Japan MarketMay 5, 2026·3 min read

How to Open a Corporate Bank Account in Japan

A Japanese corporate account is mandatory for payroll, supplier payments, and compliance with tax authorities.

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Mei Nakamura
Director, Japan Strategy
How to Open a Corporate Bank Account in Japan

Why You Need One

A Japanese corporate account is mandatory for payroll, supplier payments, and compliance with tax authorities.

Required Documents

  • Company registration certificate
  • Representative’s ID
  • Articles of Incorporation
  • Seal (inkan) certificate

Major Banks for Business

  • Mitsubishi UFJ (MUFG)
  • Mizuho Bank
  • Sumitomo Mitsui (SMBC)
  • Online banks like GMO Aozora for startups

Step-by-Step Application

  • Choose your bank
  • Submit documents
  • Attend verification meeting (some require in-person)
  • Wait for account activation

Common Challenges

Foreign-owned companies may face extra scrutiny. Having a physical office and a local director helps.

After Opening

Update your company’s tax registration and notify business partners of the new bank details.

Internal Link Suggestions:

  • Link to Blog #3 (“Entity Registration in Japan”) for prerequisites.
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Written by
Mei Nakamura
Director, Japan Strategy · Deebo Tokyo

Deebo is an international expansion and cross-border ecommerce agency, headquartered in Tokyo, working with foreign brands across Japan, APAC, and 40+ markets worldwide.