Opening a Bank Account in Japan: New Expat Starter Tips

A simple, step-by-step guide to opening your first bank account in Japan. Learn the documents to prepare, who’s eligible, how major banks compare, what “branch code + account number” means, and how to handle international transfers without IBAN. Up-to-date, practical, and friendly.

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New to Japan and ready to sort your money? Opening a local bank account makes life smoother: you’ll get paid easily, pay rent and utilities by transfer, and avoid foreign card fees. This guide explains—how to open an account as a new expat, what to bring, which banks are friendly to foreigners, and how domestic and international transfers work.

We also drop helpful reads throughout, like Understanding Japanese Bank Fees, Receiving Money from Abroad, Foreign Currency Accounts in Japan, Taking Money Out of Japan, and Japanese Credit Score System Explained. Each link opens a deeper dive on our site.

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Can foreigners open a bank account in Japan?

Yes—if you’re resident in Japan (not a short-term visitor) and can show the right documents. Most banks ask to see your Residence Card (在留カード), proof you live here, and in many cases your My Number details. Some banks also check whether you’ve already been in Japan for a certain time or if you’re employed here. For example, SBI Shinsei Bank states applicants must be residents, with either 6+ months in Japan or current employment at a Japan-based company—and you must have your own Japanese phone number for verification.

Mizuho Bank won’t accept applications if, at the time of applying, your remaining period of stay is less than three months (both at branches and online). Japan Post Bank’s app flow likewise requires a residence card with more than three months remaining, and it doesn’t accept applications from non-residents.

MUFG Bank’s English guidance shows what large banks often expect: residence card, personal seal (inkan) in some cases, My Number documents, plus proof of employment or six months’ residence if you’re not working. It also flags that non-residents face service restrictions, so residency matters.

Quick takeaway: most new expats can open an account once they have a Residence Card and a local address, with at least 3 months left on their stay (some banks effectively want 6 months or employment). Short-term visitors generally can’t open standard accounts.

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What to prepare before you go

Bring (or have ready) the following. Requirements vary by bank, so this is a practical, catch-all checklist:

• Residence Card showing your current address and valid period. Many banks won’t proceed if you have under three months left on your stay.
• Passport (some banks will ask to see it alongside your Residence Card).
• My Number: some banks ask for your Individual Number at account opening; MUFG explicitly lists acceptable My Number documents. Note that for foreign remittances (sending/receiving international wires), Japanese law requires you to have reported your My Number—banks will ask for it when you use these services.
• Proof of employment or length of stay: if you’ve been in Japan 6+ months, certain banks will accept that instead of employment. Others accept employment documents for earlier arrivals.
• Phone number in Japan: online banks often use SMS or phone verification; SBI Shinsei requires a personal Japanese number (no office numbers).
• Seal (inkan/hanko): still required at some legacy banks or branch processes (e.g., Mizuho notes an inkan on its guidance); many online banks no longer need one. Rakuten Bank advertises “application without a seal” and online completion.

Keep learning: compare account types in Foreign Currency Accounts in Japan and fee traps in Understanding Japanese Bank Fees.

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Step-by-step: how to open your first account

1. Choose your bank type (see comparison below).
2. Apply online or book a branch visit. Some banks (e.g., Rakuten, Seven Bank, SBI Shinsei) let you apply entirely online; big “city banks” may prefer a branch appointment.
3. Submit ID and verify by phone/SMS or mail. Online flows usually ask you to scan your Residence Card and do selfie checks. Some, like Rakuten Bank, accept ID via app and mail; the “no hanko” online route is common.
4. Wait for your cash card. Banks post a physical card (and sometimes a bankbook if you chose one).
5. Activate online banking and set transfer limits (often confirmed via SMS or app). SBI Shinsei’s smartphone authentication shows a typical SMS step.
6. Make a small test transfer to ensure your account can receive and send domestic payments.

If you need something easy on day one, check Japan Post Bank’s Yucho Tetsuzuki App, which supports English and lets you open a bankbook-free “Yucho Direct + (Plus)” account. The app clearly lists who can and can’t apply (residents only, 3+ months remaining, no P.O. box, etc.).

