If you're searching for how to open a bank account in Japan without a My Number as a foreigner, you're not alone. Many newcomers arrive in Japan, get their residence card, and then discover that setting up a bank account involves more steps than expected — including questions about the My Number (individual identification number) system. This guide walks you through what My Number actually means for your bank application, which banks are more foreigner-friendly, and what to do if you're not ready yet.
Does Every Bank Require a My Number?
The short answer: not always, but it depends on the bank and the type of account.
My Number is Japan's national identification number assigned to all residents, including foreign nationals. Banks are required by law to collect My Number for certain financial products — particularly accounts that generate interest income subject to tax reporting, or when you open investment accounts. For a basic savings or ordinary deposit account (futsuu yokin), some banks allow you to open the account first and submit your My Number later.
In practice, rules differ by institution. Some banks make My Number registration mandatory at the point of application; others let you provide it within a set period after opening. Always confirm the current policy directly with your chosen bank before applying, as requirements can and do change.
What Documents Do You Typically Need?
Whether or not My Number is required upfront, here are the documents most banks ask for from foreign residents:
- Residence card (Zairyu Card) — this is almost always required as your primary ID
- Japanese address — you must be registered in the municipal resident register
- Japanese phone number — many banks require a local number for verification and notifications
- Personal seal (hanko) — some traditional banks still require this, though it is becoming less common
- My Number Card or My Number notification letter — required by some banks, optional at others for a basic account
If you don't yet have a My Number notification letter or card, contact your local municipal office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho). It is usually issued within a few weeks of registering your address.
Which Banks Are More Accessible for Foreign Residents?
Not all banks treat new foreign residents the same way. Here is a practical overview to help you compare your options. Confirm the latest requirements on each bank's official website before applying.
| Bank | Residency Requirement | English Support | Application Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan Post Bank (Yucho) | Generally flexible — often accessible soon after arrival | Limited (multilingual leaflets available at some branches) | In-branch | Wide ATM network; widely accepted for salary deposits |
| Rakuten Bank | No strict minimum stated; requires valid residence card | Some English interface available online | Online | Convenient for online shopping and transfers; fully digital |
| Sony Bank | Requires valid residence card | English website and support available | Online | Good for international transfers and multi-currency features |
| SBI Shinsei Bank | Requires valid residence card | English support available | Online | Competitive international transfer fees; popular with expats |
| Major city banks (e.g., MUFG, SMBC) | Often require approximately 6 months of residence | Limited | In-branch | May be more difficult for new arrivals |
As a general guide, online banks such as Rakuten Bank, Sony Bank and SBI Shinsei Bank tend to be more accessible for foreigners, partly because their application processes are designed to be completed digitally with clear document upload steps. Japan Post Bank (Yucho) is often recommended as a first option because of its widespread presence and relatively relaxed approach to new residents. Traditional city banks, on the other hand, frequently require around six months of established residence, which can be a barrier for newcomers.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
For an online bank (e.g., Rakuten Bank, Sony Bank, SBI Shinsei Bank)
- Register your address at your local municipal office and obtain your residence card if you haven't already.
- Get a Japanese phone number — many online banks require SMS verification.
- Visit the bank's official website and start the online application.
- Upload photos of your residence card (front and back) and any other requested documents.
- Complete identity verification as instructed (this may include a video check or postal confirmation).
- If prompted, provide your My Number — or note the deadline by which you must submit it later.
- Wait for your cash card to arrive by post, then activate your account.
For Japan Post Bank (Yucho) — in-branch
- Bring your residence card and Japanese address confirmation.
- Bring a hanko (personal seal) if you have one — check with your local branch whether it is required.
- Visit any Japan Post Bank branch and ask to open an ordinary deposit account (futsuu yokin).
- Complete the application form with staff assistance.
- Your passbook and/or cash card will usually be issued promptly or sent by mail.
What If You're Not Ready to Open a Bank Account Yet?
If you've just arrived, are waiting for documents, or have been turned down, you're not stuck. Wise is a licensed e-money service (not a bank, but regulated) that allows you to hold, receive and convert Japanese yen and other currencies using your own account details. Many foreign residents in Japan use Wise as a practical interim solution for receiving salary payments, paying bills and sending money internationally while they get their bank account set up.
Wise is not a replacement for a Japanese bank account in the long run — some employers, landlords and utility companies specifically require a Japanese bank account — but it can bridge the gap in those early weeks or months.
Practical Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Register your address at the municipal office as soon as possible after arriving — this is a prerequisite for almost everything.
- Get a Japanese SIM card early. A local phone number is needed for most bank applications. Services such as GTN Mobile offer SIM cards designed for foreign residents without a credit history in Japan.
- If a bank asks for My Number and you don't have it yet, ask whether you can submit it after opening the account, and find out the deadline.
- Prepare a digital copy (photo or scan) of your residence card — online banks will ask for this.
- If language is a barrier, try banks with English support first, or bring a Japanese-speaking friend to an in-branch application.
Summary: Opening a Bank Account in Japan Without a My Number
Opening a bank account in Japan as a foreigner is very achievable — even if you don't have your My Number ready yet. The key is choosing the right bank for your situation. Online banks like Rakuten Bank, Sony Bank and SBI Shinsei Bank, and in-person options like Japan Post Bank (Yucho), are generally more accessible for new foreign residents than major city banks, which often require a longer residency history.
My Number is required for some accounts and some banks, but not always at the moment of opening a basic deposit account. Always confirm directly with your chosen bank, as rules are updated periodically and this guide is intended as a starting point, not a guarantee of current requirements.
Getting your residence card registered, securing a Japanese phone number, and starting with a foreigner-friendly bank will take you a long way. Take it one step at a time — thousands of foreign residents successfully navigate this process every year, and you can too.