How to Open a Bank Account in Japan as an Expat: A Complete Guide

Why You Need a Japanese Bank Account

A Japanese bank account is essential for daily life once you're in Japan. Whether you're here for a working holiday, a full work visa, or a longer-term stay, you'll need one for:

• Receiving your salary: Most Japanese employers pay by bank transfer — without an account you can't get paid
• Paying rent: Most landlords require automatic debit (口座振替) from a Japanese bank account
• Utility bills: Electricity, gas, water, phone, and internet are all billed via bank auto-debit
• Online shopping: Many Japanese e-commerce platforms require a Japanese bank account for payment
• Building a credit history: Regular account use is a prerequisite for applying for a credit card in Japan

💡 We recommend opening your bank account within your first week in Japan. See Your First Week in Japan: A Complete Checklist.

Which Banks Accept Foreign Nationals

Japan has many banks, but not all of them are equally welcoming to foreign nationals. Here are the four most popular options among expats:

Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行) — Top Recommendation

Japan Post Bank is the first choice for most foreign nationals — and for good reason:

• Over 24,000 post office locations nationwide — available even in rural areas
• Relatively low barriers for foreign nationals
• ATMs at post offices and FamilyMart convenience stores
• No account opening fee; no annual maintenance fee
• May accept applicants with less than 6 months' residency (varies by branch)

Downsides: Online banking interface is Japanese-only; international transfer fees are higher.

Sony Bank — Best English-Language Experience

Sony Bank is one of the few Japanese banks offering a full English online banking interface — ideal for expats whose Japanese isn't fluent yet:

• English website and app
• Multi-currency account support (USD, EUR, and more)
• Competitive international transfer fees
• Fully online application — no branch visit required

Watch out for: Requires 6+ months of residency; requires My Number (マイナンバー); physical ATMs are limited (use SEVEN BANK ATMs).

Rakuten Bank (楽天銀行) — Low-Fee Online Bank

One of Japan's largest internet-only banks:

• Fully online account opening — no branch visit required
• Free ATM withdrawals each month (number varies by account tier)
• High cashback when integrated with Rakuten Ichiba and Rakuten Card
• No account maintenance fee

Watch out for: Japanese-only interface; 6+ months' residency often required; stricter screening.

MUFG (三菱UFJ銀行) — Japan's Largest Bank

Best suited to expats on formal work visas:

• Nationwide branch and ATM network in major cities
• Used by more companies for payroll than any other bank
• Full international wire transfer services
• Wide range of credit cards and financial products

Watch out for: Stricter screening for foreign nationals; branch experience can be inconsistent; 6+ months' residency often required.

Bank Comparison Table

Feature	Japan Post Bank	Sony Bank	Rakuten Bank	MUFG
Application method	In-branch	Online	Online	In-branch
English support	✗	✓	✗	Some branches
6-month rule	More lenient	Required	Required	Required
Free ATM withdrawals	Many	Per plan	Monthly quota	Per plan
International transfers	✓ (higher fees)	✓ (lower fees)	✓	✓
Best for	New arrivals	Non-Japanese speakers	Long-term residents	Work visa holders

Required Documents

Regardless of which bank you choose, you'll need:

Essential Documents

1. Residence Card (在留カード): The most important piece of ID — issued at the airport on arrival. Your registered address must already be printed on the back (this is added when you complete residence registration at the ward office)
2. Passport (パスポート): Name must match your Residence Card
3. Proof of address: The address on your Residence Card, or a resident certificate (住民票) from the ward office
4. Seal (印鑑) or signature: Most banks accept a signature now, but having a seal is good insurance — available at ¥100 stores (Daiso) or seal shops for ¥500–¥2,000
5. Phone number: A Japanese mobile number is required — sort out your SIM card first

Helpful Supporting Documents

• My Number notification letter or My Number Card (マイナンバー): Required by some banks (e.g., Sony Bank) at account opening
• Employment certificate: May speed up the review process if you have a formal job
• Student ID: Proof of student status if applicable

⚠️ Important: Your Residence Card must already have your address printed on it. Complete your address registration (転入届) at the ward office first, then go to the bank.

