Daily Life Lessons · Banks
Be able to open a bank account on your own when you need to.
To open a bank account, you are generally asked for your residence card (在留カード) showing your address, a personal seal (印鑑; some banks accept a signature instead), a Japanese phone number, and so on. Under Japan's foreign exchange law (外為法), a foreign national who has been in Japan for less than 6 months and does not work at a workplace in Japan is treated as a "non-resident," and in this case many banks will not open an account. You may also be unable to open an account if your period of stay will end soon (for example, at Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行), if it expires within 3 months of the application date). Required documents and conditions differ by bank, so check each bank's website in advance.
銀行口座（こうざ）を 作るときに 必要なもの（れい）：
- 在留カード（住所が 書いてあるもの） - 印鑑（はんこ）または サイン - 日本の 電話番号
日本に 来て 6か月 たっていない人は、口座を 作れない ことが あります（日本の 会社で はたらいている人は べつ）。 在留期限（ざいりゅう きげん）が もうすぐの 人も、作れない ことが あります。 必要なものは 銀行に よって ちがいます。行く前に 確認して ください。
What do you need to open an account?
A residence card showing your address is the basic requirement. Some banks also ask for your passport, student ID, employee ID, or other documents.
What about a personal seal?
Some banks accept a signature.
What is the "6-month rule"?
Under the foreign exchange law, a foreign national who entered Japan less than 6 months ago and does not work at a workplace in Japan is a "non-resident," and many banks will not open an account for them.
What if your period of stay will end soon?
For example, at Japan Post Bank, you cannot open an account if your period of stay ends within 3 months of the application date.
What should you do if you lose your cash card?
To prevent misuse, contact the bank right away and have the card stopped. If it may have been stolen, also report it to the police.
Q. Do I need an account to receive my salary?
A. At many companies, salary is normally paid by bank transfer.
Q. Can I send money abroad?
A. Yes, through banks or money transfer services. Compare the fees.
Q. What if I cannot get an account?
A. Talk to your company or a support organization.
This practice tool asks questions in random order (it works when JavaScript is enabled). You can still read all the questions and explanations above without it.
Systems and procedures may differ depending on the city, ward, town or village where you live and on the time of year. Please check the latest information from your local government or the relevant organizations.
Content checked on: 2026-09-28
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. If the translation and the original differ, the Japanese version takes precedence. View the Japanese original