Opening a bank account is one of the important procedures for international students after arriving in Japan. A Japanese bank account can be used to receive money from family, receive part-time wages, pay for daily expenses and carry out other financial transactions in Japan.
For Vietnamese international students, the account-opening procedure is not always the same as for Japanese citizens. Banks may check your residence status, period of stay, address and purpose of using the account. Depending on the bank, you may also need to provide a student ID card or a certificate of enrolment.
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WHAT DO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS NEED TO OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT?
Before visiting a bank, international students should prepare the following documents:
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Residence Card (在留カード – Zairyū Card)
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Passport
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Student ID card (学生証) or Certificate of Enrolment (在学証明書), depending on the bank
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A Japanese telephone number
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Your address in Japan
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My Number or related documents, if required
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Personal seal (印鑑 – hanko), if required by the bank
For example, Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行) has specific procedures for foreign customers. International students with “Student” residence status may be required to provide a student ID card or a certificate of enrolment in addition to their Residence Card.
Not every bank requires all of the documents listed above. Therefore, it is advisable to check the bank's latest requirements before visiting a branch.
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WHICH BANK SHOULD INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CHOOSE?
There are many banks in Japan that international students can consider, including major banks such as:
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ゆうちょ銀行 (Japan Post Bank)
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三菱UFJ銀行 (MUFG Bank)
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三井住友銀行 (SMBC)
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みずほ銀行 (Mizuho Bank)
There are also many regional banks and online banks.
The requirements, documents and application procedures vary from one bank to another. In particular, foreign nationals may be required to complete the procedure in person at a branch, depending on the bank.
For example, Japan Post Bank currently provides an account-opening process for foreign customers using the Residence Card, while some Residence Cards or specific situations may require procedures at a branch.
For this reason, newly arrived international students should check with their school or the bank directly to confirm the latest account-opening requirements.
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HOW TO OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT IN JAPAN
Step 1: Prepare the required documents
Check your Residence Card, passport, student ID card or certificate of enrolment, together with any other documents required by the bank.
Make sure that the information on your documents is consistent with the information you provide in your application.
Step 2: Visit a bank or apply through the available method
Depending on the bank, you may be able to apply through an app or in person at a branch.
Some banks provide online or app-based account opening for foreign residents, while certain cases require an in-person procedure. Japan Post Bank, for example, provides an application process through its app for eligible foreign customers, while some cases must be handled at a post office or bank counter.
Step 3: Provide your personal information
The bank may ask you to provide:
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Full name
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Address in Japan
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Telephone number
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Date of birth
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Nationality
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Residence status
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Period of stay
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Name of your school
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Purpose of using the account
For foreign customers, Japan Post Bank may also ask for information regarding employment or enrolment in school, tax residency and the purpose of transactions.
Step 4: The bank checks your information
The bank will verify your identity and review your application. In some cases, additional documents or information may be requested.
Do not buy or use a bank account belonging to another person.
Step 5: Receive your account information and cash card
Once your account has been opened, the bank will provide your account details and, depending on the type of account, issue a passbook and/or cash card.
The time required to receive the card depends on the bank and the application method. For example, Japan Post Bank states that its cash card may be mailed to the registered address after the account-opening procedure.
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WHAT CAN YOU USE A JAPANESE BANK CARD FOR?
After opening a bank account, a cash card (キャッシュカード) can generally be used for transactions such as:
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Withdrawing cash from ATMs
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Depositing money
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Checking your account balance
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Making bank transfers
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Receiving money from another account
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Receiving part-time wages when your employer pays salaries by bank transfer
Some banks also offer debit cards and other payment services. However, it is important to understand the difference between the following types of cards:
キャッシュカード (Cash Card)
→ Mainly used for ATM transactions and managing your bank account.
デビットカード (Debit Card)
→ Used to make payments directly from the available balance in your bank account, where this service is provided.
クレジットカード (Credit Card)
→ A credit card with separate application and approval requirements.
Therefore, a Japanese bank cash card and a credit card are not the same type of card.
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CAN INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS USE THEIR BANK ACCOUNT TO RECEIVE PART-TIME WAGES?
Yes. A Japanese bank account can be used to receive wages if your employer pays salaries by bank transfer.
When starting a part-time job, you may be asked to provide:
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Bank name
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Branch name
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Account number
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Account holder's name
Make sure that all information is correct to avoid payment problems.
International students must also comply with the rules governing part-time work for people holding “Student” residence status in Japan. Opening a bank account does not automatically give you permission to work any type of job or work unlimited hours.
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IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER WHEN OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT
You should not open multiple bank accounts unless you have a genuine need to use them.
If you move to a new address, update your address with the bank when required.
If you change your telephone number, check whether your contact details need to be updated.
Most importantly, never lend, sell, transfer or allow another person to use your bank account. Japan Post Bank specifically warns foreign customers that transferring or selling an account, passbook or cash card to another person for their use is illegal.
International students should also never give their ATM card, PIN, online banking password or other security information to another person.
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WHEN SHOULD INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT?
International students should consider opening a bank account after settling their accommodation and completing the necessary registration procedures in Japan.
Some banks check the remaining period of stay and enrolment status. Therefore, preparing all the required documents in advance can help make the application process smoother.
If you have just arrived in Japan, you can ask your school which banks are conveniently located near the school or which banks are commonly used by international students. However, the final account-opening decision and requirements depend on the bank's rules at the time of application.
8. BANK ACCOUNT OPENING CHECKLIST FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Before visiting a bank, check the following:
☐ Residence Card
☐ Passport
☐ Student ID card or Certificate of Enrolment
☐ Japanese telephone number
☐ Registered address in Japan
☐ My Number, if required
☐ Check whether the bank accepts applications from foreign nationals
☐ Check whether the application must be made in person or can be completed online
☐ Keep your PIN confidential
☐ Never lend, sell or transfer your bank account to another person
OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT IS AN IMPORTANT STEP WHEN STUDYING IN JAPAN
For Vietnamese international students, having a Japanese bank account makes it easier to receive money, manage living expenses and make payments in Japan. However, account-opening requirements are not identical across all banks.
Before applying, check the latest requirements of your chosen bank and prepare the necessary documents relating to your residence status, studies and personal information.
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