How Foreigners Can Start Crypto Assets in Japan | Exchange Selection & Account Opening【2026・Residence Card OK】
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📋 Contents
Introduction / What You Will Learn
You might think, "Can foreigners even get started with crypto assets (cryptocurrency) in Japan?" In fact, if you have a residence card, My Number, and a Japanese address, you can apply to open an account at an FSA-registered domestic exchange (subject to each exchange's screening and your visa status).
- Key requirements for foreigners to open an account at a Japanese crypto exchange
- Comparison of domestic exchanges (Coincheck, bitFlyer, GMO Coin, bitbank)
- Account opening procedure (online application → eKYC (online identity verification) → My Number → deposit → purchase)
- How to identify risks from price volatility, scam coins, and unregistered operators
- Issues specific to foreigners (returning home, non-resident status, taxes)
① Can Foreigners Start Using Crypto Assets?
The short answer is: foreigners residing in Japan can open a crypto asset account at an FSA-registered domestic exchange if they meet certain requirements. However, this does not mean "anyone can definitely open an account" — each exchange has its own screening process, and account opening may not be possible depending on your visa type or period of stay.
Main Requirements for Account Opening (Guidelines)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa status | Permanent residence, work-related visas (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, etc.), Dependent, Student, and others. Short-term stay and certain visa categories may not be eligible (check with each exchange) |
| Period of stay | If your remaining period of stay is very short, you may be rejected during screening. Check the conditions of each exchange |
| Residence card | A valid residence card is required (used as identity verification document) |
| My Number | My Number submission is required to open an account (confirm each exchange's procedure) |
| Japanese address | A Japanese address as registered in your residence record (jūminhyō) is required |
| Bank account | A Japanese domestic bank account is required for deposits and withdrawals |
| Email address | For online application and communications |
② Domestic Exchange Comparison
The table below compares FSA-registered domestic exchanges that are accessible to foreigners across six criteria: ease of account opening for foreigners, residence card support, number of supported currencies, approximate fees, multilingual app support, and FSA registration. This is an independent selection by this site. Figures and conditions are approximate; please check each exchange's official website for details.
| Exchange | Ease of opening (foreigners) | Residence card support | Supported currencies (approx.) | Approx. fees | Multilingual app | FSA-registered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coincheck ★ Easiest to open (practical) |
Fully online · simple process eKYC supports residence card photo upload |
Supported (eKYC) | 30+ types (approx.; see official site) | Primarily dealer model (spread applies; see official site) | English, Chinese, etc. (see official site) | Registered |
| bitFlyer | Residence card supported · strong track record | Supported | 20+ types (approx.) | Dealer & exchange model (see official site) | Primarily Japanese (see official site) | Registered |
| GMO Coin | Residence card supported · bank linkage available | Supported | 20+ types (approx.) | Exchange model also available (see official site) | Primarily Japanese (see official site) | Registered |
| bitbank | Residence card supported · strong exchange-model offering | Supported | 30+ types (approx.) | Exchange model with negative maker fee (see official site) | Primarily Japanese (see official site) | Registered |
Why Coincheck ranks #1 for practical ease of account opening: Its standout feature is the fully online process via smartphone eKYC, which is straightforward and simple. The app supports English, Chinese, and other languages (see official site for details), making it easy to navigate for foreigners not fluent in Japanese (screening criteria and visa eligibility conditions should be confirmed directly with each exchange). It handles a wide range of currencies and has an established user base among beginners.
③ Account Opening Procedure
Most domestic exchanges allow you to open an account fully online through the steps below (exact flow may vary slightly by exchange).
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Step 1 Apply | Select "Open Account" on the exchange's official website or app. Register your email address and access the URL in the provisional registration email |
| Step 2 Enter basic information | Enter your name, address, date of birth, visa type, occupation, investment experience, etc. |
| Step 3 Identity verification (eKYC) | Photograph the front and back of your residence card and match it with a selfie via your smartphone camera. Usually completed in a few minutes to tens of minutes |
| Step 4 Submit My Number | Photograph your My Number card, or submit your notification card + ID document (confirm the method with each exchange) |
| Step 5 Screening & account opening | Screening typically takes a few days to one week. Once approved, you will receive a login ID and password |
| Step 6 Deposit | Transfer funds from your registered Japanese bank account to your exchange account. Instant deposit and bank transfer options vary by exchange |
| Step 7 Purchase | You can buy Bitcoin and other crypto assets via the app or website (some exchanges allow purchases from small amounts) |
※Crypto assets are highly volatile. You may lose most or all of your investment. Returns are not guaranteed.
