For international students who have just arrived in Japan, money transactions in life are essential. Whether it is receiving a salary from a part-time job, receiving living expenses, or paying utility bills, it is necessary to open a bank account.
However, international students need to prepare some necessary documents to open a bank account and meet certain conditions to successfully open an account. Therefore, before opening a bank account, international students need to be aware of the relevant regulations and requirements.
Next, we will briefly introduce to the students the requirements and documents required for foreigners to open a Japanese bank account, and what steps are required to open an account.
Foreigners in JapanConditions for opening a bank account.
You must know that not every foreigner is able to open an ordinary bank account at will, and many banks have set some conditions. Only foreign nationals who have lived in Japan for more than 6 months and whose purpose is to work or study abroad can open a regular bank account. However, this does not mean that students who have not lived in Japan for more than 6 months are not allowed to open a bank account. Students who have lived for more than 3 months but less than 6 months can open a "Non-Resident Savings" account. So, what is the difference between a regular account and a non-resident JPY savings account? The answer is yes, the functionality of a "non-resident savings" account is somewhat limited compared to a regular bank account. The rules vary from bank to bank, but in most cases, "non-resident savings" accounts may have restrictions on sending money overseas, the inability to withdraw money from ATMs, the inability to deduct money directly from the account (such as rent, utilities, etc.), and high fees. Generally speaking, the function of the "non-resident savings" account is basically only deposit and withdrawal, and there may be some inconveniences in actual use.
Documents required for foreigners to open a bank account
What documents do foreigners need to provide to open a bank account in Japan? 1.Identification document (proof of identity).In the case of foreigners, it is necessary to prove that you are the person and have the right to reside in Japan, so you will need to provide documents such as your residence card, passport, and special permanent resident certificate. In addition, some banks may also require health insurance, student or employee IDs, etc. 
2.A document that can be used to confirm the addressDocuments that can prove that the address declared at the bank is indeed the actual residential address. For example, a residence card with address information, a certificate of residence, and a bill for solar and heat bills (electricity, gas, and water). 3.SealsWhen signing important contracts in Japan, it is common to use a seal instead of a signature. In addition, you may also need a seal for renting a house, applying for a solar and heat fee, etc. 
Since the seal of Japan** is mainly a common surname in Japan, if there is no seal, it is recommended that students make it in China and bring it to Japan. 4.*number).When opening a bank account, you will need to provide a ** number in Japan that you can contact. 
Steps to open a bank account
1.Go to a bank branchBring the documents required to open a bank account (identity verification document, address confirmation document, seal, ** to the bank.) 
Large banks may have multiple branches, and if the branch you choose is far away from your home or place of work, you may be asked for reasons and sometimes even refused to open an account, so it is recommended that students choose a branch that is close to home or from the place of work. 2.Application ProceduresFollow the instructions of the bank staff to open an account. The staff will generally verify the name, address, date of birth, etc. of the students. 
Since the Bank of Japan currently conducts procedures such as identity verification when opening an account to prevent money laundering and misuse of funds, it may be necessary to conduct some complicated communication in Japanese. It is recommended that students who are not fluent in Japanese learn the relevant oral expressions in advance. 3.Pick up your ATM cardGenerally, after completing the account opening procedures, you can receive the passbook on the spot. However, the passbook can only be deposited and withdrawn at the bank counter, and the bank card that can be deposited or withdrawn at the ATM will be sent to the student's residence within a week.
The above are the conditions and documents required for foreigners to open a Japanese bank account, as well as the steps to open an account.