Hi, everyone.

Do you think it is possible to set up a bank account in Japan (if you reside elsewhere permanently) AND KEEP it for several years?

I have never been to Japan yet and don’t have any Alien Registration Cards or anything like that. From what I have gathered it seems pretty easy though to do so once you are there… And they don’t charge you much…

Does anyone have any advice or personal experience to share with me?

Thanks.

I have two Japanese bank accounts, and a credit card. Not with the Japanese office of Citibank, for example, but with native Japanese banks. All obtained when I lived there. I don't live there now, but have kept them all for almost 20 years.

So yes, it's possible. On the other hand, it can be extraordinarily difficult for foreigners to open an account at times. Every conceivable roadblock is placed in one's way.

SMBC(三井住友) is a pretty good bank in my experience. (I'll find out just how good when I go in on Monday and try to get a Cashier's Check cashed..)
I set up an account with them a few years ago and spent a year in America in between but when I got back it was like I'd never left as far as the bank is concerned. I believe you'll need a Japanese address, phone and residence card in order to set it up, though. If you've got all that it shouldn't be very difficult. The trick is getting the phone without a bank account...

In order to open up your bank account you need your gaijin card and a certificate of residence (住民票) issued by your local town office.

Just take those two items down to the bank and ask to open an account and you're set.

Note: they may or may not ask to copy your passport. I opened my account 4 years ago and forgot if they asked for it. Best take it with you just in case.



Like I said, I opened my account more than 4 years ago and went back to the states for grad school without closing my account. Now I'm back in Japan and my account is still open.

Thanks for your helpful answers!

Now I know what to do. Thing is, right now, I'll be staying for 2 weeks only. I'll go there for a whole year later in 2014 I suppose...

You won't be able to open a bank account if you're only there for 2 weeks. Why would you want to anyway?

Yeah, that's not cool..


Simple.

So Japan-based agencies that accept Japanese bank accounts only can pay me for my work (interpreting).

It's possible that if you work through the agency they could get something set up for you -- your best bet would be to ask them.

kitakitsune Wrote:In order to open up your bank account you need your gaijin card and a certificate of residence (住民票) issued by your local town office.

Gaijin cards don't exist anymore, you just need your residence card.

dizmox Wrote:

kitakitsune Wrote:In order to open up your bank account you need your gaijin card and a certificate of residence (住民票) issued by your local town office.

Gaijin cards don't exist anymore, you just need your residence card.

Yea that's just a technicality. 在留カード are just renamed gaijin cards.

@yudantaiteki: Yeah, problem solved. They’ll just wire it.

@all: Now all I want is to get this 在留カード as soon as possible xD

Thank you.

PS: Here’s some info on the said card.
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/newimmiact_1/index.html

Get a visa and come to Japan and they'll just print your card for you right at immigration at the airport.

Thanks, I'll try that.