{"id":10435,"date":"2020-01-31T12:00:15","date_gmt":"2020-01-31T03:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/?p=10435"},"modified":"2020-06-26T16:01:27","modified_gmt":"2020-06-26T07:01:27","slug":"is-opening-a-bank-account-in-japan-as-a-foreigner-that-difficult-its-not-if-you-learn-from-us","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/expat.metroresidences.com\/jp\/en\/everyday-living\/essential-services\/is-opening-a-bank-account-in-japan-as-a-foreigner-that-difficult-its-not-if-you-learn-from-us\/","title":{"rendered":"Is opening a bank account in Japan as a foreigner that difficult? It’s not if you learn from us!"},"content":{"rendered":"

While Japan is famous for its food, technology, and high-speed rail systems, it\u2019s also famous for something not as fun– bureaucracy. Living in Japan includes an almost legendary system of paperwork, and opening an overseas or domestic bank account as a foreigner is no exception. <\/span>While some jobs assist you, many do not– and for those of you feeling a little lost, we\u2019re here to help with a list of foreigner-friendly banks, and a step by step guide of how to open an account in Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n

RULES:<\/strong><\/p>\n

First of all, Bank Accounts are only available to Zairyu cardholders– that means if you have a tourist visa only, you are <\/span>not permitted<\/b> to open a bank account. In addition, different branches have different rules for short term (6 months or less) residents, so it may be advantageous to apply to multiple banks close to your residence or place of work. <\/span><\/p>\n

As almost all 7-11s and other convenience stores in metropolitan areas have international ATMs, it’s very easy to take out money from most major banks across Europe and the Americas, as well as most other major banks in Asia.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Photo

Photo from Unsplash by Nick Pampoukidis<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

In addition, once you\u2019re in Japan, you should probably get an I<\/em><\/span>nkan<\/span><\/em>, also known as a <\/span>Hanko<\/span><\/i>. This small, carved personal seal is inked in red and stamped on almost all vital documents in Japan in lieu of a signature. It\u2019s best to get one as soon as possible since almost all documents require one, and unless you have a Japanese name, you\u2019ll have to get one personalized. Most train stations have a hanko-ya close by, or you can order one online–<\/span> hankoya.com<\/span><\/a> provides a useful delivery service, though its website is all in Japanese.<\/span><\/p>\n

You will also need a Japanese phone number. This is what trips up a lot of new residents to Japan– because most phone services also require a bank book. Luckily, this hurdle has become much easier to jump over in recent years, as SIM cards have become available at the airport or through online services. <\/span><\/p>\n

Getting a SIM online or at the airport is easier than ever, and giving yourself a number with a prepaid cellphone will go a long way in preparing you for the next steps. Once you\u2019ve opened a bank account, you can either continue with the SIM or prepaid phone for a short while (less than 90 days) or go ahead and use one of the main telephone service providers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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