Step-by-Step Account Opening

In-Branch Application (Japan Post Bank, MUFG)

Step 1 — Choose a Branch

Select the branch closest to your home or workplace. Larger branches in urban areas tend to have more experience with foreign nationals, and some have English or Chinese-speaking staff.

Step 2 — Take a Number

Walk in and tell the information desk you want to open a new account (「口座開設をしたいです」). Take a number and wait to be called.

Step 3 — Fill In the Application Form

Complete the account opening form (口座開設申込書), which includes:

• Name (matching your Residence Card, with katakana reading)
• Address
• Phone number
• Date of birth
• Occupation

Step 4 — Submit Documents for Review

Hand over the completed form along with your Residence Card and passport. Staff will make copies and review — the in-branch process typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 5 — Receive Your Account Details

Once approved, you'll receive on the same day:

• Passbook (通帳): A printed record of your transactions
• Debit card (キャッシュカード): Usually sent by post 1–2 weeks later

Online Application (Sony Bank, Rakuten Bank)

1. Go to the bank's official website or download the app
2. Fill in personal details and upload photos of your Residence Card and passport
3. Complete online identity verification (eKYC)
4. Wait for review (approximately 3–7 business days)
5. After approval, your debit card is mailed to your registered address

Things to Know

The 6-Month Residency Rule

This is the most common hurdle for foreign nationals in Japan. Under Japan's anti-money-laundering regulations (Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds), foreign nationals whose residence period is under 6 months will have restricted accounts:

• ✗ No internet banking
• ✗ No international transfers
• ✗ Debit card may not be available
• ✓ Can deposit and withdraw cash in-branch using passbook

Work-around: Open a basic Japan Post Bank account for day-to-day needs first. After 6 months of residency, open a full-featured account at another bank — or apply to have the restrictions removed at your existing bank.

Setting Up Internet Banking

After opening your account, sign up for internet banking (ネットバンキング) as soon as possible so you can check your balance and transfer money anytime. The services are:

• Japan Post Bank: ゆうちょ Direct (ゆうちょダイレクト)
• MUFG: MUFG Direct (三菱UFJダイレクト)
• Sony Bank: MONEYKit
• Rakuten Bank: Internet banking is included automatically when your account is activated

Account Management

• Never lend your account to others: This is illegal in Japan and can lead to account freezing and criminal liability
• Close the account before leaving Japan: Accounts left dormant with a positive balance may be frozen
• Keep your card and PIN safe: Japanese debit card PINs are 4 digits; forgotten PINs must be reset in-branch
• Update your address when you move: Notify your bank promptly after any change of address

Practical Tips

1. Call ahead to confirm: Different branches can have different requirements — calling first saves you a wasted trip
2. Bring a Japanese-speaking friend: If your Japanese is limited, having someone to help translate makes the whole process much smoother
3. Go on a weekday morning: Fewer people; bank staff tend to be more patient
4. Bring an extra set of photocopies: Banks will make their own copies, but having spares is never a bad idea
5. Make an initial deposit: Deposit at least ¥1,000 — zero-balance accounts may be flagged

Common Questions

I've been in Japan less than a week — can I open an account right away?

Yes, try. As long as you've completed your address registration (転入届) at the ward office and your address is on your Residence Card, you can head to Japan Post Bank. Note that account functions may be restricted under the 6-month rule.

One bank turned me down — what now?

Try a different branch or a different bank. There is some subjectivity in how individual branches and staff handle foreign national applications. Being turned down at one place doesn't mean all banks will turn you down — try a few.

Can I hold multiple accounts?

Yes. Japan has no restriction on how many bank accounts you hold. Many expats combine a Japan Post account for day-to-day use with a commercial bank account for salary deposits — keeping different funds separate for easier management.

Is there mobile payment in Japan?

Yes. Japan's most popular mobile payment services are PayPay, LINE Pay, and Rakuten Pay (楽天Pay) — most can be linked to a Japanese bank account. Once your account is open, we recommend setting up PayPay first; its acceptance rate in Japan is extremely high. See Setting Up PayPay in Japan.