UPDATE | March 14, 2022
A bank account is necessary for exchanging money that is indispensable for daily life, such as receiving salary and paying utility bills. What if a foreigner wants to open a new bank account in Japan? Introducing the conditions and documents required to open an account, how to open an account, and 6 recommended banks to open an account.
INDEX
Not all foreigners can open a bank account (ordinary account). Many banks have conditions. Let's see who can open an account.
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Foreign nationals need a residence card or resident card to open a bank account in Japan. However, if you have a period of stay of less than 3 months (such as a tourist visa of 90 days or less), you will not be issued a residence card and you will not be able to register as a resident, so you will not be able to obtain a resident card.
In addition, those with a period of stay of less than 6 months are considered to be "non-residents" and cannot open an ordinary account by law (Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Law).
A person who can meet the above two conditions
・ Persons who have been in Japan for more than 6 months and are staying in Japan for the purpose of working or studying abroad
It will be that.
If you have a residence card but your period of stay is 3 months or more and less than 6 months, you cannot create a regular account because you are a "non-resident", but you can create an account called "non-resident yen deposit". increase.
So what's the difference between a savings account and a non-resident yen deposit account? Compared to savings accounts, non-resident yen deposit accounts are limited in what they can do. Depending on the bank, overseas remittances are restricted, there is no cash card (ATM cannot be used), direct debits (rent, utilities, credit card usage, etc.) are not possible, and the handling fee is high. The number of branches that can be deposited and withdrawn is limited. In other words, you can only deposit and withdraw money, and there are various inconveniences when considering the actual use.
Let's take a look at what kind of documents are required for foreigners to open a bank account in Japan one by one.
Foreign nationals are required to show their residence card, passport, and Special Permanent Resident Certificate (applicable person) as they are required to prove their residence permit in Japan as well as being the person himself / herself. In addition, some banks require a health insurance card, driver's license (for those who have obtained one), student ID card, employee ID card, etc., so if you want to open an account at the store counter, you should bring it with you. We recommend that you bring anything that can prove your identity.
You need something that can prove that you actually live at the Street address you declare to the bank. For example, a residence card with an Street address, a resident's card, and the original invoice for utilities (electricity, gas, water).
When making an important contract, a handwritten signature is given overseas, but in Japan, a seal is stamped instead of the signature. Some banks accept only the signature, but most banks use a seal. In addition, you may need a seal, such as renting a house or applying for utility bills. You can also make a seal in katakana or romaji, so if you don't have one, we recommend that you take this opportunity to make your own seal.
If you need a Telephone Number to contact your bank and you don't have the contact information, you may not be able to open an account. You can use your mobile phone number.
Once you have everything you need to open an account, it's time to open an account.
Go to the bank with the necessary items for opening an account (identification documents, Street address verification, seal, contact information). Large banks have branches in many places, but it is recommended that you go near your home or office as you will be opening an account at the branch you visited. If you come to the store and are far from your place of residence or work, you may be asked why or in some cases you may be refused to open an account.
Also, depending on the bank, you can apply online or accept only the Internet, so once you have decided which bank you want to open an account with, please check the specific procedure.
Follow the instructions of the person at the bank counter to complete the procedure.
Your name, Street address, and date of birth will always be confirmed, so be prepared in advance so that you can say or write in Japanese. In addition, you will need a 4-digit PIN for your cash card, so think about it in advance.
Currently, Japanese banks are undergoing strict procedures such as identity verification when opening an account so that they will not be used for money laundering or terrorist financing. Since it is about a contract, you may have to have a difficult exchange in Japanese. If possible, we recommend that you bring a Japanese friend or acquaintance with you.
After completing the account opening procedure, you can receive your passbook on the spot, but you will receive your cash card at a later date with a personalized receipt (you need to show your identity verification documents such as your residence card and passport at the time of receipt). increase. It takes about 1 week to 10 days for the card to arrive.
Here are some recommended banks for foreign nationals who want to open a bank account in Japan. We will explain the characteristics of each bank, as well as the documents and procedures required to open an account.
