What Documents Do You Need to Open a Bank Account in Japan? A-to-Z Guide

Quick Answer

To open a bank account in Japan, you will need to bring your Residence Card (在留カード), passport, proof of current address, a Japanese mobile phone number, and usually a personal seal (印鑑/hanko). Some banks also require your My Number Card or My Number notification slip, along with a student ID or an employment verification letter.

Opening an account is free. If you have been in Japan for less than 6 months, the easiest option is to apply at Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行 – Yucho) or a local regional bank near your residence. Processing time: accounts are typically opened on the same day at the counter, while your ATM cash card and bankbook will be delivered to your home by mail in about 1–2 weeks.

Note: Each bank sets its own policies, which are subject to change. Make sure to check the bank's official website or call the branch to confirm before visiting.

Who This Guide Is For

This article is for foreign residents living in Japan who need a bank account to receive salaries, scholarships, pay rent and utility bills, and send money back home to Vietnam. Specifically:

• International students who have just enrolled and need an account to receive scholarships or part-time job (baito) wages.
• Technical intern trainees and Specified Skilled Workers required by their employers to open an account for payroll.
• Engineers and corporate employees (working visa holders) who have recently relocated to Japan.
• Dependent visa holders (visa 家族滞在) wishing to open their own personal account.
• Those who have lived in Japan for a while but were rejected when trying to open an account and want to know why and how to handle it.

If you just need a quick checklist of required documents, see the "Documents to Prepare" section below.

When This Guide Does NOT Apply

This article is not applicable to the following cases:

• Tourists and short-term visitors (90-day temporary visitor visa): As a rule, you cannot open a Japanese bank account because you do not have a Residence Card or a registered address in Japan.
• Corporate accounts (法人口座) for companies or stores: The procedure is completely different, requiring corporate registration documents, a corporate seal, and typically an interview.
• Securities accounts, foreign currency accounts, or NISA: These are investment products with specific regulations not covered in this guide.
• Applying for loans or credit cards: Credit screening is entirely different from opening a standard savings account.
• Those leaving Japan permanently who want to keep their Japanese bank account: When departing Japan and surrendering your Residence Card, you are obligated to notify the bank and/or close your account according to each bank's policies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Complete Your Resident Registration First

Before heading to the bank, you must have a registered address at your local city or ward office (市役所/区役所). When completing the moving-in notification (転入届), the staff will print your address on the back of your Residence Card. Banks verify your legal residency using this address line. A Residence Card without an address printed on the back will almost certainly be rejected.

Step 2: Get a Japanese Mobile Phone Number

Most banks require a phone number starting with 070, 080, or 090 for contact and SMS verification codes. Foreign numbers or dormitory landlines are generally not accepted. For online banks in particular, being able to receive SMS is mandatory.

Step 3: Choose the Right Bank

Check the comparison table in the "Where to Apply / Choosing a Bank" section. Quick tip: If you have been in Japan for under 6 months, choose Yucho (Japan Post Bank); if your company designates a specific bank, open an account there; if you want low transfer fees and full mobile banking, apply for an online bank once you have resided in Japan for over 6 months.

Step 4: Prepare Documents and a Hanko Seal

Gather all necessary documents according to the checklist below. If you do not have a personal seal (hanko) yet, you can have one engraved at a stamp shop or buy a ready-made stamp at a 100-yen shop (only suitable for those with Japanese/Chinese names). Vietnamese residents usually need to custom-order a stamp engraved with Latin letters or katakana, costing around 1,000–3,000 yen.

Step 5: Visit the Counter During Business Hours

Japanese bank counters are typically open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and are closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays. It is best to go in the morning and avoid month-end dates or payday (the 25th), which are extremely busy.

Step 6: Fill Out the Application and Answer a Brief Interview

You will fill out the account opening form: full name (written exactly as on your Residence Card), address, date of birth, occupation, and purpose of opening the account. Staff may ask: What do you do in Japan? How long do you plan to stay? What will you use the account for? Answer honestly and clearly: "To receive salary from my company," or "To receive scholarships and pay rent."

