No Residency, No License: What Japan’s New Driver Rules Mean for Foreign Home Seekers

Driving in Japan Now Requires Proof of Residence – What It Means for Foreign Residents and Property Buyers

Japan’s National Police Agency (NPA) will implement stricter rules for converting foreign driver’s licenses into Japanese licenses (commonly called gaimen kirikae) starting October 1, 2025. This move is aimed at improving road safety and ensuring that foreign drivers fully understand Japanese traffic regulations.

1. Who Is Affected?

These reforms mainly target nationals from non-Geneva Convention countries, including China and Vietnam, whose licenses are not eligible for use with an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Japan.
By contrast, citizens from countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, South Korea, and the Philippines can use IDPs for up to one year and follow simplified procedures.

2. Key Changes

Mandatory Proof of Residence
Applicants will now be required to submit a copy of their juminhyo (residence certificate).
This effectively prevents tourists and short-term visitors from converting licenses while staying in hotels or temporary accommodations.
Note for property owners: Having a long-term residential address will now directly affect eligibility for legal driving.
Stricter Knowledge Test
The written exam will increase from 10 to 50 questions, and the passing score will rise from 70% to 90%. Illustrated questions will be removed.
Enhanced Driving Test
The practical driving assessment will be as strict as for first-time Japanese applicants, including advanced maneuvers like crossing train tracks and yielding to pedestrians.

3. Why It Matters to Real Estate Investors and Residents

While this policy targets road safety, it has broader implications for foreigners considering mid- to long-term residence or property ownership in Japan:

If you plan to live in Japan—either as a resident or investor—having a registered local address (juminhyo) becomes more essential than ever.
From housing registration to banking, and now even driving, proof of residence is becoming a baseline requirement.
These changes may also deter speculative behavior from short-stay buyers or loophole-seeking travelers, contributing to a more stable and resident-based market.

4. The Bigger Picture

In 2024, over 68,000 foreign nationals converted their overseas licenses in Japan, more than double the number from 2015. High-profile incidents—including a fatal hit-and-run involving a Chinese license holder—prompted the National Police to overhaul the system.

Footnote: What Is the Geneva Convention?

The 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic allows signatory countries’ citizens to use International Driving Permits (IDPs) in other member states.
Countries like the U.S., Germany, South Korea, and the Philippines are signatories. China and Vietnam are not, requiring their citizens to go through gaimen kirikae to legally drive in Japan.

Understanding Japanese rules is key to living here successfully. If you’re looking for trusted advice on real estate or relocation, we’re here to help.
Let’s talk—book a consultation today.

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Toshihiko Yamamoto is the founder and principal broker of Yamamoto Property Advisory, a distinguished real estate brokerage in Tokyo that specializes in luxury residential and investment properties for an international clientele. His firm caters to discerning investors seeking premier properties for personal use and income-generating whole buildings for investment purposes.A licensed realestate broker in Japan, Mr. Yamamotoholds an MBA from Bond University in Australiaand a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation from the CCIM Institute in the United States. His extensive international experience, having lived abroad in Australia and the United Kingdom, equips him with a nuanced understanding of global real estate trends and the unique needs of foreign investors.With over two decades of experience in international business, Mr. Yamamoto has successfully conducted business with clients from more than 20 countries. As a seasoned property investor himself, he provides informed guidance to his clients as they navigate the intricacies of the Japanese real estate market to secure optimal investments.Discover more in his book, “The Savvy Foreign Investor’s Guide to Japanese Properties: How to Expertly Buy, Manage, and Sell Real Estate in Japan,” available on Amazon, iBooks, and Google Play.Connect with us through social media on Instagram, WhatsApp, and LINE for further information and expert assistance.