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.
Four Banks Compared for New Foreign Residents
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.
- My Number (Individual Number Card or Notification Card) — many banks require it at account opening or shortly after. It’s legally required for any international remittance.
- A Japanese phone number — some banks, especially online-first ones, require a mobile number registered in your own name.
- A personal seal (inkan) — still required at some traditional banks, but foreigner-friendly banks like Rakuten Bank or SMBC Prestia often accept a signature instead.
The Residency Waiting Period Most People Miss
This is the detail that catches new arrivals off guard. Large traditional banks (like MUFG or Mizuho) and SBI Shinsei Bank commonly expect at least 6 months of residence in Japan before they’ll open an account. By contrast, Japan Post Bank and Seven Bank generally have no meaningful residency minimum, which is why they’re the standard first account for people who’ve just arrived.
Bank Comparison at a Glance
| Bank | Residency Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Japan Post Bank | Essentially none | Available at post offices nationwide, multilingual forms, top pick for new arrivals |
| Rakuten Bank | Typically 6+ months | App-first online banking, often no seal required |
| SMBC Prestia | Varies by branch/case | English-language service, easy foreign currency accounts |
| SBI Shinsei Bank | Typically 6+ months plus employment history | Built-in GoRemit international transfer service |
💡 Run your own numbers — try the Japan Overtime Pay Calculator (2026).
The Typical Process
- Gather documents (Residence Card, passport, My Number, contact number)
- Apply in person at a branch or online, depending on the bank
- Internal bank review (verifying residency status and documents)
- After approval, your cash card ships by registered mail (usually 1-2 weeks)
- 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 Shinsei’s GoRemit service, or fintech options like Wise. One point worth remembering regardless of provider: submitting your My Number is a legal requirement for any international money transfer, no matter the amount.
How This Differs From the US or UK
If you’ve only opened bank accounts in the US or UK, Japan’s process will feel noticeably slower. In the US or UK, a new resident can typically open an account within days using just a passport and proof of address, with no minimum residency period at most retail banks. Japan’s common 6-month residency expectation at major banks is the biggest adjustment — which is exactly why Japan Post Bank and Seven Bank exist as practical first stops for people who need an account immediately.
Pre-Opening Checklist
| Item | What to Confirm |
|---|---|
| Residence Card address | Updated to your current address |
| Length of residence | Meets your target bank’s minimum requirement |
| Contact number | A Japanese mobile number is ready |
| Purpose | Choose a bank based on salary receipt vs. remittance needs |
💡 Want to plug in your own numbers? Try the Japan to US Money Transfer Fee Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I open a bank account right after I arrive in Japan?
A. Japan Post Bank and Seven Bank generally have no meaningful residency minimum, so opening an account immediately after arrival is often possible — as long as your Residence Card already shows your current address.
Q. Why do major banks require 6 months of residency?
A. There’s no single published legal reason, but it’s understood to be a conservative internal policy for verifying identity and settled status. The exact standard can vary by bank and branch.
Q. Do I need a personal seal (inkan) to open an account?
A. Some traditional banks still require one, but foreigner-friendly banks such as Rakuten Bank and SMBC Prestia commonly accept a signature instead.
Q. Is a My Number really required for every international transfer?
A. Yes. Submitting your My Number is a legal requirement for international remittances regardless of the amount, and skipping it can delay or block the transfer.
Key Takeaways
- You’ll need a Residence Card, passport, My Number, and a Japanese phone number to open most accounts.
- Japan Post Bank and Seven Bank are the go-to choices with essentially no residency minimum.
- Major traditional banks and SBI Shinsei generally expect 6+ months of Japan residency first.
- A My Number submission is legally required for any international money transfer, regardless of amount.
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.