Yes, but you need a residence permit and the right documents

Foreigners can open a bank account in Japan, but the process is stricter than it is for Japanese citizens. Most banks require you to have a residence permit (a visa that allows you to stay longer than 90 days) and a Japanese address. Tourist visas do not work. You will also need to bring your passport, a residence card (if you have been in Japan for more than 90 days), and proof of your current address—usually a utility bill or rental agreement.

The major banks that accept foreign account holders are Japan Post Bank, Mizuho Bank, MUFG Bank, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. Smaller regional banks vary in their policies, so calling ahead saves a wasted trip. Some branches are more experienced with foreign customers than others, particularly branches near universities or in central Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.

The entire process—from walking in to receiving your cash card and passbook—typically takes 30 to 60 minutes if you have all documents ready. You will not be able to open an account online as a foreigner; you must visit a branch in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a residence permit valid for more than 90 days; a tourist visa does not may have access to.
  • Bring your passport, residence card (if applicable), and proof of your current address such as a utility bill or lease.
  • Major banks like Japan Post Bank and Mizuho accept foreign account holders, but regional banks vary—call ahead to confirm.
  • The account opening takes 30 to 60 minutes in person at a branch; online opening is not available for foreigners.
  • Once opened, your account works like any Japanese bank account, with access to ATMs, online banking, and domestic transfers.

What documents you need to bring

Your passport is required by law. If you have been in Japan for more than 90 days, you must also bring your residence card (the physical card issued by immigration, not just the receipt). The bank will copy both.

You will need proof of your current address in Japan. A utility bill (electricity, gas, or water) in your name works best and is accepted by all banks. A rental agreement or lease also works. A letter from your employer or school stating your address is sometimes accepted, but calling the branch first prevents rejection. The document must show your name and a current address—not a PO box.

Bring your personal seal (inkan) if you have one, though most banks will accept a signature instead. Some branches ask for a second form of ID beyond your passport; a driver's license from your home country is usually accepted.

Which banks accept foreign account holders

Japan Post Bank is the most foreigner-friendly option. Post offices are everywhere, the staff are accustomed to foreign customers, and they accept accounts from anyone with a valid residence permit. There is no minimum deposit requirement.

Mizuho Bank, MUFG Bank, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) all accept foreign account holders at most branches. These are the three largest banks in Japan, so their ATM networks are extensive. Mizuho and MUFG have English-speaking staff at major branches.

Regional banks (such as Tokyo Metropolitan Bank or Osaka Bank) vary widely. Some accept foreigners without hesitation; others refuse or require a Japanese guarantor. Call the specific branch before visiting. If you are in a smaller city or rural area, Japan Post Bank is your safest bet.

Online-only banks like Rakuten Bank and Sony Bank do not accept foreign account holders, so do not waste time on those.

The step-by-step process at the bank

Walk into the branch during business hours (typically 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays; many close on weekends). Take a number from the ticket machine if there is one, or ask staff where to go. Tell them you want to open a new account.

A staff member will hand you an application form in Japanese. If you cannot read it, ask for an English version or ask the staff member to explain each field. The form asks for your name, date of birth, address in Japan, occupation, and reason for opening the account. Be honest about your reason—work, study, or residence are all fine.

Hand over your documents. The staff member will photocopy your passport and residence card. They will verify your address using the utility bill or lease. They will ask you to sign or stamp the application.

You will choose a PIN for your cash card and set up online banking access if you want it. The staff member will explain the bank's rules about minimum balance (usually none for basic accounts), monthly fees (usually none), and ATM access. You will receive your cash card and passbook on the spot. Online banking access typically activates within one business day.

What happens if your visa expires or you leave Japan

Your account does not automatically close when your visa expires. However, if you leave Japan and do not return, the bank may freeze or close the account after a period of inactivity—usually 2 to 3 years, though this varies by bank. If you plan to leave Japan permanently, contact your bank and ask about closing the account or transferring remaining funds.

If you are returning to Japan later, your account may still exist. Contact the bank to reactivate it. If it has been closed, you can open a new one using the same process.

If you want to send money out of Japan after you leave, you can do so through international wire transfer (also called SWIFT transfer). Your bank will charge a fee—typically 2,000 to 4,000 yen—and the receiving bank may charge a fee as well. The transfer takes 3 to 7 business days. You do not need to be physically present in Japan to request a wire transfer; you can do it online or by phone if your bank offers that service.

Common reasons banks refuse foreign applicants

The most common reason is an invalid visa. If your visa is a tourist visa or a visa-exempt entry stamp, the bank will refuse you. You must have a residence permit (work visa, student visa, spouse visa, or long-term resident status). If you are unsure whether your visa qualifies, ask immigration or call the bank before visiting.

The second reason is lack of a Japanese address. If you are staying in a hotel or have not yet received mail at your address, some banks will refuse you. If this is your situation, ask whether a letter from your employer or school confirming your address will work instead.

The third reason is that the specific branch does not accept foreign accounts. This is rare at major banks but common at regional banks. Calling ahead prevents this problem entirely.

A few banks ask for a Japanese guarantor—a Japanese citizen or permanent resident who vouches for you. Japan Post Bank does not require this. Most major banks do not either, but some regional banks do. If a bank asks for a guarantor and you do not have one, try a different bank.

Online banking and ATM access after opening

Once your account is open, you can use online banking to check your balance, transfer money between accounts, and pay bills. Most banks offer online banking in English. You will receive a login ID and temporary password at the branch; you must change the password the first time you log in.

Your cash card works at any ATM displaying your bank's logo. Japan Post Bank ATMs are in every post office and many convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart). Major bank ATMs are in bank branches and some convenience stores. Withdrawals are free at your bank's ATMs; other banks' ATMs usually charge 100 to 200 yen per transaction.

International wire transfers out of Japan are available from all major banks. Domestic transfers between Japanese bank accounts are free or cost 50 to 200 yen depending on the bank and whether the transfer is to the same bank or a different one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account on a tourist visa?

No. Banks require a residence permit valid for more than 90 days. Tourist visas and visa-exempt entry stamps do not may have access to. If you are planning to stay longer, you must obtain a work, student, or other long-term visa before attempting to open an account.

Do I need to speak Japanese to open an account?

No, but it helps. Major banks in central Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto often have English-speaking staff. Smaller branches may not. Bringing a Japanese-speaking friend or colleague makes the process faster. Japan Post Bank staff are generally patient with non-Japanese speakers.

What is the minimum deposit to open an account?

Most banks have no minimum deposit requirement. You can open an account with zero yen and deposit money later. Confirm this with the specific bank or branch before visiting, as policies vary slightly.

Can I open an account if I do not have a Japanese address yet?

It depends on the bank. Some accept a letter from your employer or school confirming your address. Others require a utility bill or lease in your name. Call the branch and ask what proof of address they will accept before you visit.

How long does it take to receive my online banking login?

Online banking access typically activates within one business day of opening your account. You will receive your login ID and temporary password at the branch. Some banks mail the login details separately, which can take 3 to 5 business days.