NISA Complete Guide for Foreigners【2026 · Eligibility, Brokers, Leaving Japan】
📋 Table of Contents
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
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
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)
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.
