Driving in Japan · Foreign residents

Can you lease a car on your visa?

Most leasing companies in Japan never say whether they accept foreign residents. Some require permanent residency. Some do not. We check, in English, and we show you where each answer came from.

Every requirement on this site is labelled with where the answer came from:

Stated by companyWe asked themNot stated

First, the license

You cannot lease a car in Japan on an international driving permit alone. Every route starts with a Japanese license.

What Changed on 1 October 2025 for Foreign License ConversionJapan tightened the rules for converting a foreign driving license on 1 October 2025. The knowledge test went from 10 questions to 50, the driving test got stricter, and you now have to prove where you live. Here is what is different.
The 50-Question Knowledge Check — and How to Take It in EnglishThe written check for converting a foreign license is 50 questions and you need 45 right. You can sit it in English, or in 19 other languages. Here is the format, what it covers, and how to prepare.
Which Licenses Skip the Tests: The Exempt Countries ListHolders of licenses from 29 countries and regions convert without sitting either test. The list depends on who issued your license, not your nationality — and for the United States, only seven states qualify.