※Procedures, supported visa types, fees, etc. are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information. Account opening may not be possible depending on screening results.
※Crypto assets are highly volatile; their value can fall sharply and you may lose your entire holding. This is not an investment product and returns are not guaranteed. Even stablecoins such as USDC and JPYC — although designed to track the yen or dollar — are not guaranteed to always hold their value, and can lose their peg (depeg) or fall in value due to issuer or technical reasons.
※This is a "non-custodial" wallet where you manage your own private key/passcode. If you lose your 6-digit passcode or your device and cannot use the standard recovery options, no one — including the operating company — can restore your assets, and they may be lost permanently (depending on the app's specifications, the private key may not be exportable to an external wallet).
※The app is available in Japanese and English. Specifications, supported assets and supported languages may change; please check the official app/site for the latest information. Follow HashPort's official wording for registration and disclosures.
④ Risks and Precautions
Price Volatility and Risk of Loss
Crypto assets are far more volatile than stocks or bonds and can drop sharply within days or weeks. You may lose most or all of your investment. Trading in anticipation of short-term price rises is especially risky; we strongly recommend limiting any investment to funds you can afford to lose.
Hacking Risk and Self-Custody Risk
There is a risk of losing assets if an exchange is hacked. Additionally, if you manage your own wallet, losing your private key means you will permanently lose access to your assets. Domestic FSA-registered exchanges implement certain security measures, but these do not guarantee complete safety.
How to Spot Warning Signs (Scam Coins, Unregistered Operators, Social Media Solicitation)
The table below summarizes common scam patterns and warning signs. Never respond to any solicitation that matches these descriptions.
| Warning sign | Details & response |
|---|---|
| "Guaranteed profit" | No investment — including crypto assets — can guarantee returns. Absolute claims of profit are a classic scam pattern |
| "Unlisted coin" / "New coin with high returns" | A scam technique that raises funds using fictitious coins (rug pulls, etc.). High risk of the "coin" disappearing with no value |
| Social media / chat solicitation — "Referral rewards" | Multi-level marketing schemes and fraud solicited via social media (LINE, WeChat, Instagram, etc.). Be cautious even when introduced by someone you know |
| Unregistered overseas operators | Foreign exchanges not registered with the FSA operate outside Japan's regulatory framework. Legal protection is difficult to obtain in the event of a dispute |
| How to verify safety | Search the operator's name in the FSA's "List of Registered Crypto Asset Exchange Service Providers" to confirm registration status |
⑤ Issues Specific to Foreigners
When Leaving Japan (Becoming a Non-Resident)
Once you leave Japan and become a non-resident, your ability to use an exchange may be restricted. Note the following points. Since policies differ by exchange, avoid making definitive assumptions and always confirm with each exchange before you depart.
- After departure, new purchases of crypto assets may be restricted (subject to each exchange's policies)
- You may be required to notify the exchange that you are becoming a non-resident before you leave
- It is advisable to confirm procedures for selling or withdrawing your holdings in advance
Taxes (Miscellaneous Income & Aggregate Taxation)
Profits from selling or using crypto assets are, in principle, classified as miscellaneous income subject to aggregate taxation (the tax rate is determined by combining all income sources). Unlike stocks held in a designated brokerage account, there is no withholding at source, so you may need to file your own tax return if you make a profit. See the "Crypto Asset Tax Guide" for details.
⑥ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
⑦ Sources & References
- Financial Services Agency (FSA) — "Regulatory Framework for Crypto Assets (Virtual Currency) ↗"
- Financial Services Agency (FSA) — "List of Registered Crypto Asset Exchange Service Providers ↗"
- Japan Virtual and Crypto assets Exchange Association (JVCEA) — "JVCEA Official Website ↗"
- National Tax Agency (NTA) — "Tax Treatment of Crypto Assets and Calculation Worksheets ↗"