Japan Post-Arrival Bureaucracy Checklist
The 5 steps every foreigner must complete after arriving in Japan — filtered by your visa type, with required documents and tips.
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Bank Comparison for Foreigners
Last updated: 2026-03
Which bank should you choose? Here is a comparison of 6 banks that accept foreign residents.
| Bank | 6-Month Rule | English Support | Required Docs | Online Banking | Best For |
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What is the 6-month rule?
Under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (FEFTA), residents in Japan less than 6 months are classified as "non-residents". Non-resident accounts have restrictions: no online banking, no debit card, limited ATM hours. After 6 months, visit your bank to upgrade to a full resident account.
What Next?
Last updated: 2026-03
Once you have completed all 5 steps, you are set up for life in Japan.
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