How to open a bank account in Japan as a foreigner: US guide

If you're an American relocating to Japan, you'll need to set up the basics for daily life, such as finding an apartment, getting a phone, and opening a bank account.

That last one is essential for receiving your salary, paying rent, and handling utilities. Most Japanese landlords and employers won't accept international payment methods.

However, opening a Japanese bank account as a foreigner can be daunting, especially when you don't speak the language and are unfamiliar with the process.

The good news is that once you understand what's required, the process becomes pretty manageable as long as you're a legal long-term resident. Here's how to open a bank account in Japan.

We'll also introduce the Wise account, which allows you to send, spend, and receive your money across the globe in over 40 currencies – all at the fair mid-market rate.

Learn more 🔎

Table of contents

Can I open a Japanese bank account as a foreigner? What is the best bank for foreigners in Japan? What do you need to open a bank account in Japan? Can you open a Japanese bank account from the US? Can I open a bank account in Japan as a non-resident? Meet Wise: the world’s most international account How to open a Japan bank account as a foreigner: Step by step Can I open a Japanese bank account online? How much does it cost to open a bank account in Japan?

Can I open a Japanese bank account as a foreigner?

Yes, you can open a bank account in Japan as a foreigner, but you must be living in the country on a long-term visa or have another form of residency. Tourist visits and short stays don't qualify.

You'll need your Zairyu Card (residence card) that shows your registered address in Japan, and some banks will only accept your application if you've been living in Japan for at least 6 months prior.¹

You'll also need a Japanese phone number and sometimes your Personal Seal (inkan or hanko), which is a registered stamp that is used in Japan in place of signatures.¹

In other words, tourists and visitors on short-term stays can't open Japanese bank accounts. But once you establish legal residency, you should be able to start banking with most financial institutions.

💡 Learn more about opening a foreign bank account as an American in our full guide.

What is the best bank for foreigners in Japan?

Most Japanese banks will work with foreigners who have an established residency in Japan. Here are some options:

• Japan Post Bank (Yucho)
• SMBC
• MUFG
• Mizuho Bank
• Shinsei Bank
• Sony Bank

Some banks have English-speaking staff or multilingual support, and institutions like Sony Bank offer digital banking.

You may also be able to find some American banks in Japan, though they usually don't serve regular consumers and focus only on business clients.

What do you need to open a bank account in Japan?

Japanese banks will need you to prove your legal residency and identity to open an account. Requirements can vary slightly between institutions, but most ask for the same core items:¹

• Residence card (Zairyu Card) showing your current registered address in Japan
• Valid US passport
• Certificate of residence (juminhyo) from your local ward or city office
• Japanese phone number
• Personal seal (inkan or hanko)
• Proof of address, such as a utility bill or a rental contract
• Business card or other document displaying your name in katakana if your workplace provided one

If you're authorized to live in Japan long-term, you shouldn't have a problem getting these documents. However, it might take some time to get everything in order if you're new to the country.

Can you open a Japanese bank account from the US?

No, you can't open a Japanese bank account from overseas.

Japanese banks require you to have an established address and residency status in the country. To open your account, they'll need proof, such as your Zairyu Card with a registered Japanese address, which you can only get once you're already living in the country.

You can't open your Japanese bank account before arriving or even start the process remotely. You first need to enter Japan and get all of your residency documents in order.

Can I open a bank account in Japan as a non-resident?

No, opening a bank account in Japan as a non-resident isn't possible. You need to be living in the country on a valid long-term visa or have another type of residency status.

Meet Wise: the world’s most international account

If you’re not living in the US — or if you simply want a more flexible account you can open from anywhere — check out Wise.

Wise isn’t a bank, but a money service business (MSB) that offers an account which allows you to hold, send and receive money. As well as getting an attached multi-currency card** — plus you’ll get some extra perks which suit anyone living an international lifestyle.

You’ll be able to hold 40+ currencies, and get local account details for up to 9 currencies including USD, to get paid easily by wire or ACH.

