Can you buy a car on a student visa? Can students get an auto loan? This guide covers everything — eligibility, required documents, step-by-step procedures, loans, insurance, and running costs for international students buying a used car in Japan. SOUKYO's Chinese-speaking staff fully support student car purchases.
You CAN buy a car on a student visa. Permanent residency or a work visa is not required. As long as you have a registered address in Japan, you meet the basic criteria. Make sure your Residence Card and resident record are up to date.
Consider your total budget including the vehicle, insurance, taxes, and inspection fees. Kei cars and compact cars with low running costs are ideal for students. Our Chinese-speaking staff will help you choose.
You will need a Residence Card, resident record, and certificate of registered seal (from your municipal office). If you do not have a seal (inkan), a signature certificate can be used instead. Arrange a parking space in advance as well.
Students with part-time job income can apply for a loan. Through SOUKYO's partner lenders specializing in student loans, we propose repayment plans based on your period of stay and income.
After signing the contract, SOUKYO handles everything — parking space certificate application, title transfer at the Land Transport Office, and license plate acquisition. No need for students to visit the offices themselves.
We assist with compulsory and optional insurance enrollment and recommend plans that are easy for students to join. After servicing is complete, we deliver the car at your preferred date and time.
| Fuel | Approx. ¥5,000–¥10,000 |
| Parking | ¥5,000–¥15,000 |
| Optional insurance (monthly) | ¥5,000–¥10,000 |
| Automobile tax (monthly) | ¥900–¥3,000 |
| Inspection savings (monthly) | Approx. ¥4,000 |
| ── Monthly Total (estimate) ── | Approx. ¥20,000–¥42,000 |
* Based on a kei car. Varies by model. Loan payments are separate. Assumes a student earning ¥100,000–¥150,000/month from part-time work.
| # | Model | Used Price Range | Fuel Economy | Why We Recommend It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suzuki Wagon R | ¥200,000–¥500,000 | 23km/L | Kei car with the lowest tax & insurance. Spacious interior |
| 2 | Daihatsu Move | ¥200,000–¥550,000 | 22km/L | Well-equipped kei car with safety features. Sliding doors for convenience |
| 3 | Honda Fit | ¥300,000–¥700,000 | 24km/L | Hybrid version has excellent fuel economy. Large cargo area — great for moving |
| 4 | Toyota Aqua | ¥350,000–¥800,000 | 34km/L | Best hybrid fuel economy in its class. Toyota reliability |
| 5 | Suzuki Swift | ¥250,000–¥600,000 | 21km/L | Fun to drive. Youthful design |
| Visa Type | Purchase | Loan | Conditions / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student | ○ | △ | Purchase OK. Loan requires part-time income and 1+ year remaining on visa |
| Engineer / Specialist in Humanities | ○ | ○ | Stable income as a full-time employee. Easier loan approval |
| Specified Skilled Worker | ○ | ○ | Work authorization granted. Loan terms based on visa duration |
| Long-Term Resident | ○ | ○ | Fewer visa restrictions. Favorable loan terms |
| Permanent Resident | ○ | ○ | Same conditions as Japanese nationals. Eligible for virtually all loans |
| Dependent | ○ | △ | Purchase OK. Loan depends on employment status |
You can buy a car in Japan even on a "Student" visa. No permanent residency or work visa needed — just a registered address.
We partner with lenders who specialize in student applicants. If you have part-time income, you can apply. Flexible repayment plans matched to your visa period.
Quality used cars starting from ¥300,000. We recommend models with low running costs to minimize the financial burden on student life. Every car includes a warranty.
Native Chinese-speaking staff are always on hand. From choosing a car to loans, insurance, and delivery — everything is handled in Chinese. No worries even if your Japanese is limited.
When you finish your studies and return home, we support you in disposing of your vehicle. We will recommend the best option for your situation.
Located in Yashio City, Saitama, Soukyo has served international students from numerous universities, vocational schools, and Japanese language schools across Saitama and Chiba Prefectures — including Dokkyo University in Soka and Bunkyo University in Koshigaya. Yashio is centrally located between southern Saitama and western Chiba with easy access to all campuses.
Available in Chinese and Japanese. Reach us by phone, in person, or online.
