (一般世帯向), single applicants (単身者向), elderly, or families with multiple young children (子育て世帯向).

4

Statutory Income Conversion Table (収入基準表)

Compare your household's annual gross salary (支払金額) on your withholding slip with the ceiling listed for your number of dependents.

2. Useful Japanese Phrases for Municipal Inquiries

These polite, formal Japanese phrases can be spoken directly over the phone or shown at the housing counter (住宅課, Jutaku-ka):

「外国籍ですが、今回の公営住宅の募集に申し込むことはできますか？」
Gaikokuseki desu ga, konkai no kōei jūtaku no boshū ni mōshikomu koto wa dekimasu ka?
"I am a foreign national. Am I eligible to apply for this public housing application?"
💡 Use this first to verify the fundamental applicability to foreign nationals.
「私の在留資格は○○ですが、申込み資格の条件を満たしていますか？」
Watashi no zairyū shikaku wa [Status] desu ga, mōshikomi shikaku no jōken o mitashite imasu ka?
"My residence status is [Status]. Does it satisfy the application eligibility criteria?"
💡 State your exact visa type (e.g., Gijutsu/Jinbun, Eijusha, Teijusha).
「外国語（英語など）で書かれた案内パンフレットはありますか？」
Gaikokugo (Eigo nado) de kakareta annai panfuretto wa arimasu ka?
"Do you have informational brochures written in foreign languages (such as English)?"
💡 Ask whether translated materials are available.
「募集要項の冊子を、郵送で送っていただくことは可能でしょうか？」
Boshū yōkō no sasshi o, yūsō de okutte itadaku koto wa kanō deshō ka?
"Would it be possible to have the application booklet sent to me by mail?"
💡 Ask if you cannot visit the municipal office in person.
「当選した場合、資格審査で必要となる書類を教えていただけますか？」
Tōsen shita baai, shikaku shinsa de hitsuyō to naru shorui o oshiete itadakemasu ka?
"If I win the lottery drawing, could you please tell me which documents will be needed for qualification screening?"
💡 Inquire ahead of time to prepare your tax and resident certificates.

3. Multilingual Support Desks & Consultation Services

If you need translation assistance or legal advice during your search:

Public Consultation Resources
  • Local International Friendship Lounges (国際交流ラウンジ): Many city wards and prefectures maintain volunteer interpreter desks that assist foreign residents with administrative paperwork.
  • Immigration Services Agency Portal: Comprehensive foreign resident daily living guides and regional one-stop consultation centers.
  • Houterasu Multilingual Information Service: Free legal consultation interpretation service for housing disputes and contracts (Tel: 0570-078377).

4. Pre-Call Preparation Checklist

📋 Information to Have in Hand Before Calling
  • ✓ Your Residence Card: Visa status name and exact expiration date.
  • ✓ Annual Household Income: Rough numbers from your latest tax withholding slip (源泉徴収票).
  • ✓ Length of Residence: Exactly how many months/years you have lived in the target municipality.
  • ✓ Family Composition: Ages and relationships of family members who will live with you.
🏛️ Official Primary Sources & References

Next Steps & Related Resources

🏛️ Municipality Contacts & Links

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