Opening a bank account in Japan as a new resident

As of July 2026. Requirements vary by bank and can change — always confirm on the specific bank’s official page.

A Japanese bank account is one of the first things you’ll want after arriving — for your salary, rent and utility payments. Banks are required to verify who you are, so having the right documents and understanding the timing matters. Here’s what official sources say.

What banks check

Banks must verify your identity when you open an account — and they can refuse if they can’t.

“financial institutions verify the identity information of customers (e.g., the name, address, period of stay, status of residence, and employment status) at the time of opening an account without exception … You may not be able to open an account … if your identity information is not verified.” (Financial Services Agency)

What to bring

The Financial Services Agency’s official guide for foreign residents lists, as typical items:

• Residence card (zairyu card) — the core document; the bank checks your address, period of stay and status against it.
• Passport — commonly requested as additional ID.
• My Number (Individual Number) document — a My Number card, notification card, or a resident-register extract showing the number. Major banks such as MUFG require this.
• Personal seal (hanko) at some banks (MUFG does not accept rubber stamps); others accept a signature.
• A current Japanese address matching your registration, and usually a Japanese phone number.

MUFG’s official English page, for example, requires foreign residents to visit a branch in person with a residence card, a personal seal, and a My Number document, with originals valid or issued within the past six months.

Timing: you often can’t open one on day one

You generally need a residence card first, and some routes have a minimum remaining stay. Japan Post Bank (Yucho) — a common option for newcomers — lets you apply with a residence card, including via its smartphone app:

“the period between the application date and the Expiration Date of Period of Stay on your residence card must be longer than three months, and the address must be your current address.” (Japan Post Bank)

Some big city banks effectively expect around six months of residence and/or local employment before opening certain accounts, and a widely-reported (bank-specific) point is that people with under six months in Japan may face limited functions until they update their status at a counter. Treat these as bank-specific and changeable, and check the bank directly. Newly-arrived people without a residence card yet, and short-term visitors, generally cannot open a standard account.

What you get

The everyday account is an ordinary deposit account (futsu yokin), which comes with a bankbook and/or a cash card for ATMs. Salary can be paid in, and utilities (electricity, gas, water, phone) can be auto-debited. Some banks also offer a debit card for shops and online.

Sending money abroad

International transfers are not handled uniformly by Japanese banks.

“The availability of overseas remittances and the countries/regions to which remittances can be made depend on each Bank/Funds Transfer Service Provider … Banks and Funds Transfer Service Providers that are not licensed by the FSA are illegal and should not be used.” (Financial Services Agency)

Because bank remittance abroad is often limited or expensive, many residents pair their Japanese account with a separate FSA-licensed money-transfer provider. Use only licensed providers.

After you open it

Tell your bank when your address, period of stay or residence status changes, and close the account before you leave Japan. Never give or sell your account to someone else — it’s illegal and can affect your ability to stay in or re-enter Japan.

FAQ

This is general information, current as of July 2026, and not financial or legal advice. Requirements differ by bank and change over time — confirm on the official pages below.