- Best forResidents with registered Japan address (any visa)
- RequiredResidence card · Passport · My Number · Japan address
- TimeBranch: 30–90 min · Card delivery: 5–10 business days
- Official sourceJapan Post Bank · FSA Japan
What you need to know
- You need a registered Japanese address — most banks require 3–6 months of residence
- Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行) is the most foreigner-friendly; many post offices accept new accounts
- Required: residence card (在留カード), passport, My Number card or notification letter
- Rakuten Bank and Sony Bank offer English-language online banking
- Allow 5–10 business days for your cash card to arrive by post
Opening a Japanese bank account is one of the most important practical steps after arriving as a foreign resident. You need it to receive a salary, pay rent by bank transfer, set up utility direct debits, and access Japan’s ATM network. This guide covers which banks are accessible to foreign residents, what documents you need, the step-by-step process, and which account works best for different situations.
Contents
Bank Comparison Table
| Bank | New Resident OK | Minimum Residence | English Available | Online Opening | International Transfers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行) | Yes | None (just registered address) | Basic | No (branch only) | Yes (postal transfer) | Most accessible; ATMs at every post office and 7-Eleven |
| Seven Bank (セブン銀行) | Yes | None | Yes (app) | Yes | Limited | Opens with residence card only; ATM at every 7-Eleven |
| Shinsei Bank (新生銀行) | Yes | None (some cases 6 months) | Yes (full) | Yes | Yes (competitive rates) | Best for international transfers; English customer service |
| Sony Bank (ソニー銀行) | Yes (6+ months residence) | 6 months | Yes | Yes (fully online) | Yes (low fees) | Excellent FX rates; preferred by remote workers with foreign income |
| Rakuten Bank (楽天銀行) | Yes | None confirmed | Limited | Yes | Yes | Best for Rakuten ecosystem users; syncs with Rakuten card and mobile |
| Mitsubishi UFJ (三菱UFJ) | Difficult (new residents) | Often 6 months+ | Limited | No | Yes | Required by some employers for salary; branch application only |
| Sumitomo Mitsui (三井住友) | Difficult (new residents) | Often 6 months+ | Limited | Partial | Yes | Same as MUFG — larger employers may require this bank |
Information verified May 2026. Bank policies for foreign residents change. Confirm current requirements on each bank’s official website or by calling the branch before visiting.
Best Bank By Situation
| Your Situation | Recommended Bank | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Just arrived, need account immediately | Japan Post Bank or Seven Bank | No minimum residence period. Japan Post Bank accepts all visa types. Seven Bank opens fully online with residence card. |
| Receive salary from Japanese employer | Ask your employer first | Many employers require a specific bank (often Mitsubishi UFJ or Sumitomo Mitsui). Open the required bank account + a convenient secondary account. |
| Send money home regularly | Shinsei Bank or Sony Bank | Both offer competitive international transfer rates. Shinsei uses SWIFT; Sony Bank has excellent FX conversion. Both have English support. |
| Remote worker / freelancer with foreign income | Sony Bank | Holds multiple currencies, competitive exchange rates, and works well for receiving foreign payments via international transfer. |
| Online banking priority | Rakuten Bank or Sony Bank | Both are fully online banks with modern apps. Rakuten integrates with Rakuten ecosystem (card, mobile, shopping). |
| Student visa | Japan Post Bank or Seven Bank | Most accepting of student visa holders. Japan Post Bank is the traditional first account for students. |
Documents Required
- Residence card (在留カード) — essential for all accounts. Must show a valid stay period.
- Passport — for additional identity verification at branches
- Registered address in Japan — your juminhyo (resident registration) confirms your address. The address must match your residence card.
- My Number (マイナンバー) — required since 2016 for all new bank accounts. Your My Number notification letter or My Number card is accepted. (12-digit individual number issued by city hall.)
- Hanko (inkan / seal) — required at some traditional banks (Mitsubishi UFJ, regional banks) but not at online banks or Japan Post Bank. A basic inkan can be purchased at 100-yen stores.
