A step-by-step guide for opening a corporate bank account

Use this checklist to help you chart a path to opening your company bank account in Japan.

Step 1: Audit your business.  

Ensure your business has a clear online presence, a landline phone number, enough capital, a clear company business plan, and proof of doing business (invoices, receipts, etc.).

If your business lacks in any of these areas, focus on improvements before applying to open a business bank account.

Step 2: Prepare your documents.

Apply for and gather all the documents you need for the initial application.

Refer to the bank's website for the bank's document requirements, which will often request:

• Copy of corporate registration (within 3 months)
• Corporate seal certificate (within 3 months)
• Articles of Incorporation (Verified with original)
• Documents verifying the ultimate beneficial owner(s):

• Shareholder register
• ID of the major shareholder (front and back)
• If the beneficial owner is a corporation, shareholder register of that corporation and ID of its major shareholder (front and back)

• Documents that can confirm business details

• General investor relation materials showing the business plan in Japan
• Website information
• Brochures, if available

• Document verifying the business location (e.g., office lease agreement)

If you have a representative applying on your corporate’s behalf, they will need to submit the following documents:

• Document proving the relationship between the representative and the corporation

• (5) Power of attorney (separately attached)

• Identity verification document for the representative
• Identification documents of the representative’s director
• Identification documents of the person handling the application process

Additional, for corporations that has been established in Japan for more than one year will need to submit their most recent third quarter financial statements.

Step 3: Fill out and send in your application form.

The application form will likely need to be filled out in Japanese. Fill out the form and make sure all the correct documents are included.

Step 4: Wait for approval.

The bank will screen your documents. This process typically takes between 1 to 2 weeks.

The bank most often requests an in-person appointment to verify documents and ask any unanswered questions.  

Step 5: In-person appointment at the bank.

After the document screening, the bank will ask you for an appointment. Bring the documents they requested, usually:

• All original documents that were previously submitted via email
• A copy (both sides) of all identification documents

• Copies will be accepted for documents that cannot be submitted in original form.

• Identification document with a photo of the visitor
• Corporate bank seal
• Cash for deposit on the day (at least 1 yen)
• Company stamp (with address, company name, and representative's name)
• Business card

At this point, the bank may ask you a few questions about your business, so it's best to be prepared to explain your business' mission eloquently. If you need language support, such as an interpreter, that individual must bring a photo ID.

It may take 1-2 hours to confirm the documents, fill out the account opening documents, and create the card for the account.

Step 6: Banking documents are sent to your registered address.

The process will be complete once the banking documents (cash card, passbook, contract, and other related banking documents) arrive at your business' registered address.

Congratulations!

You now know how to open a corporate bank account in Japan.