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Which bank should you pick?

The big “city banks”

MUFG, Mizuho, and SMBC have huge ATM networks, strong corporate relationships (useful for payroll), and predictable service. They’re great if your employer prefers a specific bank or if you want a traditional branch. Rules can be stricter (e.g., Mizuho’s 3-month minimum remaining stay; MUFG’s My Number and inkan in many cases).

Internet-first banks

SBI Shinsei Bank (PowerFlex), Rakuten Bank, Seven Bank, and Sony Bank focus on app-first convenience, English websites (esp. Shinsei), and easy domestic transfers. SBI Shinsei publishes English pages for identity, opening methods, and receiving overseas funds. Rakuten Bank highlights mobile application and “no hanko.” Seven Bank ATMs are everywhere, supporting multi-language screens.

Expat-oriented premium banking

SMBC Trust Bank PRESTIA offers full English support, multi-currency “MultiMoney” accounts, and a GLOBAL PASS Visa debit card—handy if you’ll use foreign currencies or need international services with English assistance.

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Quick comparison table

Bank	Best for	Online account opening	English support	Notable notes
SBI Shinsei (PowerFlex)	Simple setup, English UI	Yes	Strong	Must be resident; either 6+ months in Japan or employed; personal JP phone number required.
Rakuten Bank	App-driven, no seal	Yes	Basic English pages	No hanko needed; app submission of ID; entirely online flow available.
Japan Post Bank (Yucho)	Nationwide presence, easy onboarding via app	Yes (app)	App supports multiple languages	Yucho Direct + (Plus) (no bankbook); residence card with >3 months remaining; residents only via app.
MUFG	Traditional bank strength	Branch first	Limited English pages	Requires My Number docs; inkan often requested; limitations for non-residents.
Mizuho	Traditional bank with wide network	Branch/online	Some English PDFs	No opening if <3 months stay remaining; inkan noted.
SMBC Trust PRESTIA	Expat-focused, foreign currencies	Online/branch	Full English	Global-friendly services, debit with English support.

Also see: Foreign Currency Accounts in Japan and Receiving Money from Abroad for cross-border features.

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Domestic bank details in Japan explained

When someone asks for your “bank info” for salary or a furikomi (domestic transfer), you’ll usually give:

• Bank name
• Branch name and 3-digit branch code
• Account type (Ordinary/“Futsū”)
• 7-digit account number

For international transfers into Japan, banks use SWIFT/BIC, not IBAN. Japan does not use IBAN, and MUFG explains that your beneficiary account number is branch code (3 digits) + account number (7 digits). If the sender can’t input a hyphen, they enter all 10 digits in a row.

For a deeper walk-through on receiving wires, go to Receiving Money from Abroad.

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International transfers: what to know

• No IBAN in Japan. Incoming payments rely on your bank’s SWIFT/BIC plus your 10-digit “branch + account” number. MUFG’s inbound-wire page lists its BIC and explains formats clearly.
• My Number for remittances. Japanese law requires banks to collect My Number for foreign remittance transactions; your bank will ask for it when you send/receive cross-border wires.
• Foreign-currency handling. If the wire arrives in a foreign currency to a yen account, the bank converts at its posted rate. If you want to keep funds in the original currency, you generally need a matching foreign-currency deposit with a bank that supports it (e.g., PRESTIA MultiMoney).

Learn more: Taking Money Out of Japan, Foreign Currency Accounts in Japan.

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ATMs and fees (everyday use)

You’ll find ATMs in convenience stores across Japan. Seven Bank operates over 7-Eleven ATMs with multi-language screens and broad card acceptance; hours and fees vary by your own bank’s policy. For international cards, Seven Bank highlights dynamic currency conversion (DCC) choices; for domestic withdrawals, you’ll pay your bank’s posted ATM fees depending on time/day.

Before you choose a bank, peek at its ATM fee table and free-withdrawal windows. More detail: Understanding Japanese Bank Fees.

