The first thing you should do when living in Japan is to open a bank account. In this article, I I will introduce how to open an account at Japan Post Bank for foreign residents in Japan. I will explain the necessary documents and how to write the application form in an easy-to-understand manner with images.
Contents
Bank in Japan
There are more than 50 banks in Japan. Mizuho Bank and Resona Bank, which are popular mainly in the metropolitan area, and other local cities have their own local banks. You must undergo an examination to open a bank account, but in this article, I will explain how to open an account at Japan Post Bank(ゆうちょ銀行 / ゆうちょ ぎんこう), which makes it easy for foreigners to open an account. Japan Post Bank has branches and ATMs all over Japan, and 60% of foreigners living in Japan have Japan Post Bank accounts.

This app is famous for foreigners who send money overseas. My friends also use this app to send money overseas.
What you need to open an account

- Residence card(在留カード / ざいりゅう かーど)
- Address in Japan
- The period of residence certification remains at least 3 months from the date of application for opening an account.
- Student ID card or employee ID card
Only for those whose status of residence is “College Student” or “Technical Intern Training”.
It may be confirmed by phone whether you are enrolled.
* Japan Post Bank can open an account without having a phone number.
Flow of opening an account at Japan Post Bank


You can open an account at the counter, but I recommend that you complete the procedure online as there are only staff who can speak only Japanese.


It recommend a general account for which a passbook is issued.




Take the printed PDF and necessary items to the post office(郵便局 / ゆうびんきょく) counter.
※Business hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00p.m. on weekdays.

You will receive your bankbook and bank card. at that time, you will be asked to show a Residence card to verify your identity.
If you leave your home do not receive it, you will request a redelivery.
The above is the flow of opening an account at Japan Post Bank. I also do twitter, so feel free to message me if you have any questions.

I am so grateful with your response Yoji-san! It was very detailed, thank you so much! 😍