Banking
Japan — Banking: Required Documents
Core documents for opening a Japanese bank account: a residence card (在留カード) showing the current Japan address (non-negotiable at nearly all banks), a registered personal seal (hanko/inkan), and — especially mandatory at online banks — a My Number (individual number). Banks also commonly request a certificate of residence (juminhyo) or passport as supplementary identification. Requirements vary by bank; new arrivals typically face fewer document demands at Japan Post Bank or Seven Bank than at the major megabanks.
Key facts
- Residence card (在留カード) with current Japan address is required at nearly all banks.
- A registered personal seal (hanko/inkan) is commonly required, especially at traditional banks.
- My Number is especially mandatory at online banks.
- Certificate of residence (juminhyo) or passport often required as supplementary ID.
Required documents
- Residence card (在留カード)
- Registered personal seal (hanko)
- My Number
- Certificate of residence (juminhyo) or passport
Common mistakes
- Not registering a personal seal (hanko) in advance, which some traditional banks still require for account opening.