NISA Guide
NISA Complete Guide for Foreigners【2026 · Eligibility, Brokers, Leaving Japan】
※This article contains promotion.
📋 Table of Contents
💡 Key Points
- Japan residents can open a NISA account regardless of visa type (My Number and a Japanese address are required).
- The New NISA (from 2024) offers up to ¥3.6 million/year and ¥18 million lifetime in tax-free investment, combining Tsumitate and Growth investment allowances.
- When leaving Japan, you must file the required notification for your residency status (such as the "Notification for Continued Application of the Tax-Exempt Account" or an exit notification); failing to do so before departure may result in your holdings becoming taxable.
- Opening an account requires My Number, a residence card, and a Juminhyo; SBI Securities and Rakuten Securities have the most experience with foreign nationals and tend to process applications smoothly.
What is NISA?
NISA (Nippon Individual Savings Account) is Japan's tax-free investment scheme. Normally, stock/fund profits are taxed at 20.315%, but profits in a NISA account are completely tax-free. The "New NISA" launched in 2024 with significantly expanded limits.
Are Foreigners Eligible?
Conclusion: Anyone classified as a "Japan tax resident" can open a NISA account, regardless of visa type. Three universal requirements: ① Japanese address (printed on residence card) ② My Number ③ Age 18+.
| Visa Status | NISA |
|---|---|
| Permanent / Spouse of Japanese | ○ No restriction |
| Work visa | ○ Almost always |
| Dependent | ○ Allowed |
| Student | △ Some brokers only |
| Tourist / short-term | × Not eligible |
NISA Types
- Tsumitate (Accumulation) Frame: ¥1.2M/year — for long-term dollar-cost averaging
- Growth Frame: ¥2.4M/year — for individual stocks, ETFs, REITs
- Total: Up to ¥3.6M/year, ¥18M lifetime cap, indefinite tax exemption
Documents & Application Steps
- Open a brokerage account (SBI, Rakuten) — 10–15 min online
- Apply for NISA simultaneously
- Tax office confirmation takes 1–2 weeks
- Fund the account and start investing
Required: My Number, residence card, passport, Japanese bank account, Japanese phone number
3 Recommended Brokers
- 🥇 SBI Securities: Largest broker, English phone support, ¥0 NISA fees
- 🥈 Rakuten Securities: Best UI, Rakuten Point integration, ¥0 NISA fees
- 🥉 Monex Securities: Strong on US stocks, excellent analysis tools
For step-by-step account opening and a comparison of online brokers, see our guide to opening a brokerage account.
When You Leave Japan
The biggest concern for foreigners is becoming a "non-resident":
- Trip abroad under 1 year: Can continue (file a "continued tax-exempt account application")
- Overseas assignment 1+ year: NISA pauses (no new investments), existing holdings can be sold
- Permanent departure: Close account or transfer to a regular account. Best to sell + remit before leaving
⚠️ Once you file your moving-out notice and become a non-resident, NISA new investments are blocked. Existing holdings may be sold but lose tax benefits.
Tax & Filing
- NISA trades require no tax filing in principle
- NISA profits are completely tax-free
- NISA losses cannot be offset against gains in other accounts
- US stock dividends face 10% US withholding (unavoidable; Japan side remains tax-free)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I open a NISA account even if my period of stay is short?
Generally yes. What matters more than your visa type is whether you qualify as a 'resident of Japan' — if you have a Juminhyo (resident record) and a fixed address, you can apply. However, if your remaining period of stay is under 3 months, your application may be rejected during screening.
Can international students use NISA?
SBI Securities and Rakuten Securities both have track records with international students. However, you must accurately state your actual situation in the income field, such as 'part-time job income.' If your funds mainly come from remittances from family, screening tends to be stricter.
I plan to return to my home country. Is it still worth starting NISA?
If you expect to stay in Japan for 5+ years, it's worth considering. If you plan to leave within 1-2 years, once you factor in the procedural costs and tax risks at departure, there's often little difference compared to a regular taxable account.
I don't have a My Number card. Can I still open a NISA account?
You can also apply using a combination of the My Number notification card plus a photo ID (such as a residence card). That said, having the My Number card makes the process smoother, so get one first if you can.
Can I buy US stocks within my NISA allowance?
Yes, through the 'Growth Investment' quota. SBI Securities, Rakuten Securities, and Monex Securities all waive trading fees for US stocks under NISA. Dividends are subject to a 10% withholding tax on the US side, but are tax-free on the Japan side.
My husband is Japanese and I hold foreign nationality. Can I open a NISA account?
Foreign nationals with a Japanese spouse visa can open an account without any issues. A stay-at-home spouse can also open an account in their own name. The spouse's income is often entered as 'household annual income' on the application form.
Can I buy crypto with NISA?
No, cryptocurrency is not eligible for NISA. Crypto is treated as 'miscellaneous income' and taxed at up to 55%. NISA covers stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, and REITs.
Sources & References
Foreign residents in Japan can use NISA
Regardless of residence status, with a My Number and a Japanese address you can open a NISA account. See each broker's requirements, steps and comparison in our brokerage account guide.
Compare brokers & open an account →
PR
NISA & US stocks on your phone — DMM Stock
Japanese & US stocks, funds and NISA in one app. Open an account with your residence card.
Open a DMM Stock account →※Investing carries risk, including loss of principal. Account approval is at DMM's discretion. This article contains promotion.