You can open a regular account if your period of stay is 3 months or more. There are stores and ATMs nationwide, and it is attractive that it is easy to use.
In addition, we provide guidance for foreigners who want to open an account and a service that allows you to create an application form in advance on the Internet in the following 14 languages.
English / Chinese (Traditional, Simplified) / Korean / Tagalog / Vietnamese / Khmer / Thai / French / Spanish / Portuguese / Nepali / Sinhala / Myanmar
・ Residence card (Those who have more than 3 months until the expiration date of residence. If you plan to renew, open an account after completing the renewal.)
・ Student ID card (for those whose status of residence is "College Student")
・ Employee ID (person whose status of residence is "technical intern training")
Go to the nearest post office and submit the completed account opening application and required documents.
ATM withdrawal fee:Free regardless of day of the week or time
Overseas remittance fee:7,500 yen
It may take some time to confirm and you may not be able to open an account on the day of reception. In that case, the passbook will be sent by mail at a later date.
For details, please check the Japan Post Bank website below.
https://www.jp-bank.japanpost.jp/kaisetu/kat_gaikokujin.html
It is one of the largest banks in Japan and has branches and ATMs nationwide. Recommended if you choose by reliability and stability.
・ Residence card or Special Permanent Resident Certificate (applicable person)
・ Seal (seal) * Shachihata (seal with built-in ink) is NG.
Go to a branch office near your home or office and submit the completed account opening application and required documents.
ATM withdrawal fee:Free from 8:45 to 21:00. 110 yen each time at other times
Overseas remittance fee:To overseas branches / local corporations → 7,000 yen To other banks → 7,500 yen
* In addition, 1/20% of the remittance amount (minimum 2,500 yen) will be charged as a handling fee.
Stores that can send money overseas are limited. Before you go to the procedure, check the official website of the bank to see if the store accepts overseas remittances.
For details, please check the website of Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ below.
https://www.bk.mufg.jp/kouza/index.html
It is a major bank with branches and ATMs nationwide. In addition to the window, you can also open an account on the Internet.
・ Residence card (those who have more than 3 months until the expiration date of residence. If you plan to renew, open an account after renewal) or Special Permanent Resident Certificate (applicable person)
·signature stamp
There are two ways.
(1) Opened at a store
Go to a branch office near your home or office and submit the completed account opening application and required documents.
(2) Opened on the Internet
Access the account opening page on the official website and enter the required information.
If you have a printer at home, proceed with the input work on the page "Print the application form by yourself", and when you are done, print the application form, sign it, seal it, put it in an envelope with your identity verification document, and mail it. ..
If you don't have a printer at home and can't print, please fill in from the "Receive Application Form by Mail" page. The application form will be mailed to you in about a week, so sign it, seal it, and mail it in an envelope with your identity verification documents.
ATM withdrawal fee:
Monday-Friday 8: 45-18: 00 Free 8: 00-8: 45 18: 00-23: 00 110 yen 23: 00-8: 00 220 yen
Saturday / Sunday 0:00 to 8:00 220 yen 8:00 to 22:00 110 yen 22: 00-24: 00 Not available.
Holidays / holidays 0:00 to 8:00 220 yen 8:00 to 23:00 110 yen 23:00 to 24:00 220 yen
Overseas remittance fee:To the main branch → 8,000 yen To other banks → 8,500 yen
* In addition, 1/20% of the remittance amount (minimum 2,500 yen) will be charged as a handling fee.
For details, please check the Mizuho Bank website below.
https://www.mizuhobank.co.jp/retail/products/account/index.html
One of Japan's three major mega banks with branches and ATMs nationwide (the other two are Mitsubishi UFJ Bank and Mizuho Bank, which I introduced earlier).
・ Residence card (those who have more than 3 months until the expiration date of residence. If you plan to renew, open an account after renewal) or Special Permanent Resident Certificate (applicable person)
·signature stamp
There are three ways.
