If you are a foreign resident in Japan sending money home for the first time, it is completely normal to feel a little uncertain about where to start. This remittance checklist for foreign residents in Japan will walk you through every document and piece of information you need to gather before you transfer — so there are no surprises halfway through the process.
Why Preparation Matters Before You Send
Remittance services in Japan — whether you use a specialist app like Wise or Remitly, a Japanese bank, or a traditional money-transfer counter — will ask you to verify who you are and who you are sending money to. Having everything ready in advance saves time, avoids failed transfers, and helps your money reach your family faster.
Your Remittance Checklist: What to Prepare
Work through each section below before you open an app or visit a transfer counter.
1. Your Identity Documents
Every licensed remittance service in Japan is legally required to confirm your identity. You will typically need:
- Residence card (在留カード, zairyu card) — this is the most important document. Make sure it is current and not expired.
- Passport — some services ask for this in addition to, or instead of, your residence card.
- My Number card — occasionally accepted as a supplementary ID, but not always required.
Keep a clear photo or scan of both sides of your residence card on your phone. Many apps let you upload it digitally during account registration, which is much more convenient.
2. Your Japanese Bank Account or Payment Method
Most remittance services require a Japanese bank account to fund the transfer. Some also accept Japanese debit or credit cards. You will need:
- Your bank account number and branch number (支店番号)
- Your bank's name and branch name
- Your registered name exactly as it appears on the account
If you do not yet have a Japanese bank account, opening one should be your first step. Japan Post Bank (Yucho) and some regional banks are relatively accessible for newcomers.
3. Recipient's Personal Details
You will need to tell the service exactly who is receiving the money. Prepare the following for your recipient:
- Full legal name (spelled exactly as it appears on their official ID or bank account)
- Home address
- Phone number (required by some services)
- Relationship to you (family member, friend, etc.) — some services ask this for compliance reasons
Even a small spelling mistake in the recipient's name can cause a transfer to be delayed or returned, so double-check this carefully.
4. Recipient's Bank Account Details
If you are sending directly to a bank account (the most common method), you will need:
- Bank name and branch name
- Account number
- SWIFT/BIC code — an 8- or 11-character international bank identifier. Your recipient can get this from their bank.
- IBAN — required for transfers to Europe and some other regions. Not all countries use IBAN, so check whether your destination country needs one.
- Routing number or sort code — used in the United States and the United Kingdom respectively, instead of or alongside an IBAN.
- Account type — savings or current/checking, depending on the country.
Ask your recipient to check these details directly with their bank. A wrong SWIFT code is one of the most common causes of a failed international transfer.
5. Transfer Purpose (Reason for Sending)
Services are required by Japanese financial regulations to record why you are sending money. Common options you may be asked to choose from include:
- Family support / living expenses
- Savings
- Education fees
- Payment for goods or services
Simply select the option that honestly describes your situation. This is a routine compliance step, not something to worry about.
Information to Compare Before You Choose a Service
Once your documents are ready, take a few minutes to compare your options. The real cost of a transfer is not just the upfront fee — it also includes the exchange-rate margin the service applies.
| What to Compare | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Transfer fee | A fixed or percentage fee charged per transfer |
| Exchange-rate margin | The difference between the rate you get and the real mid-market rate — this can cost more than the fee itself |
| Delivery speed | Some services offer same-day or next-day delivery; others take several business days |
| Payout method | Bank deposit, cash pickup, or mobile wallet — check what is available in your recipient's country |
| Sending limits | Some services have daily or monthly caps, especially for new accounts |
For example, Wise uses the real mid-market exchange rate with a transparent upfront fee, so you can see exactly what your recipient will receive before you confirm. Remitly often offers a promotional rate for your first transfer and provides both economy (slower, lower cost) and express (faster) delivery options, as well as cash pickup in many countries. Bank wire transfers from Japanese megabanks tend to be the most expensive route overall because of high fixed fees and a less favourable exchange-rate margin.
Fees and exchange rates change constantly. Always check the live quote inside the official app or website immediately before you send — the figure you see today may be different tomorrow.
Quick Pre-Send Checklist
- ✅ Residence card is valid and not expired
- ✅ Passport is accessible if needed
- ✅ Your Japanese bank account details are confirmed
- ✅ Recipient's full name is spelled correctly
- ✅ Recipient's bank account number, SWIFT/BIC, IBAN or routing number is confirmed
- ✅ Transfer purpose is decided
- ✅ You have compared the total cost (fee + exchange rate) on the live quote screen
Summary: You Are More Ready Than You Think
Sending money from Japan as a foreign resident is straightforward once you know what to gather. Your residence card, your Japanese bank account, and your recipient's verified bank details are the three things that matter most. Everything else — choosing between services like Wise, Remitly, or a bank transfer, and comparing fees and exchange rates — becomes much easier once those basics are in place.
Take five minutes now to message your recipient and ask them to confirm their bank details and SWIFT code. That one step alone prevents the majority of transfer problems. Once you have done your first successful transfer, the process feels much more manageable — and your family back home will be very glad you figured it out.
This article is general practical information only and is not financial or legal advice. Fees, exchange rates, and service conditions change frequently — always confirm the latest details on each service's official website or app before transferring.