If you earn a salary in Japan and want to send money home regularly, you may be wondering whether international direct deposit from Japan — having your employer send part of your pay directly to a foreign bank account — is even possible, and whether it is worth it compared to other options. The short answer: it is possible in some workplaces, but it is not common, and for most foreign residents a dedicated remittance service will be cheaper and more flexible. Read on for a clear breakdown of your real choices.
Can Your Employer Send Your Salary Directly to a Foreign Bank Account?
Japanese labour law requires employers to pay salaries in Japanese yen, into a Japanese bank account, on a fixed date. This means a true international payroll direct deposit — where your employer wires your salary overseas on payday — is generally not a standard option at most Japanese companies.
That said, there are two situations where something close to it exists:
- Multinational companies with global payroll systems: Some large international employers operating in Japan can split payroll so that a portion goes to a home-country bank account. This is handled entirely by the employer's HR or payroll department. If you work for such a company, ask HR directly — it depends on their internal systems and any bilateral tax or social security agreements.
- Specialist employer-linked remittance programmes: A small number of Japanese companies partner with licensed money transfer operators to offer employees a discounted or simplified remittance service as a workplace benefit. This is not a direct deposit — your salary still lands in your Japanese account first — but transfers can be arranged automatically each month.
For the vast majority of foreign residents, the practical route is: receive salary in Japan → transfer to home country yourself using a remittance service. The good news is that modern services make this fast, cheap, and easy to automate.
The Real Cost of Sending Money Home: What to Compare
Many people focus only on the transfer fee, but the true cost has two parts:
- Transfer fee: The flat or percentage fee charged per transaction.
- Exchange-rate margin: The difference between the real mid-market rate and the rate you actually receive. This hidden cost can easily exceed the advertised fee.
Always get a live quote and check both figures before you send. Apps from Wise and Remitly show the total cost upfront, which makes comparison straightforward.
Your Main Options Compared
| Method | Typical Cost | Speed | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | Low fee + real mid-market rate (check app for live quote) | Often same day or next day | App-based, easy to repeat | Regular transfers where rate matters most |
| Remitly | Competitive; promotional rate often available for first transfer (check app) | Economy (slower) or Express (fast) options | App-based; cash pickup available in many countries | First-time senders; countries where cash pickup is needed |
| Japanese megabank wire (e.g. MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho) | High fixed fee + wide exchange-rate margin (confirm at your branch) | 1–5 business days | In-branch or online banking | Large one-off amounts where you already use the bank |
| Japan Post Bank (Yucho) | Fixed fee; check Yucho's official site for current rates | A few business days | Post office counters nationwide | Residents in rural areas without easy bank access |
Note: All fees and exchange rates change frequently. The figures above are general guidance only. Always check the latest live quote on each provider's official app or website before sending.
Step-by-Step: How to Set Up a Regular Remittance from Japan
Step 1 – Gather Your Documents
To register with a remittance service in Japan you will normally need:
- Your Residence Card (在留カード / Zairyu Card) — this is the most important ID document
- A Japanese bank account or a Japanese debit/credit card to fund the transfer
- The recipient's full bank account details (account number, bank name, branch code, SWIFT/BIC code, and sometimes IBAN depending on the destination country)
Step 2 – Register and Verify Your Account
Download the app for Wise or Remitly (or visit their website), create an account, and complete identity verification. You will upload a photo of your Residence Card and possibly take a selfie. Verification usually takes a few minutes to a few hours.
Step 3 – Get a Live Quote Before You Commit
Enter the amount you want to send and check the total cost — fee plus exchange rate — before confirming. This is the number that matters, not the headline rate.
Step 4 – Set Up a Recurring Transfer
Both Wise and Remitly allow you to schedule repeat transfers. Once your recipient account is saved, you can set a monthly transfer to go out automatically, which is the closest alternative to an international direct deposit for most people.
Step 5 – Confirm Delivery
You will receive a notification when the transfer is sent and when it arrives. Keep records of your transfers — this can be useful for tax purposes in both Japan and your home country.
What to Watch Out For
- Sending limits: Each service has daily and monthly limits. If you need to send a large amount, check the limit for your account level before signing up.
- Destination country restrictions: Not every service supports every country or every payout method. Confirm that your home country and preferred payout method (bank deposit, cash pickup, mobile wallet) are supported.
- Tax obligations: Sending money home is generally not taxable in itself, but if you are sending large amounts you may have reporting obligations in Japan or your home country. This article is general practical information, not tax advice — consult a tax professional if you are unsure.
- Exchange-rate timing: Rates move daily. If you are not in a hurry, you can monitor the rate and send when it is more favourable.
Summary: The Smartest Way to Send Your Japanese Salary Home
True international direct deposit from Japan — employer-to-foreign-bank — is rare and depends entirely on your company's payroll setup. For most foreign residents, the practical and cost-effective solution is to receive your salary in Japan as normal and use a licensed specialist service like Wise or Remitly to transfer funds home, either manually or on a automatic monthly schedule.
When choosing a service, always compare the total cost (fee plus exchange-rate margin), not just the advertised fee. Check delivery speed and available payout methods for your specific destination country. Keep your Residence Card and Japanese bank details handy for registration.
Setting this up takes less than an hour, and once it is running you can send money home with just a few taps each month. You have already taken the big step of building a life in Japan — sending your earnings safely back to your family is one of the easier parts once you know the right tools to use.