What you need to open a bank account in Japan
Most banks in Japan require a residence card (zairyu card) if you are a foreign national, or a national ID if you are Japanese. You will also need a personal seal (inkan)—a carved stamp used to authorize documents—which you can buy at any convenience store or stationery shop for 500 to 2,000 yen. Some banks accept a signature instead, but having a seal makes the process faster.
You will need proof of your current address: a utility bill, rental agreement, or residence certificate (koseki tohon) issued by your local ward office. Bring your passport and residence card. Some banks ask for a phone number where they can reach you, and a few require proof of income, though this is less common for basic accounts.
The entire process usually takes 20 to 40 minutes in the branch. You do not need to speak fluent Japanese—most major banks have English-speaking staff or translation apps, though smaller regional banks may not.
Key Takeaways
- You need a residence card (for foreign nationals), a personal seal, and proof of address such as a utility bill or rental agreement.
- Major banks like Japan Post Bank, Mizuho, and MUFG have English support and branches nationwide, while regional banks may have fewer English speakers.
- The account opens on the same day you visit the branch, and your debit card arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
- Japan Post Bank is the easiest option for short-term residents because it requires only a passport and residence card, with no income verification.
- You will need a personal seal (inkan) to sign documents, which costs under 2,000 yen and is available at any convenience store.
Which banks accept foreign residents
Japan Post Bank is the most accessible for foreign nationals. It has branches in every post office nationwide, requires no income verification, and accepts a passport and residence card alone. The account opens the same day. This is the standard choice for people on temporary visas or those who plan to stay less than a year.
Mizuho Bank, MUFG Bank, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) are the three largest commercial banks and all accept foreign residents. They have English-speaking staff at major branches in Tokyo, Osaka, and other cities. They require a residence card, proof of address, and a personal seal. Opening takes the same day, though some branches ask for additional documents if you have been in Japan fewer than three months.
Regional banks vary widely. Some accept foreign residents without restriction; others require a Japanese guarantor or proof of employment. Call ahead before visiting, or ask your employer or landlord which bank they recommend—they often know which local banks are easiest to work with.
Documents to bring to the bank
| Document | What counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residence card or passport | Original residence card (zairyu card) for foreign nationals; Japanese national ID for citizens | Required. Bring both if you have them. |
| Proof of address | Utility bill, rental agreement, residence certificate from ward office, or lease | Must show your current address. Utility bills are fastest. |
| Personal seal (inkan) | Carved stamp with your name in katakana or kanji | Buy at any convenience store or stationery shop. Some banks accept a signature instead, but a seal is standard. |
| Phone number | Mobile or landline where the bank can contact you | Not always required, but helpful to have ready. |
| Proof of income (sometimes) | Employment letter, pay stub, or tax return | Rarely asked for basic accounts. More common if opening a credit line. |
How the account opening process works
Walk into the branch during business hours (usually 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays; some branches open Saturday mornings). Tell the staff you want to open a futsu yokin (regular savings account). They will hand you an process form in Japanese and English. Fill in your name, address, phone number, and the type of account you want.
A staff member will review your documents, verify your residence card or passport, and ask you to sign or stamp the form with your personal seal. They will ask what you plan to use the account for (salary deposits, savings, daily spending) and whether you want online banking. This conversation takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Once approved, you will receive a temporary passbook (or a receipt if the bank uses digital records). Your debit card arrives by mail within one to two weeks, usually to the address you provided. You can begin using the account when ready for transfers and deposits, even before the card arrives.
Opening an account as a short-term visitor
If you are in Japan on a tourist visa and do not have a residence card, opening a bank account is difficult. Most banks require a residence card as proof of legal stay. Japan Post Bank is the only major bank that sometimes accepts a passport alone, but policies vary by branch and change frequently—call ahead to confirm.
An alternative is to use a prepaid card (such as Suica, Pasmo, or a convenience store card) for daily spending, and ask your employer or accommodation provider to help you open an account once you have a residence card. If you are staying with a host family or through a company, they may be able to sponsor your account opening or provide a letter of employment that strengthens your process.
Some international banks like SMBC and Mizuho have special programs for short-term residents, but these usually require proof of employment or a minimum deposit. Contact the bank directly before visiting.
Online banking and digital access
All major banks offer online banking (internet banking), which you can set up on the same day you open the account. You will receive a login ID and temporary password, which you change on your first login. Online banking lets you check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills from your phone or computer.
Some banks also offer mobile banking apps in English. Japan Post Bank's app is straightforward; Mizuho and MUFG apps have English interfaces. You will need to register your phone number and set up a PIN or biometric login.
International transfers (sending money out of Japan) are available from all major banks, but fees are high—typically 2,000 to 4,000 yen per transfer. Services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) are cheaper for moving money abroad, though you will still need a Japanese bank account to receive salary or send money to Wise.
What happens after your account opens
Your debit card arrives within one to two weeks. You can use it at any ATM in Japan—convenience store ATMs (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) are open 24 hours and charge no fee for withdrawals from your own bank. ATMs at other banks may charge 100 to 200 yen per transaction.
Your bank will send you a monthly statement by mail or email, depending on what you chose during setup. Keep your passbook (if you received one) in a safe place—you will need it if you ever need to prove your account exists or if you close the account later.
If you leave Japan, you can keep your account open as long as you want, even if your residence card expires. However, if you do not use the account for 10 years, the bank may freeze it or transfer unclaimed funds to the Japanese government. If you plan to leave permanently, inform the bank and decide whether to close the account or leave it dormant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account without a residence card?
It is very difficult. Japan Post Bank sometimes accepts a passport alone, but this varies by branch. If you are on a tourist visa, ask your employer or accommodation provider for help—they may be able to sponsor your account or provide a letter that strengthens your process. Otherwise, wait until you have a residence card.
Do I need to speak Japanese to open an account?
No. Major banks like Japan Post Bank, Mizuho, and MUFG have English-speaking staff at main branches. Bring a translation app on your phone if you are visiting a smaller branch. The process form is available in English at most banks.
How long does it take to open an account?
The in-branch process takes 20 to 40 minutes. Your account is active the same day, and your debit card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. You can use the account for transfers and deposits before the card arrives.
What is a personal seal and where do I buy one?
A personal seal (inkan) is a carved stamp with your name used to authorize documents in Japan. You can buy one at any convenience store, stationery shop, or online for 500 to 2,000 yen. Some banks accept a signature instead, but having a seal is faster and standard practice.
Can I send money out of Japan from my account?
Yes, all major banks offer international transfers, but fees are high—typically 2,000 to 4,000 yen per transfer. For cheaper international transfers, use a service like Wise, though you will still need a Japanese bank account to receive your salary or send money to Wise in the first place.