If you're a foreign resident in Japan waiting on money from family, a foreign employer, or an overseas account, you're probably wondering: how do you actually receive an international money transfer into a Japanese bank account as a foreigner? The good news is that it's entirely possible — you just need the right information before you get started. This guide walks you through every step, from gathering your bank details to understanding fees and timing.
What You Need Before the Transfer Arrives
To receive an international wire transfer (also called a SWIFT transfer or international remittance) into your Japanese bank account, the person or institution sending the money will need specific details from you. Make sure you have the following ready:
- Your bank's SWIFT code (BIC) — a unique identifier for your bank used in international transfers
- Your account number — in Japan this is typically your branch number (店番, tenban) and account number combined
- Your branch name and branch code
- Your full name as registered with the bank — this must match exactly
- The bank's full name and address
- Your registered address in Japan (sometimes required by the sender's bank)
All of this information is available in your bank's passbook, the bank's official website, or your online banking dashboard. If you're unsure, call or visit your branch — many larger banks have some English-language support available.
SWIFT Codes for Common Japanese Banks
Every bank that accepts international wire transfers has a SWIFT code. Below is a general guide to some commonly used banks among foreign residents. Always confirm the exact SWIFT code on your bank's official website before sharing it, as codes can vary by branch or change over time.
| Bank | SWIFT Code (verify officially) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Japan Post Bank (Yucho Bank) | JPPYJPJT | Widely available; confirm on Yucho's official site |
| Rakuten Bank | RAKTJPJT | Online bank; confirm on Rakuten Bank's official site |
| SBI Shinsei Bank | SINSEJPJ | Good international features; confirm officially |
| Sony Bank | SNYBJPJT | Confirm on Sony Bank's official site |
| MUFG (Mitsubishi UFJ) | BOTKJPJT | Major city bank; confirm on MUFG's official site |
Step-by-Step: How to Receive an International Transfer
Step 1 — Confirm Your Bank Accepts International Transfers
Not all Japanese bank accounts are automatically set up to receive overseas wire transfers. Some banks require you to activate this feature or may restrict it for newer accounts. Contact your bank directly or check their website to confirm your account is eligible.
Step 2 — Gather Your Full Bank Details
Collect all the information listed above (SWIFT code, branch code, account number, registered name). Double-check that the name on the account exactly matches how the sender will input it — even a small discrepancy can cause a transfer to be delayed or returned.
Step 3 — Share Your Details with the Sender
Send the sender your complete bank details securely. If the sender is using a service like Wise, Remitly, or a regular bank overseas, they will enter your details into their transfer form. Make sure they enter the currency as JPY (Japanese Yen) unless you and your bank have agreed otherwise.
Step 4 — Be Aware of Fees on Both Ends
International wire transfers typically involve fees on the sending side, and sometimes a receiving fee charged by your Japanese bank as well. The exchange rate applied can also vary significantly depending on the service used. These fees and rates change regularly, so check with both your bank and the sender's service for the latest figures before each transfer.
Step 5 — Wait for the Transfer to Arrive
Standard SWIFT transfers to Japan typically take two to five business days, though this varies depending on the sending country, the services involved, and whether additional compliance checks are triggered. Keep your transfer confirmation reference number in case you need to follow up.
Step 6 — Check Your Account and Confirm Receipt
Once the transfer arrives, it will appear in your account as an incoming credit, often labelled as a foreign remittance. If it does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact your bank with the sender's reference number to trace the transfer.
What If You Don't Have a Japanese Bank Account Yet?
Opening a bank account in Japan as a foreign resident can take time. Many traditional banks ask for around six months of residence history before approving a new account. Beginner-friendly options include Japan Post Bank (Yucho Bank), which can often be opened sooner, and online banks such as Rakuten Bank, Sony Bank, and SBI Shinsei Bank. You will typically need your residence card (zairyu card), a registered Japanese address, and a Japanese phone number.
While you are waiting to open a bank account, Wise (a licensed e-money service in Japan) can be a practical interim solution. Wise allows you to receive, hold, and convert JPY and other currencies using your own dedicated account details — without needing a Japanese bank account. This is not a bank account and works differently, but it can bridge the gap while you get settled.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Giving the sender an incomplete or incorrect account number — always double-check before sharing
- Forgetting to include the branch code alongside the account number
- Assuming the name on the transfer will be automatically matched — it must match your registered name exactly
- Not checking whether your account is enabled for international incoming transfers
- Ignoring potential receiving fees that your Japanese bank may deduct from the transferred amount
Summary: Receiving International Transfers as a Foreign Resident in Japan
Receiving an international money transfer to your Japanese bank account is straightforward once you know what information to prepare. The key steps are: confirm your account is set up to receive overseas transfers, gather your SWIFT code, branch code, account number, and registered name, share them accurately with the sender, and then track the transfer using a reference number. Fees and timing vary, so always check the latest details on your bank's official website.
If you're still in the process of opening a bank account, don't worry — options like Yucho Bank and online banks are generally more accessible for newcomers, and services like Wise can help you receive funds in the meantime. Getting your financial setup right in Japan takes a little patience, but you're already in the right place to figure it out step by step.