The short answer
To open a bank account in Japan (口座開設, kōza kaisetsu, opening a bank account), you usually need to prepare 本人確認書類 (honnin kakunin shorui, identity verification documents) such as your 在留カード (zairyū kādo, residence card), together with an 印鑑 (inkan, personal seal); in some situations you will also be asked to provide your My Number (individual number) and contact details, and you fill in an 口座開設申込書 (kōza kaisetsu mōshikomisho, account application form). Requirements and acceptance conditions differ by bank, so follow the instructions of the bank you choose.
What opening an account usually involves
- Choosing a bank: city banks, regional banks, online banks, Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ, Yūcho), and others have different acceptance conditions for foreign residents.
- Preparing documents: 本人確認書類 (residence card, passport, etc.), an 印鑑 (some banks accept a signature), and your My Number when required.
- Completing the procedure: fill in the 口座開設申込書, set your 暗証番号 (anshō bangō, PIN), and receive your キャッシュカード (kyasshu kādo, cash card) and 通帳 (tsūchō, passbook).
Common fields on the application form and notices
- 口座開設申込書 (kōza kaisetsu mōshikomisho) — account application form
- 本人確認書類 (honnin kakunin shorui) — identity verification documents (residence card, etc.)
- 印鑑 / 届出印 (inkan / todokede-in) — personal seal / seal registered with the bank
- 暗証番号 (anshō bangō) — PIN
- キャッシュカード (kyasshu kādo) — cash card (ATM card)
- 通帳 (tsūchō) — passbook
- 普通預金 / 定期預金 (futsū yokin / teiki yokin) — ordinary deposit / time deposit
- マイナンバー (mai nambā) — My Number (individual number; required for some procedures)
What you need to do
- Choose a bank and first check its acceptance requirements for foreign residents / period of stay.
- Prepare your 本人確認書類, 印鑑, and (when required) My Number.
- Fill in the 口座開設申込書 at the counter or online, and set your 暗証番号.
- Receive your キャッシュカード / 通帳; ask at the bank counter about anything you are unsure of.
Possible costs and timelines
- Costs: opening an account itself is usually free; some services (remittances, card reissue, etc.) may carry fees — check with your bank.
- Timing: the キャッシュカード is often delivered by mail and can take several days to a few weeks — check with your bank.
Which official body to check with if you are unsure
For the specific requirements and materials, follow the counter or official website of the bank you choose; for general guidance aimed at foreign residents, see the multilingual guides of the Japanese Bankers Association (全国銀行協会, Zenkoku Ginkō Kyōkai) and the Financial Services Agency (金融庁, Kin'yūchō). Official explanations and each bank's own instructions take precedence over any third-party interpretation.
Common Japanese terms
- 口座開設 (kōza kaisetsu) — opening a bank account
- 本人確認書類 (honnin kakunin shorui) — identity verification documents
- 印鑑 / 届出印 (inkan / todokede-in) — personal seal / registered seal
- 暗証番号 (anshō bangō) — PIN
- キャッシュカード (kyasshu kādo) — cash card
- 通帳 (tsūchō) — passbook
- 普通預金 (futsū yokin) — ordinary deposit
- 口座開設申込書 (kōza kaisetsu mōshikomisho) — account application form