Opening a Japanese bank account as a foreigner

Last reviewed 27 July 2026 · Always confirm with the relevant office

This is the step that surprises people. You have a residence card, an address and a job, and the bank still says no.

Why you get refused

Most Japanese banks apply an informal six-month residency rule to new foreign residents. It is not a law; it comes from anti-money-laundering guidance, and branches interpret it with varying enthusiasm. Some will open an account on day one with a residence card and proof of employment. Others will not talk to you until six months have passed.

The practical consequence is that which branch you walk into matters more than your paperwork.

What to bring

Residence card, with your current address written on the back
Passport
My Number card or notification slip
A Japanese phone number — most banks will not proceed without one
Your hanko if you have one. Many banks now accept a signature, but bringing one removes an argument
Proof of employment or student enrolment

Order of operations matters. You generally need an address before a phone contract, and a phone number before a bank account. Doing these in the wrong order is the single most common way people lose a week.

Which banks are realistic early on

Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ) is usually the most forgiving for new arrivals and has branches everywhere. The trade-off is a weaker English interface and limited international transfer options.

Shinsei and Sony Bank are the usual recommendations for English-language service and better online banking. SMBC, MUFG and Mizuho are the large traditional banks — more services, more paperwork, more branch discretion.

Digital banks are increasingly viable, though some still require a longer residency history.

The phrases

口座を開きたいです。 — Kōza o hirakitai desu. — I would like to open an account.
在留カードと住所があります。 — Zairyū kādo to jūsho ga arimasu. — I have a residence card and an address.
英語のサポートはありますか？ — Eigo no sapōto wa arimasu ka? — Is there English support?

If one branch refuses, try another — including a different branch of the same bank. It feels absurd, and it works.

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