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The simplest first-week setup (do this in order)

1. Address registration at your city/ward office so your Residence Card shows your current address.
2. Phone number (mobile) to pass banks’ SMS checks—especially for online banks like SBI Shinsei.
3. Pick one bank and open your account (online or branch).
4. Activate online banking and set transfer limits. Some flows require SMS; others use app-based authentication.
5. Test a domestic transfer (send a small amount to a friend or pay a low-value bill).
6. If you plan to get paid from overseas soon, pre-register for incoming wires and submit My Number to avoid delays.

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Common roadblocks (and easy fixes)

• “I only have 1–2 months left on my stay.” Many banks won’t open accounts with under 3 months remaining; renew first or try after your extension.
• “I just arrived and don’t have six months’ history.” Some banks accept employment instead of time-in-Japan; SBI Shinsei is explicit about the “6 months or employed” rule (and resident status).
• “They asked for an inkan.” Traditional branches may still want an inkan; online banks like Rakuten Bank allow opening without a seal.
• “Can I apply without My Number?” Some banks (e.g., MUFG) may ask for My Number at opening; and you’ll certainly need it for foreign remittances. Plan to provide it.
• “Do I need a Japanese phone?” Online banks often require SMS to a personal JP number; SBI Shinsei states this explicitly.

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Sample timeline: opening by branch vs. app

Step	Branch route (e.g., MUFG/Mizuho)	App route (e.g., Rakuten / JP Bank)
Prepare docs	Residence Card, passport, My Number, inkan (if required)	Residence Card, phone for SMS, app ID upload
Apply	Visit branch (appointment recommended)	In-app application
Verification	Staff checks documents; may confirm employment/length of stay	App scans ID; SMS/app checks; sometimes mail-back ID
Card arrival	Cash card posted to your address	Cash card posted; Yucho Direct + is bankbook-free by default
First transfer	Set up online banking and test transfer	Activate app, set limits, test transfer

Citations: MUFG items (My Number/inkan/residency) and Mizuho’s 3-month rule; Rakuten “no seal,” app ID; JP Bank “Yucho Direct +.”

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Must-know banking facts in Japan

• No IBAN: Japan uses SWIFT/BIC for international wires; give senders your bank’s SWIFT and your branch code + account number.
• Bankbooks are optional now: many app-first accounts skip bankbooks (JP Bank’s “Yucho Direct +” is bankbook-free by default; you can request one at certain ATMs later).
• Branch code matters: domestic transfers and inbound wires often require the 3-digit branch code (店番) plus your 7-digit account number.
• My Number & remittances: banks will ask for your Individual Number when you use foreign remittance services.
• Convenience-store ATMs are ubiquitous. Seven Bank ATMs support multiple languages and broad acceptance; fees/hours depend on your bank’s schedule.

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Example: what you actually hand to your employer

Use this format for salary registration or domestic transfers:

• Bank: Mizuho Bank
• Branch: Shinjuku Branch (Branch code 123)
• Account type: Ordinary (Futsū)
• Account number: 7654321
• Name: Your name in Roman letters (and sometimes katakana, as registered)

For wires from overseas, add: SWIFT/BIC (e.g., MUFG’s page lists BOTKJPJT as an example for MUFG) and your full address details in English. Remember: Japan has no IBAN.

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Bank-by-bank notes (handy links)

• MUFG: English “what to bring” page, including inkan/My Number and non-resident limitations. Useful if your employer prefers MUFG payroll.
• Mizuho: English/Japanese guidance for customers with Residence Cards; no opening if <3 months remain at application.
• SBI Shinsei (PowerFlex): English opening pages; resident, 6+ months or employed, personal JP phone required; clear English help docs.
• Rakuten Bank: Online application, no seal, app-based ID; English overview page available.
• Japan Post Bank (JP Bank): Yucho Tetsuzuki App supports English. App opening limited to residents with 3+ months remaining; bankbook-free by default.
• SMBC Trust Bank PRESTIA: English-first experience, GLOBAL PASS Visa debit, and MultiMoney foreign-currency accounts.