(1) Open an account with the app
Take a photo of your identity verification document (residence card or special permanent resident certificate), upload it, and enter the required information. You will receive your cash card in about 1 to 2 weeks, so sign and seal the enclosed seal and return it.
(2) Opened on the Internet
To apply, you need a mobile phone and E-mail address that can use SMS (Short Message Service). In addition to the residence card (Special Permanent Resident Certificate), you will need a driver's license (driving history certificate), Individual Number Card, or health insurance card as identity verification documents.
Access the official website of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and complete the procedure on the homepage account opening page.
Take a photo of your identity verification document (residence card or special permanent resident certificate), upload it, and enter the required information. You will receive your cash card in about 1 to 2 weeks, so sign and seal the enclosed seal and return it.
(3) Opened at the store
Bring the necessary documents and complete the procedure at the counter of the branch office near your home or workplace. In order to prevent criminal use of the account, you will be asked for your name, purpose of use of the opened account, occupation, etc., so it is recommended to prepare an answer in advance so that you can answer firmly.
ATM withdrawal fee:
Monday-Friday: Before 8:45 After 18:00 110 yen 8: 45-18: 00 Free
Saturday / Sunday: 110 yen
Overseas remittance fee:To overseas branches / local corporations / affiliated banks → 7,000 yen To other overseas banks → 7,500 yen
For details, please check the website of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation below.
https://www.smbc.co.jp/kojin/open-account/
Since it is an online bank, transactions are conducted at affiliated ATMs or on the Internet. It is one of the banks where foreigners can easily open an account. There is a page (in English) on the official website where you can check if you can open an account for foreigners, so please check before applying.
・ Residence card (within the expiration date) or Special Permanent Resident Certificate (applicable person)
* If you wish to complete the procedure by mail, you can copy it.
If you wish to apply by mail, you will need one of the following three items.
(1) A copy of your driver's license (more than 6 months old)
(2) Original receipt for utility charges (landline, electricity, water, gas, NHK) * Copy not allowed
(3) Copy of resident's card or certificate of matters stated in resident's card * Copy is not possible
There are two ways.
(1) Open an account by mail
Access the account opening application form on the Internet and enter the required information. You can choose either "Print with your home printer" or "Order by mail from Shinsei Bank" for the application form.
We will sign (or seal) the application form, enclose the personal documents, and send it to Shinsei Bank.
After completing the procedure, you will receive a cash card / security card (simple mail) and PIN notification (specific record) by separate mail from Shinsei Bank.
(2) Opened at the store
Take the necessary documents and go to the branch office near your home or office to complete the procedure. If you want to report your seal, bring it with you. At Shinsei Bank, you can send your signature as well as your seal.
ATM withdrawal fee:
It depends on which affiliated ATM you use, but here are some of the ones you think you will use most often.
Seven Bank ATM 110 yen
Aeon Bank ATM 110 yen
Japan Post Bank 110 yen (cannot be used after 23:55 to 0:05 on weekdays and 0:00 to 0:05 on Saturdays and Sundays and 21:00)
Overseas remittance fee:2,000 yen when using GoRemit overseas remittance service
For details, please check the Shinsei Bank website below.
https://www.shinseibank.com/powerflex/?intcid=mega_aopc_000_01
It is an online bank operated by Rakuten Group, and is characterized by higher interest rates than other banks. In addition, there are many ATMs that can be used because we are affiliated with many banks and convenience stores, so it can be said that it is an easy-to-use bank among online banks.
・ Residence card (within the expiration date) or Special Permanent Resident Certificate (applicable person)
* If you wish to complete the procedure by mail, you can copy it.
You can apply from the Internet (computer / smartphone). Enter the information required to open an account, such as your name and Street address. Select the desired card (cash card with debit function, prepaid card without cash card function, credit card integrated cash card, cash card), and the method of confirming personal identification.
There are three ways to confirm the identity of the person.
