How to open a business account in Japan: steps and documents

Snapshot

To open a business account in Japan you normally need a company incorporated in Japan, its registered documents, the company seal and seal certificate, identification for the representative director, and proof of a business address. Many banks expect the representative director to be resident in Japan, and due diligence has tightened. Online banks can open quickly once the company is registered, while a megabank usually takes longer with a deeper review.

Who can open: A company incorporated in Japan, or a sole proprietor at several online banks
Key documents: Certificate of registered matters, articles, registered seal and seal certificate, ID, address proof
Residency: Most banks expect a Japan resident representative director
Typical timeline: Same day to a few days at some online banks; about two to three weeks at a megabank

Fees and features as of 20 April 2026Last reviewed 20 April 2026

General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.

As of 20 April 2026, opening a business account in Japan starts with incorporation. Banks normally require a company registered in Japan, such as a kabushiki kaisha or a godo kaisha, and ask for the certificate of registered matters, the articles of incorporation, the registered company seal and its seal certificate, identification for the representative director, and proof of a business address. Many banks expect the representative director to be resident in Japan, and due diligence has tightened. Online banks such as GMO Aozora Net Bank can open quickly once the company is registered, while a megabank such as MUFG Bank usually takes around two to three weeks with a deeper review. Confirm the exact requirements with the provider before applying.

The steps to open a business account in Japan

The path is broadly the same across banks, with online banks moving faster and megabanks asking for more. First, incorporate the company in Japan and register it, which produces the certificate of registered matters. Second, register the company seal and obtain its seal certificate from the Legal Affairs Bureau, since the seal is central to Japanese corporate banking. Third, gather the supporting documents, including the articles of incorporation, identification for the representative director, and proof of a business address. Fourth, apply to the provider, online for an online bank or through a branch for a megabank, and complete the due diligence, which can include an interview and questions about your activities and source of funds. As of 20 April 2026, confirm each provider's current list before you start.

Documents banks usually ask for

Expect to provide the certificate of registered matters, the articles of incorporation, the registered company seal and its seal certificate, identification for the representative director and sometimes other officers, and proof of a business address. Some banks require the seal certificate to have been issued recently, often within three to six months. A dedicated physical office tends to help, since virtual or shared addresses can draw extra scrutiny. As of 20 April 2026, verify the exact documents and their validity periods with the provider.

Residency and due diligence

Most banks expect at least one representative who is resident in Japan, and reviews have become stricter. Reforms to the business manager visa in October 2025 raised the capital and hiring expectations for foreign founders, which has made the path harder for some. A clear explanation of the business, its customers, and its source of funds helps the review go smoothly. As of 20 April 2026, confirm the residency requirement with the provider and check your own visa position.

How to prepare before you apply

Complete incorporation and obtain the certificate of registered matters and the seal certificate.
Prepare identification, the articles, and proof of a business address, and check the seal certificate is recent enough.
Choose between an online bank for speed and a megabank for branch service and lending, then confirm that provider's current document list before applying.

Compare business accounts available in Japan

These providers serve business customers in Japan. Fees and eligibility shown as of 20 April 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

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Questions about opening a business account in Japan

What do you need to open a business account in Japan?

Banks normally require a company incorporated in Japan, such as a kabushiki kaisha or a godo kaisha, with its certificate of registered matters, articles of incorporation, the registered company seal and seal certificate, identification for the representative director, and proof of a business address. Many banks expect the representative director to be resident in Japan. Confirm the exact list with the provider, as of 20 April 2026.

Does the representative director need to live in Japan?

Most banks expect at least one Japan resident representative, and due diligence has tightened. A company without a resident representative often finds account opening difficult. Reforms to the business manager visa in October 2025 also raised the capital and hiring expectations for foreign founders. Confirm the current requirements with the provider and check your visa position, as of 20 April 2026.

How long does it take to open a business account in Japan?

Online banks can be quick once the company is registered, and some advertise same day opening for eligible applicants, while opening at a megabank often takes around two to three weeks with deeper due diligence and an interview. Having the documents ready and a clear business explanation helps. Confirm timelines with the provider, as of 20 April 2026.

Can a sole proprietor open a business account in Japan?

Yes, and it is often simpler than a company account. Several online banks onboard sole proprietors, and GMO Aozora Net Bank offers business accounts for sole proprietors. You usually show identification, your business registration or tax filing, and proof of address. Confirm the requirements with the provider, as of 20 April 2026.

Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 20 April 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.