How to Open a Bank Account in Japan (2026)

Opening a Japanese bank account is one of the first real hurdles for any new foreign resident — you generally need one to receive salary, pay rent and utilities by direct debit, and even sign up for a phone plan. Here’s what documents you need, which banks are realistic for someone who just landed, and how it differs from opening an account back home.

Why You Need an Account So Early

If you’re employed by a Japanese company, salary is almost always paid by bank transfer. Rent, utilities, and phone bills are commonly set up as automatic bank debits, so without an account, basic life admin in Japan grinds to a halt. An account is also the starting point for sending or receiving money internationally.

Documents You’ll Need

• Residence Card (Zairyu Card) — must show your current address. If you’ve moved and haven’t updated it, a bank can and will reject your application.
• Passport — used alongside the Residence Card for identity verification.
• Proof of your My Number — a My Number Card, or a copy of your residence record (juminhyo) showing the number. Many banks ask for it at account opening, and it’s legally required for international remittances. The paper Notification Card was abolished on May 25, 2020 (an old one still works only if its details match your residence record), and the Individual Number Notice you receive after arriving can’t be used as proof.
• A Japanese phone number — some banks, especially online-first ones, require a mobile number registered in your own name.
• A personal seal (inkan) — traditional banks that open accounts at the counter may ask for one depending on the branch, so check first. Online-only banks such as Rakuten Bank take document uploads instead.

The “6-Month Rule” Is Narrower Than It Sounds

This is the detail most people get wrong. When a bank asks whether you’ve been in Japan for 6 months, it isn’t an internal bank policy — it’s the residency test under Japan’s Foreign Exchange Act. Under the Ministry of Finance’s guidance, a foreign national becomes a resident either by working at an office in Japan or once 6 months have passed since entry. Either one is enough, so if you came to Japan to work for an employer here, you’re a resident from day one. Dependent family members living with you are treated the same way.

The people who actually get stuck are those not working in Japan and here for less than 6 months — students, job seekers and the like. They either wait out the 6 months or use a bank that opens accounts for non-residents.

Bank-by-Bank Conditions for Foreign Nationals

Bank	Conditions	Worth knowing
Japan Post Bank	Available if more than 3 months remain on your period of stay. Students and technical interns need extra documents such as a student ID or proof of employment	If you’re set up as a non-resident under the Foreign Exchange Act, even domestic transfers are handled as international remittances (JPY 3,000 online, JPY 7,500 at the counter, not available at ATMs). Tell the counter once you become a resident
Seven Bank	Age 16+, a resident under the Foreign Exchange Act, 3+ months left on your period of stay	Apply at an ATM with your Residence Card; the card arrives by mail in about 2 weeks
SMBC Prestia	6+ months since entry (or proof of employment such as a staff ID if less), 3+ months left on your period of stay	Online applications accepted. Close the account if you leave Japan
MUFG Bank	Foreign nationals can’t open an account through the app; check at a branch	Book a branch visit
Rakuten Bank	Residence Card plus one more ID such as a driver’s license or My Number Card	Online only. Close the account if you plan to leave Japan. Check residency conditions on the application screen

The Typical Process

1. Gather documents (Residence Card, passport, My Number, contact number)
2. Apply in person at a branch or online, depending on the bank
3. Bank review (checking your Foreign Exchange Act residency status and documents)
4. After approval, your cash card (and passbook, if any) arrives by mail — about 2 weeks for a Seven Bank ATM application
5. Once received, register for online banking / the bank’s app

Online Banking and Sending Money Abroad

Most Japanese banks offer an online banking app, but full registration is often tied to receiving your cash card first — so you may not have online access immediately after opening the account. For sending money abroad, people typically compare the bank’s own remittance service, SBI Remit, or fintech options like Wise. SBI Shinsei’s GoRemit service closed in October 2025, and former GoRemit users have to sign up to SBI Remit separately. Whichever provider you use, giving your My Number is a legal requirement for international transfers, no matter the amount.

If You’re Not Working Yet

If you arrived without a job in Japan — as a student, a dependent looking for work, or a job seeker — you’re a non-resident under the Foreign Exchange Act until 6 months have passed. Japan Post Bank will still open an account, but as a non-resident account, so domestic transfers are charged international remittance fees. Once you start working here or pass the 6-month mark, tell the bank so it can switch your status.

Pre-Opening Checklist

Item	What to Confirm
Residence Card address	Updated to your current address
Residency status	You’re working in Japan or 6 months have passed since entry (otherwise you’re a non-resident)
Contact number	A Japanese mobile number is ready
Purpose	Choose a bank based on salary and bill payments vs. sending money abroad

This article is for general informational purposes only. Bank account opening requirements and required documents vary by branch and change over time. Confirm current requirements with the specific bank before applying.