Step 7: Set a 4-Digit PIN and Sign

You will choose a 4-digit PIN for your ATM card. Never use your date of birth or the last 4 digits of your phone number—many banks will reject these, and they pose serious security risks if you lose your wallet.

Step 8: Receive Your Bankbook and Wait for Your ATM Card

Your passbook (通帳) is usually printed and handed to you right at the counter. The ATM cash card (キャッシュカード) will be sent via registered mail to your registered address in about 1–2 weeks. This mail requires an in-person signature and will not be dropped into your mailbox. If you are not home, use the delivery notice slip to reschedule redelivery promptly to prevent the letter from being returned to the bank.

Step 9: Register for Online Banking and Mobile Apps

Once you have your card, register for the bank's mobile app right away to check balances and make transfers without having to visit an ATM. This step usually requires your Japanese phone number and email address.

Documents to Prepare

The list below covers the common requirements for most banks. Make sure to bring all of them just in case—missing even a single item means you will have to come back another day.

The "6-Month Rule" You Need to Know

Under Japan's foreign exchange regulations, foreign nationals residing in Japan for less than 6 months may be classified as non-residents (非居住者). For this group, many major commercial banks restrict or decline opening a standard account, or open an account with international remittance features locked until you reach 6 months of residency.

Practical solutions:

• Newcomers: Open an account at Japan Post Bank (Yucho) or a local regional bank in your prefecture—these two options are usually the easiest.
• If sponsored by an employer, request a certificate of employment to bring along; many branches will be flexible.
• Once you have completed 6 months of residency, revisit the branch to unlock international transfer functions, bringing your Residence Card and bankbook.

Fees and Costs

Opening a bank account in Japan is free of charge. However, certain service fees may apply during usage:

The above fees are for reference only at the time of review and vary across banks. Please consult the fee schedule (手数料一覧) on the official website of your chosen bank.

Processing Time & Timelines

• In-person counter opening: Filling out forms and the interview takes about 30–60 minutes. The account and account number are issued on the same day, and the passbook is usually printed on the spot.
• Receiving the ATM card: 7–14 business days, delivered via registered mail to your home.
• Online application (app): Submitting the application takes 15–30 minutes, screening takes 3–10 days, and the card arrives at your home in 1–3 weeks.
• Online banking registration: Available immediately or within 3–7 days upon receiving your password letter by mail.
• Unlocking international transfers: Done at the counter, usually processed the same day once you satisfy the 6-month residency requirement.

Pro tip: If your employer requires your bank account details for payroll, you can submit a photo of the first page of your passbook right away without waiting for the ATM card to arrive.

Where to Apply / Choosing a Bank

Comparison of Common Options

Preparation Before Visiting the Branch

• Look up the branch closest to your home—Japanese banks prioritize opening accounts at branches near your residence or workplace.
• Some branches in areas with high foreign populations (Shin-Okubo, Nagoya, Osaka) have English-speaking staff or multilingual guidance sheets.
• If your Japanese is limited, bring a friend, senior (senpai), or a school/company staff member along. This is the fastest way to avoid rejection caused by miscommunication.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Residence Card lacks an address: The most common mistake. Make sure to register your address at city hall within 14 days of moving into your housing.
• No Japanese phone number: Many people go to the bank before getting a SIM card and get turned away. You should get a SIM card as soon as you arrive in Japan.
• Writing your name in the wrong order: The name on the application must match your Residence Card exactly, including name order and spacing. A single typo will prevent your company from transferring your salary.
• Visiting on holidays or after 3:00 PM: Counters will be closed, leaving only ATMs available.
• Setting a PIN based on your birthday: Risk of rejection or high security risk.
• Failing to receive the registered mail with your ATM card: The mail will be returned to the bank after a few days if uncollected. Keep an eye out for notice slips and reschedule delivery promptly.
• Lending your account to others: This is a violation of Japanese law. Selling, renting, or transferring bank accounts or ATM cards can result in criminal prosecution, closure of all accounts, and severe impacts on visa renewals. Never do this, even if requested by an acquaintance.
• Forgetting to close your account when leaving Japan permanently: Leaving an account abandoned may incur management fees and cause complications if you ever return to Japan.
• Confusing the passbook and the card: If you lose your passbook, you can still withdraw money using your ATM card; but if you lose both, you must go through replacement procedures at the counter with your passport and Residence Card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account if I have only been in Japan for 1 week?