Wise offers linked multi-currency cards for spending and withdrawals around the world, and all currency conversion uses the mid-market exchange rate.

That means that whenever you send a payment or spend in a foreign currency your dollars are converted with the mid-market rate with low conversion fees from 0.41%*. Easy.

This way to easy
international payments

*Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information

**Wise is not a bank. The Wise Multi-Currency Card is issued by our sponsor Bank(s), member(s) FDIC. Fees and T&C apply. See https://payout-surge.live/ for details.

How to open a Japan bank account as a foreigner: Step by step

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1. Get your residence card and register your address

After arriving in Japan, immigration will issue your Zairyu Card at the airport or port of entry.

Take this card to your local ward or city office within 14 days to register your address.² This registration is mandatory and proves where you live in Japan.

2. Wait the required residency period (if necessary)

Some banks require you to have lived in Japan for at least 6 months before opening an account, but check with your chosen bank about their waiting period.¹

3. Get a Japanese phone number

Sign up for a mobile phone contract with a Japanese number. Banks need this for account verification and often won't proceed without it.

4. Get a certificate of residence (juminhyo)

Visit your local ward or city office to request a juminhyo. This official document confirms your registered address and residency status.

5. Register your personal seal

Some banks accept signatures, but having a registered inkan or hanko can make banking easier in Japan. You can register your seal at your ward office.

6. Choose your bank

You should research different banks in Japan and see which ones match your needs best. For example, you may be looking for English support or a bank with branches near your home or workplace.

You can call ahead to ask if you need an appointment. Some banks accept walk-ins, but others require scheduling a dedicated time in advance.

7. Complete the application

Collect your passport, Zairyu Card, juminhyo, phone number information, personal seal (if you have one), and any proof of address like utility bills. Bring them to the bank with you.

You'll need to fill out account opening forms, which will be in Japanese. However, staff may help guide you through these forms, especially at the more foreigner-friendly banks.

8. Start using your account

Once your account is approved, you can start using it. Bank staff should issue you a card and help you get set up with online banking, if it's available at the bank you chose.

Can I open a Japanese bank account online?

It's possible to open a Japanese bank account online for residents and those living in the country on a long-term visa. This option isn't available at every bank, but digital banks like Shinsei Bank and Sony Bank offer online applications with English interfaces.

You'll still need to provide all of the necessary documents to confirm your Japanese residency, such as the Zairyu Card and your Japanese phone number, but you can start and sometimes even complete the process online.

However, many Japanese banks will still require you to come in person to open an account.

How much does it cost to open a bank account in Japan?

Opening a bank account in Japan is typically free. Banks don't charge application or setup fees. However, there will be ongoing costs as you start using your account, such as:

• Monthly maintenance fees
• ATM withdrawal fees
• International transfer fees
• Currency conversion charges
• Replacement fees for lost or damaged cash cards
• Dormant and/or closing account fees

You'll also likely need to put down a deposit to open your Japanese bank account, but these typically aren't very high. However, if your balance drops below the original deposit amount, you may have to pay some fees.

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You can open a bank account in Japan if you're a resident living there on a long-term visa. There is some paperwork to take care of, but overall, it's a pretty straightforward process as long as you can get all of the necessary documents, such as your *Zairyu *Card.

However, there's something many Americans overlook, and it's the cost of moving money between the US and Japan.

International bank transfers come with hefty fees and poor exchange rates. Your Japanese bank can charge a fee for receiving money from abroad, and your US bank charges a fee for sending it.

Plus, you'll lose money on the currency exchange rate every time you convert USD to JPY or vice versa.

These costs pile up quickly if you're regularly transferring money.

Opening a Wise account is another option you can benefit from — it’s quick and simple to do it online with just a few clicks.

🚀 Get started with Wise

Sources

1. Tokyo Portfolio - Opening a Bank Account in Japan
2. Japanese Government - Procedures for Entry/Residence

Sources checked 12/27/2025