Opening a bank account in Japan as a foreigner is possible — and increasingly straightforward — but the requirements and processes vary significantly by bank. Some banks are welcoming to new foreign residents; others will decline applications from people who have been in Japan less than six months, regardless of their visa status.
This guide covers what you actually need, which banks are most accessible, and what to do in the meantime if you cannot open an account immediately.
Note: account-opening rules for foreign residents are operational as much as legal. They vary by bank, branch, visa status, and length of residence, so always confirm the latest requirements directly with the bank before you apply.
What You Need Before You Start
The Zairyu Card (Residence Card)
Your Zairyu card is the single most important document for opening a bank account. It is issued at the port of entry for most visa types (or by the municipal office if you registered before the current system) and confirms your legal resident status.
Banks use the Zairyu card to verify your identity, confirm your address (some cards show address; others require you to update it after residence registration), and assess how long you have been in Japan. Some banks will not open accounts for people whose Zairyu card was issued less than six months ago.
For more detail on what the Zairyu card covers and how to manage it, see the guide to Zairyu card basics for Japan foreigners (coming soon).
Residence Registration (Jumin Hyo)
You must be registered at your address with your local municipal office (city hall or ward office) before opening a bank account. This is separate from your Zairyu card address — you need to register in person after moving in, and some banks will verify your address independently.
Passport
Required as supplementary identity verification alongside your Zairyu card.
Japanese Phone Number
Many mainstream banks want a Japanese phone number for SMS verification, account notifications, and two-factor authentication. If you have not yet sorted your phone, see the guide to the best SIM cards for foreigners in Japan.
Initial Deposit
Most banks require a small initial deposit — anywhere from ¥0 to ¥10,000. Have cash ready if opening in person.
Best Banks for Foreign Residents
Rakuten Bank (Online — Most Recommended for New Arrivals)
Rakuten Bank is the easiest option for most foreigners. The application is entirely online, available in Japanese with reasonably clear forms, and does not require an in-person branch visit. Processing typically takes 1-2 weeks from application to receiving your cash card by mail.
Rakuten Bank accepts foreign residents with a valid Zairyu card and a registered Japanese address. In practice, its online process is often easier to navigate than the branch-heavy procedures at the megabanks.
Features include integration with Rakuten's broader ecosystem (credit card, brokerage, etc.) and fee benefits that improve as you use the account more.
The main limitation: customer service is Japanese-language only, and the mobile app is primarily in Japanese.
Sony Bank
Sony Bank provides English-language customer support, an English-language website, and English documentation — a genuine rarity among Japanese banks. Foreign currency accounts are available, which makes it a useful option for people with overseas income or frequent international transfers.
The application process can be done online but may take longer than Rakuten Bank. Eligibility still depends on residence status and the bank's current review standards.
Japan Post Bank (Yucho Bank)
Japan Post Bank operates out of post offices across Japan and is often the most accessible option for people who prefer in-person banking. For foreign residents, branch access matters because some app-based identity checks are not available for non-Japanese customers.
Japan Post Bank does not offer strong international transfer functionality, and the account features are basic. But for receiving a salary in Japan and paying local bills, it works. If you land in Japan and need a functional domestic account, Japan Post Bank at a post office near you is worth trying.
Shinsei Bank
Shinsei Bank (now SBI Shinsei after rebranding) remains one of the better-known banks for foreign residents because of its English-language support. The application process is online.
Like Sony Bank, the English support makes it valuable for foreigners not yet comfortable with Japanese banking forms. The branch network is limited compared to megabanks, but for most online banking needs this is not a problem.
Megabanks (MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho)
The three main megabanks accept foreign residents but tend to be less accommodating in practice. Many applicants are asked for longer residence history, more employment documentation, or a return visit to a specific branch. Counter staff may not be trained to handle foreign resident applications, leading to inconsistent experiences.
If you specifically need a megabank account (some employers deposit salaries to specified banks), call ahead to confirm which branch handles foreign resident applications, and bring every document you have.
Step-by-Step: Opening a Rakuten Bank Account
- Go to rakuten-bank.co.jp and find the account opening application.
- Enter your personal information: name (as it appears on your Zairyu card), date of birth, address, phone number, email.
- Upload a photo of your Zairyu card (front and back) and your passport.
- Complete the video identity verification or submit the documents for review. Rakuten uses an automated review process for most applications.
- Wait for approval, typically 5-10 business days.
- Receive your cash card (ATM/debit card) by mail at your registered address.
- Activate your card via the app or ATM.
The application is in Japanese. Using a browser with automatic translation active (Chrome's built-in translation works adequately) makes this manageable. The form fields are straightforward and match standard banking forms.
Common Rejection Reasons and How to Avoid Them
Too early in your stay: Some banks decline applications from people who have been in Japan less than three to six months. Japan Post Bank is generally the most lenient here. If rejected, try again after your first six months.
Address not yet registered: Your residence registration must be complete before applying. If you have just moved in and have not visited the ward office, do that first.
Visa type issues: Some visa categories (tourist, short-term, certain visa categories under 90 days) make you ineligible. You must have a status of residence (Zairyu card) to open most bank accounts.
Inconsistent name on documents: Your name should appear identically on your Zairyu card, passport, and application. Small differences (middle names included/excluded, hyphenation) can cause issues. Match whatever appears on your Zairyu card exactly.
Employment information: Some banks ask about your employer and length of employment. New arrivals who are self-employed or between jobs may face additional scrutiny.
If You Cannot Open a Bank Account Yet
Wise provides a useful stopgap while you wait. It gives you multi-currency balances, local receiving details in supported currencies, and a debit card for everyday purchases.
Wise is not a full substitute for a Japanese bank account. Many employers, landlords, utilities, and automatic debit systems still expect a domestic bank account in your own name. But Wise covers international transfers and daily spending effectively while you establish your Japanese banking credentials. See the full comparison in the Wise vs Japanese bank transfers guide.
How Long Does It Take
- Rakuten Bank (online): 1-2 weeks from application to card receipt
- Sony Bank: 1-3 weeks
- Japan Post Bank (in-person): application handled at the counter; cash card usually arrives by mail later
- Shinsei Bank: 1-2 weeks
- Megabanks (in-person): same day if approved; card by mail within one week
For a smoother first year overall, see the expat relocation guide for Chiba, which covers the full administrative sequence from landing to being operationally set up, including bank accounts in the broader context of your first months.
Quick Takeaway
Most foreigners in Japan can open a Rakuten Bank account online within a few weeks of arriving, provided they have completed residence registration and have a valid Zairyu card. Japan Post Bank is the easiest in-person alternative if you need something quickly. Sony Bank and Shinsei Bank are the best choices if English-language support matters.
If you face delays or rejection in the first few weeks, Wise fills the gap for international transfers and daily spending. It is not a permanent substitute for a Japanese bank account, but it keeps your money accessible while the paperwork catches up.