(1) App
Download the Rakuten Bank app, take a picture of your identity verification document and send it. After about 2 days to 2 weeks, you will receive the "Thank You Letter Initial Setting Guide" (simple registered mail). When you receive it, the account opening is complete.
(2) Present to the delivery person
About 1 to 2 weeks after application, you will receive the "Thank You Letter Initial Setting Guide". The account opening is completed by presenting the identity verification document to the delivery person and receiving it.
(3) Use mail
After applying, you will receive a reply envelope. We will enclose the verification documents and return them according to the guidance. If there is no problem with the contents, you will receive the "Thank You Letter Initial Setting Guide" (simple registered mail) in about 1 week to 10 days.
When you receive the "Thank You Letter Initial Setting Guide" (simple registered mail), follow the guide to make the initial settings.
ATM withdrawal fee:
It depends on which affiliated ATM you use, but here are some of the ones you think you will use most often.
Seven Bank ATM 220 yen (Free up to 7 times depending on usage status if you subscribe to the service called Happy Program)
AEON Bank ATM 220 yen (Free up to 7 times depending on usage status if you subscribe to the service called Happy Program)
Japan Post Bank 275 yen (Free up to 7 times depending on usage status if you subscribe to the service called Happy Program)
Overseas remittance fee:750 yen
* In addition, a yen remittance fee (when remittance is made in Japanese yen) of 3,000 yen and an overseas relay bank fee (you can choose whether to pay the remittance or the recipient) will be charged 1,000 yen.
For details, please check the Rakuten Bank website below.
https://www.rakuten-bank.co.jp/account/
So far, we have introduced the conditions, required documents, opening flow, and recommended banks for foreigners to open a bank account in Japan, but here are some other frequently asked questions.
[A]
Basically, according to the information written on the residence card, the passbook will be in alphabet and the cash card will be in katakana (the cash card will be written in katakana even for Japanese people). In addition, if the name is written in both Chinese characters and alphabets, it seems that if the name is in Chinese characters, it will be in Chinese characters, and if it is in alphabets, it will be in alphabetical characters, according to the information on the residence card.
However, the rules differ depending on the bank, so please contact the bank you want to open an account for details.
[A]
Some banks do not require a seal to open an account. In Japan, a seal is often required for contract-related procedures, so I think it's okay to make one, but if you don't want to make a seal, you should choose a bank that does not require a seal.
[A]
If you complete the procedure at the store, the procedure will be completed within the same day in principle. (If you need time to verify your identity, you will receive your passbook and cash card by mail at a later date.)
If you apply on the app or on the Internet, you can open an account in about 2 weeks, depending on the bank and procedure method.
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If you return to Japan and you no longer use your bank account, please be sure to cancel the contract. If you plan to continue using your bank account, such as when you plan to re-enter Japan, consult with the financial institution that has the account.
Foreigners returning to Japan often sell their bank accounts for the purpose of earning pocket money, but this is a criminal act prohibited by law, so please do not do it. In some cases, you may be punished by law, deported, or prohibited from entering the country.
For foreign nationals to open an account at a Japanese bank
・ Persons who have been in Japan for more than 6 months and are staying in Japan for the purpose of working or studying abroad
It is necessary to clear the condition.
The documents required to open an account vary slightly depending on the bank and the method of application, but a residence card (Special Permanent Resident Certificate) is absolutely necessary.
The method of opening an account also differs depending on the bank, but there are mainly the following three methods.
・ Procedure at the bank counter
・ Apply on the Internet
・ Procedure using the app
It takes about 2 weeks from applying for any method to opening an account.
There are 6 banks recommended for foreign nationals because of the convenience of having branches and ATMs all over the country and the ease of opening an account. If you're wondering which bank to open an account with, you can choose from these.
·Japan Post Bank
・ Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ
·Mizuho Bank
・ Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
·Shinsei Bank
·Rakuten Bank
アクセス日本留学Editorial Department.アクセス日本留学" where foreign students can request materials to find Japanese schools, and hold "advancement information sessions for foreign students".
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