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menuLearn how foreigners can open a bank account in Japan.
If you are going to live in Japan, you will need a Japanese bank account for transferring your salary from your job, paying various fees and remittances.
Please refer to the following information on how foreigners can explain bank accounts in Japan.
Contents
Required Documents
These are the documents required when a foreigner opens a bank account in Japan.
Identification documents as well as a cell phone number to be filled in for contact information are also required.
It is more convenient to have an inkan (personal seal), but some banks use signatures, so you can open an account without one.
| Identification documents | Passport, resident card |
| Documents to verify address | Address or certificate of residence as written on the residence card In some cases, proof of utility bill payment |
| Contact information | Telephone number (cell phone is acceptable) |
| Personal seal | If a seal is not required, the signature of the applicant is necessary. |
Steps to open a bank account
There are certain requirements for foreigners to open a bank account in Japan.
The period of stay as indicated on the resident card must be at least 3 months.
The foreigner must be staying in Japan for more than 6 months for the purpose of studying or working.
The foreigner must be actually living in Japan, not a tourist.
(The applicant must have a certificate of residence to verify his/her address.)
If you meet the above requirements, first select the bank where you would like to open an account.
You may have your own situation, whether it is designated by the company or you can choose the bank of your choice.
Once you have chosen the bank you wish to open an account with, check the required documents.
If you do not have a personal seal, it will be easier to choose a bank that opens accounts with your signature.
Once you have decided on the bank you would like to open an account with, you can either go to the bank or complete the online bank account opening process.
You may be able to use your account immediately if you are issued a bankbook through the bank counter procedure, but you will not be able to use ATMs until you receive your cash card.
If you apply online, you will receive documents at home at a later date after submitting your application. You will need to fill out the required information, attach identification documents, etc., and return them to the bank.
After you receive the notice of account opening, you will be able to set up your account and use it by yourself.
Recommended Banks
Japan Post Bank
Source: https://www.jp-bank.japanpost.jp/en_index.html
Japan Post Bank supports languages other than Japanese when foreigners open a bank account.
Documents can be prepared in advance on the Internet without going to the bank, and application forms in other languages can be made even if you are not confident in your Japanese.
By downloading the application, you can also apply for a bank account in English, Chinese, and Vietnamese.
If you do not have a personal seal, you can use your signature.
Bank of Mitsubishi UFJ
Source: https://www.bk.mufg.jp/global/
The Bank of Mitsubishi UFJ has branches throughout Japan.
Bank account procedures are available for foreigners.
Foreigners are required to open an account at the counter, which is open from 9:00 to 3:00 on weekdays.
It is stated that an inkan (personal seal) is required as personal belongings.
SBI Shinsei Bank
Source: https://www.sbishinseibank.co.jp/english/?intcid=eng_tm_mega_10
There are certain conditions for foreigners to open a bank account at SBI Shinsei Bank. If your status of residence is Temporary Visitor, Diplomat, or Official, you cannot open an account. Also, your place of work must be in Japan.
You can apply for an account online, and English is also available.
Signatures are also accepted to open an account.
Rakuten Bank, Inc.
Source: https://www.rakuten-bank.co.jp/english/
Rakuten Bank offers online bank accounts.
After taking and attaching the required documents, such as identification documents, the procedure will be mailed to your home at a later date.
You will confirm the mailed contents and then complete the procedure by yourself.
The advantage is that you do not have to go to the counter, but in principle, all the documents are in Japanese. If you are not comfortable with Japanese, you may find it difficult.
You do not need to submit your personal seal.
Conclusion
This is an introduction to how foreigners can open a bank account in Japan.
If you are planning to open a bank account, it will be easier if you prepare the necessary documents ahead of time.
If you are worried about your Japanese language ability when opening a bank account, there are banks that offer language support, so please consider this.
