👋 Hi everyone! It’s your friend from NyuuLy — your go-to guide for a stress-free move to Japan.
Opening a bank account is one of the first (and most important) things to do after you arrive. But it can feel confusing — forms are mostly in Japanese, not all staff speak English, and some banks reject applications without clear reasons. You might also run into the classic loop: you need a Japanese phone number to open a bank account, but you need a bank account to get a phone number.
Don’t worry — we’ll show you exactly how to open a bank account even without a phone number.
Just make sure you first visit your municipality office to register your address on your Resident Card (you can check our full guide here - link).
Let’s get started 👇
1. Nyuuly’s Pro Tips to Note
- If you don’t speak Japanese, applying online is often easier since some banks offer English guidance.
- If you speak Japanese, visiting a branch can be helpful — staff can check your documents and make sure everything’s correct on the spot.
- Opening a bank account in Japan involves strict KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements. (KYC means banks must verify your identity and address to prevent fraud and keep financial transactions secure and traceable. Make sure to keep your information updated — notify your bank of any changes to your address, phone number, or visa status to avoid service interruptions or even account suspension!)
2. How to Open Your Bank Account in Japan:
For New Residents (Under 6 months in Japan)
When you first arrive in Japan, you probably don’t have a Japanese phone number yet — but most banks require one to open an account. (👉 Check our guide on how to get a phone number in Japan.)
Some banks also require that you’ve lived in Japan for at least 6 months before you’re eligible to open an account.
Luckily, there are a few banks that are friendlier to newcomers:
*However, if you are a full-time employee (正社員, seisyain) at a company with office in Japan and own a Japanese phone number, you can go ahead and apply for an account in one of the major banks.
For Residents Over 6 Months in Japan
Once you’ve settled down, it’s recommended to open a second account at one of Japan’s major banks.
These banks are more convenient for long-term financial needs — they integrate better with other services, are often required by employers, and support large transactions such as housing or car loans.
There are five major banks in Japan for your consideration.
Besides these, there are also regional banks which may be more suitable depending on where you live or work.
The General Flow to Open a Bank Account
You’ll need:
- Residence Card (with registered address)
- Japanese phone number
- My Number Card
For Online Application
For Offline Application (At a physical branch)
3. What’s Next on Your Financial Journey
Once your bank account is ready, here’s what to explore next:
- 💰 NISA (Nippon Individual Savings Account) — a tax-free way to save and invest in Japan.
- 🌏 Overseas Remittance — send money abroad easily using your bank or apps like Wise.
That’s it! With your bank account sorted, you’re ready for the next step in building your life in Japan.
We at Nyuuly are here to support you every step of the way, so feel free to reach out and don't forget to Enjoy Japan !