Yes, as long as you have registered your address at the city hall and have a Japanese phone number. Japan Post Bank (Yucho) is the easiest option for newcomers. However, international transfer functions are typically restricted until you have resided in Japan for at least 6 months.

What if I don't have a hanko seal?

Many banks now accept signatures (サインでの口座開設) for foreigners, but not all branches do. The safest approach is to get a custom seal made with your name; it costs around 1,000–3,000 yen and can be used for many other administrative procedures in Japan.

Is My Number mandatory?

For standard savings accounts, some banks allow you to submit your My Number later. However, if you plan to send or receive international remittances, or open an online bank account, providing My Number is almost always mandatory.

Can I open an account if my Japanese is limited?

Yes, but it can be more challenging. Consider going with someone who speaks Japanese, or choose a branch in an area with a large foreign population. Some banks provide English forms and multilingual instruction sheets—you can ask the staff: "英語の書類はありますか？" (Do you have English documents?).

How many bank accounts can one person open?

You can open accounts across different banks, but typically each bank allows only one standard personal account per person. Opening multiple unused accounts will invite close scrutiny regarding your intent.

What should I do if my application is rejected?

Ask clearly for the reason (missing documents? under 6 months of residency? unregistered address?). Then gather the missing paperwork and try: (1) another branch of the same bank, (2) Yucho, (3) a local regional bank in your area, or (4) asking your employer/school for an official letter of verification.

Can I receive my salary into someone else's account?

No, this is not advised and is often against company regulations. Japanese employers generally require the bank account to be under the employee's own name. Using someone else's account can lead to payroll disputes and legal complications.

How do I send money to Vietnam from a Japanese account?

You can transfer funds directly through your bank (higher fees, secure) or via licensed money transfer services in Japan. In either case, you will need a Japanese bank account in your name and valid identification. Absolutely avoid illegal, unauthorized remittance services advertised on social media.

References & Official Sources

• Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行) — Account opening guide for foreign residents, fee schedules: jp-bank.japanpost.jp
• MUFG Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), Mizuho Bank — Official account opening guides (口座開設) and fee tables.
• Financial Services Agency of Japan (金融庁 – FSA) — Customer identification regulations and warnings regarding illegal account transactions: fsa.go.jp
• Immigration Services Agency of Japan (出入国在留管理庁) — Residence card guidelines and address notification requirements: isa.go.jp
• Digital Agency of Japan (デジタル庁) / Official My Number Portal — mynumbercard.point.soumu.go.jp
• JASSO — Student Guide to Japan for international students: jasso.go.jp

Important Notice: Account opening policies, fee schedules, and required documentation are determined individually by each bank and are subject to change at any time. This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for official advice. Before your visit, please verify details on the bank's official website, call your intended branch, or consult your school's student support office or your company's HR department.

Source Verification Date

The information in this article was verified against official sources on October 6, 2025. If you are reading this much later, please double-check fees and requirements on the bank's official homepage.

Get a Japanese Phone Number Before Heading to the Bank

As mentioned above, almost no bank in Japan will open an account for you without a Japanese mobile phone number. This is why many newcomers end up turned away empty-handed after queuing up all morning.

HD TELECOM in Shin-Okubo (Tokyo) specializes in assisting newcomers in Japan:

• Voice & Data SIM — includes a 070/080/090 phone number registered under your own name, perfect for bank account applications and receiving SMS verification codes. See details on our voice SIM registration page.
• Monthly Data SIM or Monthly eSIM — if you only need internet for banking apps, maps, and calling home via Zalo.
• Pocket WiFi — for your entire apartment or dormitory room to share.

Feel free to browse our full product catalog, or visit our support page for payment and bank transfer instructions. If you have any questions, simply message us in Vietnamese—no Japanese skills required. Explore more guides on living in Japan on our blog.