How to open a bank account in Japan as a foreigner

Opening a bank account in Japan as a foreigner is one of those tasks that seems straightforward until you’re standing at the counter and realize it isn’t. Not because the system is broken, but because it was built for Japanese residents, and foreigners fit into it awkwardly.

I’ve lived in Japan for years and have opened accounts at four different banks: MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho, and Suruga. Each one taught me something different. This guide is based on direct experience, updated to 2026, with special attention to a problem almost no blog mentions that directly affects people with Spanish-style double surnames.

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What you need before you start

Before going to any bank, make sure you have these in order:

在留カード (Zairyu Card) — Your residence card is the primary document. Without it you cannot open an account at any Japanese bank. It must show your current address.

Address registered at the municipal office (住民登録) — Your address must be registered at the city or ward office. If you’ve just arrived and haven’t done this yet, do it before going to the bank.

My Number — Since late 2025, banks enforce the tax identification number requirement more consistently. The physical My Number Card (マイナンバーカード) is the cleanest option. If you only have the paper notification letter, bring it alongside your Zairyu Card.

Japanese phone number — Almost all banks require it for online verification and notifications. If you don’t have a Japanese SIM yet, that’s the first thing to sort out.

Hanko (印鑑) — The personal seal used instead of a signature for many official procedures in Japan. MUFG and Mizuho may require one. Japan Post Bank, Rakuten, and Sony Bank accept signatures instead. One important detail for foreigners: the cheap ¥300–1,000 hankos sold at 100-yen stores come pre-engraved with common Japanese names — they won’t work for a foreign name. If you need a hanko, you’ll have to order a custom one with your name, which costs roughly ¥2,000–5,000. You can get one made at a stationery or engraving shop (はんこ屋), or order online with delivery in a few days.

Passport — As supporting documentation alongside your Zairyu Card.

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The double surname problem

This is the section you won’t find in most guides, and if you have two surnames, it will be relevant from your very first bank.

The Japanese system divides a name into two fields: first name (名前) and surname (名字). One field for the surname. Banks have no built-in concept of two separate surnames, and when they see a name like “García López, Diego,” most staff interpret it as first name + surname + middle name — in other words, they assume “López” is a middle name.

The problem is that the name on your bank account has to match exactly with your name on your passport and Zairyu Card. If your official documents show two surnames, the bank has to record them somehow.

In practice, what happens varies by bank and by individual staff member:

At MUFG, I was able to register with both surnames, though it required explaining the situation. The key is to be direct from the start: “I have two surnames, it’s not a middle name, this is how it appears on my passport.” With patience and showing the passport open to the data page, the process moved forward.

At SMBC, I couldn’t complete the process online precisely because of this — the online form didn’t handle the combination of first name and two surnames well, and I had to go to a branch in person to resolve it. If you have a double surname, expect that the SMBC online process may block and you’ll need to visit in person.

The practical advice: always bring your passport open to the data page and your Zairyu Card, and explain the situation before filling in any form. Don’t wait for the problem to come up — anticipate it.

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The first six months: the rule nobody explains clearly

There’s a lot of confusion about this online, so let me be clear:

MUFG, SMBC, and Mizuho have an unofficial practical rule of requiring at least six months of registered residence in Japan before opening an account. It’s not written anywhere as a hard rule, but in practice many branches apply it.

If you’ve been in Japan less than six months, the most reliable options are:

Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行) — The notable exception. Accepts new arrivals without the six-month requirement, with branches at every post office in the country. It’s the bank most Spanish-speaking residents start with in Japan, and for good reason.

Rakuten Bank or Sony Bank — More flexible on residency length, with a fully online process. No branch visit required.

My recommendation if you’ve just arrived: open a Japan Post Bank account first to have something working from day one, then once you hit six months, go to MUFG or whichever bank you want for your main account.

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MUFG (三菱UFJ銀行)

The largest bank in Japan and the one I’ve most often recommended to people arriving in the country. Huge coverage, ATMs everywhere (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart), and the bank most Japanese companies use for payroll.

The process for foreigners is in-person only — since 2020 it’s not possible to open an account online as a foreigner. You need to visit a branch with all your documentation.

The level of Japanese required is high. English-speaking staff is not guaranteed, though in branches in large cities you’re more likely to find someone who can help.

The process can take between 30 minutes and over an hour depending on the branch and foot traffic. The bank card arrives by post one to two weeks later.

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SMBC (三井住友銀行)

Similar to MUFG in coverage and operations. The most relevant difference for people with double surnames: the online form is more likely to cause problems, and you’ll need to go in person to a branch.

