JP

Banking & Company Setup Problems

Bank account rejected? Company incorporation issues? We can help you navigate.

Last updated: January 16, 2026

Key Takeaways

  • Personal bank accounts are easier to open with a residence card and stable address
  • Business accounts are very difficult for new companies - expect multiple rejections
  • GK (LLC) is simpler and cheaper to set up than KK (corporation)
  • You'll need a registered seal (jitsuin) for most official procedures

Common Problems We Help With

Personal Bank Account Rejected

Banks refusing to open a personal account for you as a foreigner. This is frustrating but there are options.

Business Bank Account Issues

Can't open a corporate bank account for your company. Banks are very strict with new businesses.

Company Incorporation Failed

Problems setting up a GK or KK company. Issues with documents, address, capital, or seals.

Hanko / Seal / Notarization Issues

Confusion about what seals you need, where to get them, or notarization requirements.

Why Can't I Open a Personal Bank Account?

Banks in Japan are notoriously conservative, and foreigners often face additional scrutiny. Here's what's happening: **Common Rejection Reasons**: - **Residence period too short**: Banks prefer 6+ months in Japan - **No stable address**: Temporary housing doesn't count - **Short visa duration**: Less than 1 year remaining is risky for banks - **No Japanese phone number**: Required for most applications - **Previous account issues**: If you closed accounts badly before - **Insufficient Japanese**: Some branches require basic Japanese **Banks That Are More Foreigner-Friendly**: 1. **Shinsei Bank**: Online-focused, English support 2. **Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ)**: More lenient requirements 3. **Sony Bank**: Good for those with online banking experience 4. **SMBC Prestia**: Specifically targets foreigners

Why Is It So Hard to Open a Business Bank Account?

Business accounts are even harder than personal accounts. Banks are extremely cautious with new companies: **Why Banks Reject New Business Accounts**: - **Fraud prevention**: Many shell company scams in Japan - **No track record**: Your company has no financial history - **Virtual office**: Physical office strongly preferred - **Capital too low**: Minimum ¥1-3 million often expected - **Business description unclear**: Banks want to understand what you do - **Director's personal situation**: Your visa, residence history matters **What Actually Works**: 1. Start with a personal account at the bank 2. Build 6-12 months of business history 3. Get a physical office address 4. Have substantial capital (¥3M+) 5. Prepare detailed business documentation 6. Consider starting with Japan Post Bank

GK (LLC) vs KK (Corporation) Comparison

GK (合同会社)KK (株式会社)
Setup cost~¥100,000~¥250,000
Minimum capital¥1 (but practically ¥500K+)¥1 (but practically ¥1M+)
Setup time1-2 weeks2-4 weeks
CredibilityLower (but improving)Higher (traditional)
Structure flexibilityVery flexibleMore rigid
Best forSmall businesses, startupsLarger operations, investors

Step-by-Step: Opening a Personal Bank Account

  1. 1

    Gather required documents

    Residence card, passport, proof of address (utility bill), employment info, phone number.

  2. 2

    Choose the right bank

    Research foreigner-friendly banks. Shinsei, JP Bank, Sony Bank are good starting points.

  3. 3

    Make an appointment

    Some banks require appointments for new accounts. Call ahead or book online.

  4. 4

    Visit the branch

    Go during weekday business hours. Bring all documents and be prepared to wait.

  5. 5

    Fill out application

    Complete forms carefully. Ask for help if Japanese is difficult.

  6. 6

    Wait for approval

    Cash cards arrive by mail in 1-2 weeks. Online banking may need separate activation.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Banking

Very difficult. Most banks require at least a 6-month visa with 6+ months remaining. Tourist visas cannot open accounts.

For most traditional banks, basic Japanese helps significantly. Shinsei Bank and Sony Bank offer English services.

A hanko (印鑑) is a personal seal used instead of signatures in Japan. For bank accounts, you can often use a signature instead, but for company registration you'll need a registered seal (jitsuin/実印).

Legally just ¥1, but practically you need ¥500,000-1,000,000 for a GK and ¥1,000,000+ for a KK to be taken seriously by banks and partners.

Related Problems We Help With

Visa Problems

Visa denied, renewal rejected, COE issues, overstay concerns

Housing Problems

Apartment rejection, no guarantor, discrimination issues

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