- Initial deposit — Japan Post Bank and major banks require no minimum deposit. Some online banks may require a small initial transfer.
Step-by-Step: Opening a Bank Account
- Register your address at city hall — within 14 days of arrival. Bring your passport and residence card. You receive a juminhyo (residence certificate) confirming your address. Most banks require this.
- Obtain your My Number — issued by city hall at the same time as address registration, or by post within 2–3 weeks. You need the 12-digit number (notification letter is sufficient for most banks; My Number card preferred).
- Choose your bank — use the comparison table above. For fastest opening: Seven Bank (fully online) or Japan Post Bank (any branch, no waiting period).
- Gather documents — residence card + passport + My Number notification or card. For branch visits, also bring your hanko if the bank requires it.
- Apply online or visit a branch — for online banks: complete the application form, upload documents, and verify identity via video call or postal code confirmation. For branch applications: visit during weekday hours, expect 30–60 minutes.
- Receive your cash card — bank cards are mailed separately from the PIN number for security. Typically takes 5–10 business days. Some banks allow immediate card printing at branches.
- Set up online banking — most banks require a separate enrollment step for online access. This often requires a one-time password sent to your phone.
ATMs and Daily Banking
Japan is still heavily cash-based in many contexts, and ATM access is critical. Japan Post Bank and Seven Bank ATMs are the most widely available — every post office and every 7-Eleven convenience store has an ATM. Both networks operate 24/7 (Japan Post Bank ATMs may close at night in some locations). Mitsubishi UFJ, Sumitomo Mitsui, and regional bank ATMs charge fees for transactions outside banking hours (typically ¥110–330) and for using other banks’ ATMs. Seven Bank ATMs accept most foreign cards and offer English interfaces — useful in emergencies if your Japanese card is not immediately available.
Online Banking and Apps
All major banks now offer smartphone apps. Rakuten Bank and Sony Bank have the most functional English interfaces. Japan Post Bank’s app (JP Bank) covers the basics in Japanese. Shinsei Bank’s PowerFlex platform and app are available in English. For international transfers, Wise (formerly TransferWise) is widely used alongside bank transfers for its competitive exchange rates — not a bank account, but an effective complement to your Japanese account for international money movement.
More Financial Guides for Residents
Credit cards, investing (NISA), international money transfer, and tax basics — browse the Living in Japan hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account immediately after arriving in Japan?
You can open accounts at Japan Post Bank and Seven Bank very soon after arrival — as soon as you have a registered address and residence card. You need your My Number, which may take 2–3 weeks to receive by post if you don’t apply in person. Seven Bank accepts online applications the fastest.
Which bank is easiest for foreign residents to open?
Japan Post Bank is traditionally the most accessible for foreign residents of all visa types, with no minimum residence period and branches nationwide. Seven Bank is the fastest to open online. Both are good first accounts while waiting for eligibility for major banks.
Do I need a Japanese credit card to open a bank account?
No. A bank account and a credit card are separate products. Open a bank account first (easier), then apply for a credit card after 6–12 months of credit history in Japan.
What is My Number and why do I need it for banking?
My Number (マイナンバー) is Japan’s 12-digit individual identification number, similar to a national insurance number. It is required for all new bank accounts since 2016 under Japan’s tax transparency laws. You receive the number from city hall when you register your address. The notification letter is sufficient; the My Number card (optional plastic card) is also accepted.
Can I receive my salary in a foreign bank account?
Japanese employers are legally required to pay salaries to a Japanese bank account. You cannot receive a Japanese salary into a foreign account. Open a Japanese account before your first payday — most employers request your account details in the first week of employment.
Sources & Official References
- Japan Post Bank — English Site
- Seven Bank — English Site
- Shinsei Bank — English Site
- Financial Services Agency Japan — bank regulation and consumer protection
- My Number Card Information Site (official)
Bank policies for foreign residents change. Always confirm current requirements on the bank’s official website or by calling before visiting. This guide provides general information, not financial advice.