Personal accounts: Japan

Updated 6 October 2026

An honest assessment before work starts, the quote is fixed in writing.

A personal account at a Japanese bank is needed by everyone living and working in Japan: salary arrives there, and rent, utilities, taxes and contributions are paid from it. Japanese banks open accounts mainly for residents, so the key requirement is residence status and a residence card. A tourist on a short-term visa is generally not given an account.

What a personal account needs

• A residence card, issued to foreigners with mid- or long-term status.
• Address registration with the municipality: the address on the card must match the application.
• A personal number for taxes and social insurance, assigned after address registration.
• A Japanese phone number and, at some banks, a personal seal or signature.
• Work or study details: some banks ask for the employer and length of stay.

Deposit protection

Deposits in Japanese banks are protected by the Deposit Insurance Corporation of Japan: up to JPY 10 million of principal per depositor per bank plus interest, about $63,200 at the European Central Bank rate of 5 October 2026.

How the account is opened

1. Residence card and address. After arrival we register your address with the municipality.
2. Bank. We choose a bank that works with foreigners and serves you in a language you understand.
3. Visit. You visit a branch with your residence card, phone and seal or signature.
4. Card and online banking. The card is mailed to your registered address, so it must be exact.

Why applications are refused

• no residence card or short-term status;
• the address is not registered or does not match the card;
• the client arrived recently and the bank requires a minimum stay;
• an unclear purpose or links to sanctioned countries.

The account and business

If you come as a business manager, personal and company accounts are opened separately. The Business Manager visa requirements from 16 October 2025 and the company account process are on our business account in Japan page.

Transfers and closing the account

A Japanese bank reports transfers to or from abroad above JPY 1 million, about $6,320, to the tax authority, so large transfers should come with source-of-funds documents. If a residence status expires and the residence card is not renewed, the bank may restrict withdrawals until the new card is shown. Before leaving Japan, close the account or tell the bank about the change of status. Selling or handing an account to another person is a crime punishable by up to one year in prison or a fine of up to JPY 1 million.

For transfers to and from abroad the bank asks for your personal number, so obtain it and give it to the bank right after registering your address.

Salary, taxes and contributions in Japan are usually paid only through a Japanese account: employers and municipalities do not accept foreign cards for regular debits, so the account is opened in the first weeks after moving.

What we do

We help with address registration and choosing a bank, prepare documents and support the branch visit. A manager will calculate the cost in the chat.

What we do

• Personal account - opening assistance

See also

Company formation · Business account · Investment property · Country taxes · All country programs

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