Independent consultants and consulting firms in Japan usually want low running costs, simple invoicing, and good handling of foreign currency when clients are abroad. Sole proprietors can often open an online bank account fairly easily, while a consulting company is opened with a Japanese bank once incorporated. Wise Business serves companies registered in Japan for cross border payments.
Suits consultants best
An online bank for low cost day to day, plus a cross border payments provider for overseas clients
Typical monthly fee
No account fee at several online banks; megabank online banking from about 1,760 yen a month
Non resident position
Difficult for a company. Most banks expect a company incorporated in Japan and a resident director
Charged in
Japanese yen (JPY)
Fees and features as of 9 February 2026Last reviewed 9 February 2026
General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.
Consultants in Japan often run as a sole proprietor or a small company, so the priorities are low running costs, clean invoicing, and the ability to receive client payments at home and abroad. An online bank such as GMO Aozora Net Bank keeps day to day costs low, Wise Business serves companies registered in Japan for foreign currency, and a megabank such as SMBC suits a consulting firm that wants a branch relationship. Compare the per transfer cost and conversion margin against any monthly fee. Information as of 9 February 2026, not advice.
What consultants in Japan need from a business account
Consultants typically have a small number of larger invoices, light cash handling, and sometimes overseas clients. The priorities are usually clear invoicing, low fixed costs, reliable electronic banking, and reasonable foreign currency handling when clients pay from abroad. Sole proprietors can often open online bank accounts more easily than at a megabank, while a consulting company that is incorporated in Japan can choose between an online bank and a traditional bank. Many banks expect a resident representative director for a company account.
G
GMO Aozora Net Bank
Online bank with low running costs for sole proprietors and incorporated companies, with electronic banking and cards.
Receives and holds many currencies and serves companies registered in Japan, useful for consultants with overseas clients. It is a money services provider, not a bank.
These providers serve consultants that operate as a Japan registered business. Fees and eligibility shown as of 9 February 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.
Can a consultant work as a sole proprietor in Japan and open an account?
Yes. A sole proprietor can usually open a business account, often more easily at an online bank than at a megabank. Banks ask for identification and evidence of the business activity. Requirements vary, so confirm with the provider, as of 9 February 2026.
How do consultants in Japan get paid by overseas clients?
Many use a Japanese bank for domestic settlement and add Wise Business, which serves companies registered in Japan, to receive and hold foreign currency. Conversion margins and transfer fees apply, so compare them, as of 9 February 2026.
Is there a low cost account for an independent consultant?
Several online banks keep running costs low and some charge no account management fee, though transaction fees still apply. Confirm the current fee schedule with the provider, as of 9 February 2026.
Does a consulting company need a resident director to open an account?
For a company account, many banks expect the representative director to be resident in Japan with a valid status of residence. This is the main hurdle for overseas founders. Treat it as unclear and verify with the provider, as of 9 February 2026.
Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 9 February 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.