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Table: Documents and when you’ll be asked for them

Document	When it’s needed	Notes
Residence Card	Always	Must show valid period of stay; many flows require >3 months remaining.
Passport	Often	Used with Residence Card at branches.
My Number	Often at opening; always for foreign remittances	MUFG lists acceptable My Number docs at opening; remittances require My Number under law.
Employment letter / Student ID	If <6 months in Japan or specific statuses	Mizuho asks student/employee proof for student/trainee statuses. SBI Shinsei accepts employment in lieu of 6-month history.
Personal seal (inkan)	Sometimes (legacy branches)	Still requested by some banks (e.g., Mizuho/MUFG). Not required by many online banks (Rakuten).
Phone number in Japan	Often (online banks)	Personal SMS verification required (e.g., SBI Shinsei).

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FAQs

Do I need to be a resident to open an account?

Yes, in practice. Major banks and online banks restrict openings to residents; some publish explicit wording (e.g., SBI Shinsei). Non-residents face service limits or are declined.

Can I open an account with less than three months left on my visa?

Usually no. Mizuho and Japan Post Bank (via app) both set a 3-month minimum remaining period at the time of application.

Do I need an inkan?

Sometimes. Branch-based processes (e.g., MUFG, Mizuho) may still request an inkan. Rakuten Bank and other internet banks allow opening without a seal.

What about IBAN?

Japan doesn’t use IBAN. For inbound wires, share your bank’s SWIFT/BIC and your branch code + account number.

Will I need My Number?

Plan on providing My Number at some point. MUFG requests it at opening; foreign remittances (send/receive) require it by law.

Are convenience-store ATMs safe to use?

Yes. Seven Bank ATMs are widespread, multilingual, and easy to use. Your own bank sets the fees and free windows.

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Checklist to get it done fast

• Confirm you’re resident and have >3 months stay left.
• Get a personal Japanese mobile number for SMS if applying online.
• Prepare Residence Card, passport, and My Number.
• Choose a bank that fits your style: SBI Shinsei (English/app), Rakuten (no seal), JP Bank (Yucho app), or a city bank if your employer prefers one.
• After opening, enroll in online banking and set your transfer limit.
• If you expect foreign payments, register details (SWIFT/BIC, branch code + account number) and submit My Number for remittances.

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Related guides in Japan Handbook

• Receiving Money from Abroad – step-by-step inbound wires
• Foreign Currency Accounts in Japan – when JPY vs. multi-currency makes sense
• Understanding Japanese Bank Fees – ATM windows, transfer fees, and how to avoid them
• Taking Money Out of Japan – safe ways and limits for outbound transfers
• Freelancing in Japan – set up as a sole proprietor and get paid smoothly
• Visa and Immigration Hub – find your status path and required documents

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Table: Bank features at a glance (what new expats usually care about)

Feature	SBI Shinsei	Rakuten Bank	Japan Post Bank	MUFG	Mizuho	SMBC Trust PRESTIA
Online-only opening	Yes	Yes	Yes (app)	Limited (branch emphasis)	Yes/branch	Yes
Seal required	No (online flow)	No	Not for app opening	Often	Often	No
English support	Strong	Basic pages	App multilingual	Limited pages	PDF guidance	Full English
Foreign-currency deposit	Basic	Limited	Limited	Yes	Yes	Strong (MultiMoney)
International wires UX	Good English pages	Basic	Branch/app-assisted	Standard	Standard	English-first
Ideal for	New expats who want English/app	Mobile-first, no seal	Nationwide reach, simple app	Employer-preferred bank	Traditional bank users	Expats needing FX tools

Sources for key cells: opening/phone/eligibility (SBI Shinsei), “no seal” (Rakuten), Yucho app rules, MUFG/Mizuho branch documentation, and PRESTIA English services.

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Final pointers

• Keep names consistent. Use the same name order across your documents. Some forms will store a katakana name too; follow the bank’s instructions on the application.
• Know your numbers. Share branch code + account number domestically; SWIFT/BIC for international. Japan doesn’t use IBAN.
• Store your My Number safely. You’ll need it for remittances and, at some banks, for opening.
• Watch fees and windows. Convenience-store ATMs are everywhere; your bank’s own fee schedule decides what’s free when.

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For more, see these helpful reads: Receiving Money from Abroad, Foreign Currency Accounts in Japan, and Understanding Japanese Bank Fees.

Disclaimer

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.