One important practical note: it’s common for Japanese companies to specify which bank they want to use for payroll. You don’t always get to choose freely. That’s the reason I opened my SMBC account — my employer required it. The same applies in other contexts: some schools or extracurricular activities also specify which bank direct debits must come from. Before deciding which account to open, it’s worth asking your employer or your children’s school whether they have any preference or requirement.

SMBC also has SMBC Prestia (formerly Citibank Japan), aimed at international clients, with English service by phone and online. If English is your only working language for now, Prestia is more comfortable — though it requires a minimum balance to avoid monthly maintenance fees.

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Mizuho (みずほ銀行)

The third of Japan’s major banks. Similar process to MUFG and SMBC, also in-person for foreigners. International transfer fees are the highest of the three (¥5,000 per transfer), so if you’re regularly sending money abroad, it’s not the best option for that purpose.

Useful as an additional account if your employer or landlord operates with Mizuho — in Japan, transfers between accounts at the same bank are usually free, which makes having multiple accounts financially sensible.

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Suruga Bank (するが銀行)

Less well known outside Japan but with a long track record of serving foreign residents. Branches are mainly in the Shizuoka region and the Tokyo area. If you live in that area and want an alternative to the big three, it’s worth considering.

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Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行)

The most accessible option for new arrivals. No six-month requirement, no mandatory hanko, with branches at literally every post office in the country.

The downside: English ability among staff is low or non-existent at most offices. At larger offices in areas with high tourism or foreign population there may be some support, but don’t count on it.

Ideal as a first account. Less ideal as a long-term main account if you need advanced online banking or regular international transfers.

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Online banks: Rakuten Bank and Sony Bank

If you already have an account at a traditional bank and want something more convenient for everyday digital use, these are the best options:

Rakuten Bank — 100% online process, no branch visit required. Integrated with the Rakuten ecosystem (points, Rakuten Card). International transfer fees are the lowest among Japanese banks (¥750 per transfer), though Wise is still cheaper for large amounts.

Sony Bank — English-language app, good terms for currency exchange, online process. Popular among expats handling multiple currencies.

Neither fully replaces a traditional Japanese bank — some direct debits and automatic payments still require an account at a bank with a physical branch.

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International transfers: what it will actually cost you

No Japanese bank is cheap for sending money abroad. The real fees are:

• MUFG: ¥3,000 per transfer + exchange rate markup
• Mizuho: ¥5,000 per transfer
• Rakuten Bank: ¥750 + exchange rate markup

For regular transfers abroad, Wise is consistently cheaper than any Japanese bank. It uses the real mid-market exchange rate with a transparent fee of around ¥500–700 per transfer, and no hidden markup embedded in the conversion. On a ¥200,000 transfer, the difference can be ¥3,000–5,000 in Wise’s favor.

The standard setup for foreign residents: Japanese bank account for everything local (payroll, rent, utilities), and Wise for sending money home.

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Common mistakes

Going without an appointment at major banks. MUFG and Mizuho at busy branches can have long waits. Call ahead or use the app to book an appointment if available.

Not having your address registered at the municipal office. The most common mistake among new arrivals. The bank verifies that the address on your Zairyu Card matches the municipal register.

Assuming there will be English-speaking staff. Outside Tokyo and large cities, the odds are low. Bring a sheet of paper with your key details written in Japanese if your language level is limited.

Trying to open at MUFG or SMBC before six months. If a branch turns you away, don’t push. Japan Post Bank accepts new arrivals and is a perfectly valid solution for the first few months.

Not anticipating the double surname issue. If you have two surnames, mention the situation from the start. Don’t wait for the staff member to encounter the problem on their own.

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FAQ

Do I need a bank account to work in Japan? Yes. Japanese companies pay salaries by bank transfer to a Japanese account. No account, no salary payment.

Can I open an account on a tourist visa? No. Short-stay visas and the visa waiver program do not qualify for a standard Japanese bank account.

Do I need to speak Japanese to open an account? At traditional banks, it helps considerably. At Japan Post Bank, Rakuten, and Sony Bank the process is more manageable without Japanese.

Which bank would you recommend to start with? If you’ve been here less than six months: Japan Post Bank. If you’ve been here over six months and want a main account: MUFG for coverage and payroll compatibility. If you want everything online: Rakuten Bank.

How long does it take to receive the bank card? At traditional banks, one to two weeks by post. At online banks, similar or slightly faster.

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Information updated May 2026. Requirements and procedures at each bank can change — always check the bank’s official website before visiting a branch.