Opening a Business Bank Account in Japan — Requirements and Process
Opening a business bank account in Japan is very doable with the right documents and plan. This guide explains who can open accounts, the exact paperwork banks usually request, step-by-step application flows, timelines, common pitfalls, and a comparison of popular banks (mega and online) for new companies and sole proprietors.
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Why a dedicated business account matters
A business account keeps your company’s money separate, simplifies accounting and taxes, allows multiple users with permissions, enables payroll and vendor payments, and improves credibility with clients. In Japan, many banks also offer secure corporate internet banking, salary transfer tools, and API links that make day-to-day operations smoother.
Who can open a business account in Japan
You can open a business account if you are:
- A Japanese corporation (Kabushiki Kaisha/KK or Godo Kaisha/GK). Since March 16, 2015, there is no legal requirement for a representative director to be a Japan resident for a KK or GK. Banks may still ask about your in-Japan presence, but the Companies Act itself does not require a resident director.
- A branch office of a foreign company. A branch must have at least one representative with an address in Japan (residency requirement), so banks will check this.
- A sole proprietor (kojin jigyō). Banks will verify your business identity and activity; many will ask for evidence such as your tax office “opening” notification or invoices/receipts to prove business operations.
Tip: If you’re still exploring visas or hiring, bookmark our guides in Visa & Immigration and Study & Work .
What Japanese banks check under AML/CFT rules
Japan enforces strict anti-money-laundering rules. Banks must verify:
- Your identity (and the person visiting/meeting).
- Your company’s legal existence and business activity.
- The beneficial owner(s) (typically anyone owning more than 25% of voting rights or exercising control).
- The purpose of the account and expected transaction profile.
These duties come from the Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds (APTCP) and related guidelines by the Financial Services Agency and Ministry of Finance. Expect detailed questions and, sometimes, requests for extra documents.
Core documents most banks ask for
Below are the most common items—exact lists vary by bank and whether you apply online or at a branch:
- Certificate of Registered Matters (登記事項証明書 / tokijikō shōmeisho or 履歴事項全部証明書) from the Legal Affairs Bureau (proof of company registration). You can obtain this online or at the Legal Affairs Bureau.
- Registered seal certificate (印鑑証明書) for the company (some banks waive this for web-interview routes but may still request it).
- ID for the representative/contact (e.g., residence card, driver’s license, My Number card).
- Beneficial owner evidence such as shareholder register or a Beneficial Owner List (法務省 “実質的支配者リスト” system).
- Business activity proof: website URL, brochures, recent invoices/Purchase Orders, tax receipts, lease agreement, etc. (especially for newly established companies).
- Corporate Number (13-digit 法人番号)—automatically issued by the National Tax Agency post-registration and publicly searchable.
For sole proprietors, banks usually ask for ID plus evidence of business activity (e.g., invoices, tax notifications, receipts) and, where addresses differ, a utility bill for contact address.
Step-by-step account opening process
- Choose your bank (mega bank vs. online bank). See the comparison table below.
- Prepare documents listed above. For online applications, scan crisp, uncut images; many banks require documents issued within the last 6 months.
- Apply online or book a branch appointment. Several banks now offer web application + video interview workflows.
- KYC review and verification. Banks may call or email for clarifications, and can ask for extra proofs of real business activity.
- Approval and welcome kit. You’ll receive online banking credentials, security tokens/cards, and details for salary transfer or bulk payment services. For online banks like Rakuten Bank, the flow is entirely online plus mail.
How long does it take?
Mizuho notes that reviews often take several weeks, and can be longer during peak periods—so apply early.
Mega banks vs. online banks
Mega banks (Mizuho, MUFG, SMBC) offer broad branch networks and in-person support. Online banks (Rakuten Bank, GMO Aozora Net Bank, PayPay Bank) are fast to apply to, with low transfer fees and modern tools. Explore broader money tools in our Money & Finance hub and Housing & Living tips .
Quick comparison (features and onboarding)
| Bank | How you apply | Typical documentary focus | Internet banking highlights | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mizuho | Online intake + web interview or branch | Certificate of Registered Matters, ID for representative, beneficial owner proofs; business activity evidence may be required | Corporate online banking; foreign remittance handled at designated branches | Mizuho’s guide details required docs and says reviews can take weeks. |
| SMBC (Trunk) | Fully online Trunk account for SMEs | Emphasis on business activity proof (contracts/invoices/POs). Extra docs if BO is foreign national, FATCA/CRS, etc. | Modern online platform for SME use | SMBC publishes a precise list for Trunk: what counts as acceptable activity proof. |
| MUFG | Branch + online intake | Standard corporate documents plus beneficial owner verification | Wide service suite | Public guides (e.g., Wise explainer) summarize MUFG’s corporate requirements and fees. |
| Rakuten Bank (online) | All online + mail | Company registry, admin ID; if business address differs, contact-address proof | Low fees, multi-user permission controls (“口座管理プラス”), debit card cashback | Clear “7 benefits” page and doc FAQs for corp accounts. |
| GMO Aozora Net Bank | Online + video KYC (selfie), submit corp docs | Corporate registry, ID, FATCA/CRS when applicable; business description docs | Competitive transfer fees, modern APIs | Document lists and flow explained on GMO’s site. |
| PayPay Bank | Online | Corporate/sole-prop onboarding; virtual office contracts are not accepted as address evidence | Recently cut corporate transfer fees | Press release on fee cuts and doc pages outline restrictions like virtual office. |
Deposit insurance and safety
Japan’s Deposit Insurance Corporation of Japan (DICJ) protects deposits if a covered financial institution fails. Payment and settlement deposits are fully protected; other deposits are protected up to ¥10 million principal plus interest per depositor, per institution. Foreign-currency deposits are not covered.
