How to Open a Bank Account in Japan as a Foreigner (2026)

Japan’s banking system is still relatively conservative when it comes to foreign customers. Most banks require 6 months of Japanese residency before opening an account, with a few notable exceptions for new arrivals. This 2026 guide explains which banks accept newer residents, the document chain you need, and how to handle banking in your first 6 months.

Required documents

1. Passport with valid Japanese visa
2. Residence Card (在留カード / Zairyū Card) — issued upon arrival
3. Address registered at the city office (Juminhyo address registration)
4. Hanko (personal seal) — sometimes required, sometimes optional
5. Japanese phone number — required by most banks for SMS verification
6. Proof of employment or enrollment (school, employer, etc.)

Step 1: Set up the basics first

Before banking, complete:

1. Get your Residence Card at the airport on arrival
2. Register your address at the city office (役所) within 14 days
3. Get a Japanese phone number — line.me (LINE Mobile), Mobal, Sakura Mobile are foreigner-friendly
4. Get a Hanko — many banks now accept signatures, but a Hanko helps. ~¥1,000–3,000

Step 2: Choose the right bank

The 6-month rule is the main hurdle. Here is what each bank actually does:

Japan Post Bank (Yucho / ゆうちょ銀行)

The default option for new residents. Will open accounts immediately, even from day 1 of residency.

• 6-month rule: Does not apply
• English support: Limited, but forms have furigana
• App: Limited functionality
• Best for: Anyone in their first 6 months in Japan

Shinsei Bank

One of the most foreigner-friendly Japanese banks. Will sometimes accept newer residents.

• 6-month rule: Sometimes waived
• English support: Strong
• Best for: Foreigners after Japan Post

Sony Bank

Online-focused, foreigner-friendly. Multi-currency capabilities.

• 6-month rule: Sometimes waived
• English support: Yes
• Best for: Tech-comfortable foreigners after 6 months

SMBC, MUFG, Mizuho

The “megabanks.” Generally enforce the 6-month residency rule strictly.

• 6-month rule: Yes, strictly enforced
• English support: Available in major Tokyo/Osaka branches

Rakuten Bank

Online-only, popular with younger Japanese. Generally requires 6 months.

• 6-month rule: Yes
• English support: Limited

Wise

Wise gives you a JPY account with Japanese-format details. Acceptance varies — some Japanese employers and landlords accept Wise, others insist on a “real” Japanese bank.

Step 3: The first-6-months strategy

Most foreigners follow this sequence:

1. Day 1–7: Register address, get phone, get Residence Card.
2. Week 2: Open Japan Post Bank account. Use this for salary, rent, daily life.
3. Set up Wise for international transfers and currency conversion.
4. After 6 months: Open Shinsei or SMBC for credit card eligibility, broader services.

Common mistakes

Trying to open SMBC or Mizuho immediately

Most major banks will simply refuse you in your first 6 months. Not worth trying — start with Japan Post.

Forgetting the Juminhyo

Banks need to verify your address registration. Without this, accounts cannot be opened.

Skipping the Japanese phone number

SMS verification is now standard. A foreign phone number does not work for Japanese bank apps.

Assuming international banks help

HSBC closed its Japanese retail operations. Citibank Japan was sold. International banks have very limited foreign-resident retail presence in Japan.

Costs to expect

Item	Typical Cost
Account opening	Free
Monthly maintenance	Free at most banks
Cash card	Free
Domestic transfer (other bank)	¥165–660
International wire	¥4,000–7,500
ATM withdrawal (own bank, daytime)	Free
ATM withdrawal (other bank or after-hours)	¥110–220

Frequently asked questions

Why do most banks require 6 months of residency?

Anti-money-laundering rules in Japan are strict, and banks face significant compliance costs for accounts held by people who might leave the country.

Can I get a credit card as a foreigner?

Difficult in your first 1–2 years. Easier with: long employment history at major Japanese company, Rakuten Card application after Rakuten account, or department store cards (Bic Camera).

What about the Hanko?

Less essential than it used to be. Many banks now accept signatures. Get a basic Hanko anyway — used for many other Japanese administrative tasks.

How long does it take?

Japan Post: 30–60 minutes same-day. Most other banks: 1–2 weeks after 6-month residency requirement.

Can I keep my Japanese account after leaving Japan?

Most banks require you to close accounts upon leaving. Exceptions exist (sometimes Shinsei) but you must update them with your overseas address.

Next steps

1. Register address (Juminhyo) immediately on arrival.
2. Get a Japanese phone number and Residence Card.
3. Open Japan Post Bank account in your first week.
4. Set up Wise for international transfers.
5. After 6 months, add Shinsei or Sony Bank for broader services.

For more on Japan, see our Japan country guide, Moving to Japan, and the bank account guide.