Overseas remittances from your account
For international transfers, banks will ask for purpose, source of funds, beneficiary details (SWIFT/IBAN), and may require My Number (for individuals) or Corporate Number. Mizuho outlines documents and notes additional checks under AML/FEFTA; appointments may be required at designated branches.
Two reporting thresholds to know:
- Under FEFTA, transactions over JPY 30 million may require post-facto reporting.
- Under the Act on Submission of Statement of Overseas Wire Transfers, banks report international transfers ≥ JPY 1,000,000 to the tax office—this is handled by the bank, not you, but expect questions.
If you plan frequent cross-border payments, also read our pieces on double taxation and treaties and payroll basics .
The paperwork — by entity type
| Entity type | Identification & legal proof | Beneficial owner | Business evidence | Extras commonly requested |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KK/GK (subsidiary) | Certificate of Registered Matters; company seal certificate; rep’s ID | Shareholder register / Beneficial Owner List; sometimes Articles | Website, brochures, invoices/POs, tax receipts, lease | Corporate Number notice; FATCA/CRS where applicable |
| Branch office | Branch registry + resident representative info | Parent ownership declaration | Office lease, client contracts | Tax agent details if reps are non-resident |
| Sole proprietor | ID; proof of address | N/A | Invoices/receipts, “opening” notification copy, tax receipts | If address differs, utility bill (contact address proof) |
Sources for these common asks include Mizuho’s requirements article and JETRO’s guidance on registry/seal certificates.
Practical timeline and tips
Timeline: From application to activation, budget 2–4+ weeks depending on bank, documents, and season. This is consistent with Mizuho’s guidance that reviews often take several weeks.
Tips to improve approval odds:
- Build a simple company website with clear business description, address, and contacts.
- Prepare real transaction evidence (executed contracts, issued invoices, paid tax/fee receipts). SMBC’s Trunk specifically emphasizes this.
- Use a physical office (or coworking with proper contract). Some banks do not accept virtual office contracts for address verification.
- Keep documents current (issued within 6 months).
- Be ready to explain beneficial ownership clearly (25%+ control rule is standard).
Explore more setup checklists in our Visa & Immigration and Study & Work sections.
Spotlight on corporate numbers and seals
- Japan’s Corporate Number (13 digits) is assigned automatically after incorporation and is publicly searchable on the NTA site. Banks often ask for it during onboarding.
- After registration, obtain the Certificate of Registered Matters and the Company Seal Certificate from the Legal Affairs Bureau—these are the “golden two” for many bank procedures.
Costs and fees snapshot
- Online banks tend to have lower transfer fees and no monthly account maintenance fees. Rakuten Bank lists low online transfer fees and offers a business debit with cashback; PayPay Bank announced 2025 transfer fee reductions for corporate and sole-prop accounts.
- Mega banks have broader services (cash handling, FX desks, trade finance) and in-person guidance—useful for larger or regulated businesses. See Mizuho’s international transfer page for procedures.
Table: Which bank fits which situation?
| Scenario | Good fit |
|---|---|
| You want fast online onboarding, low fees, and API-friendly banking | Rakuten Bank, GMO Aozora Net Bank, PayPay Bank |
| You need in-person cash handling, payroll at scale, or complex FX/trade | Mizuho, MUFG, SMBC |
| You are brand-new with few invoices yet | SMBC Trunk accepts business-plan or early transaction evidence (clear rules published) |
Frequent questions
Do I need a resident director to open a corporate account?
Not by law for KK/GK; however, banks assess risk and may ask for stronger Japan-side evidence if all reps are non-resident. Branches must have a resident representative.
Is hanko (seal) still necessary?
Some web-interview flows may waive the immediate need, but many banks still request the seal certificate or require a registered seal for certain transactions.
How are deposits protected?
Payment/settlement deposits: full coverage; other deposits: ¥10m + interest per depositor per institution; foreign currency deposits are not covered.
Can I wire money overseas immediately after opening?
Banks may require extra checks, documentation (purpose, source of funds), and your Corporate Number/My Number. Some branches handle FX only by appointment.
Step-by-step checklist you can copy
- Incorporate (KK/GK) or register a branch / start as sole proprietor.
- Obtain: Certificate of Registered Matters + Seal Certificate (corp); prepare ID(s).
- Collect business evidence: site URL, brochures, invoices, lease, tax receipts.
- Confirm your Corporate Number from NTA.
- Choose your bank; submit online (or book branch) application.
- Attend video/branch interview, respond to KYC queries quickly.
- Receive credentials and security token, set user permissions (e.g., Rakuten’s “口座管理プラス”).
- Test domestic transfers, then register for foreign remittances if needed.
Final thoughts
Opening a business bank account in Japan is less about memorizing rules and more about showing real business substance with clean paperwork. Pick a bank that matches your operating style (branch support vs. online speed), prepare solid evidence of activity, and allow a few weeks for review—then you’ll be ready to pay staff, collect revenue, and scale. Want to compare high-interest savings options next? Check our guide in Money & Finance here: .
Useful related reads on Japan Handbook
- Double Taxation and Tax Treaties
- Paying Off Student Loans While Working in Japan
- High-Interest Savings Accounts in Japan
- Visa and Immigration Basics for Founders
- Setting Up Utilities
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.
