📈 Investment
Foreigners Can Open a Securities Account in Japan | Step-by-Step Guide & Broker Comparison【2026・Residence Card OK】
※This article contains promotion.
📋 Contents
Introduction / What You Will Learn
Many people assume that foreigners cannot open a securities (brokerage) account in Japan. In reality, however, if you have a residence card, My Number (individual number), and a Japanese address, you can apply to open an account at many online brokers — subject to each broker's screening, your visa category, and length of stay.
This article explains the requirements, documents, and step-by-step procedure for foreign residents to open a securities account in Japan, along with a comparison of online brokers that are relatively accessible to foreigners.
⚠️ Investment risk disclaimer: Investing (in stocks, investment trusts, etc.) involves price fluctuation and may result in loss of principal. Returns are not guaranteed. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or investment recommendation for any specific financial product. All investment decisions are your own responsibility. Please consult a qualified professional for tax and legal matters.
- Key requirements for foreigners to open a securities account in Japan
- Required documents and pre-application checklist
- Broker comparison for foreigners (DMM Stocks, SBI Securities, Rakuten Securities, Monex Securities)
- Online account-opening procedure (application → identity verification → My Number → deposit → trading)
- Relationship with NISA and regular investing (see each dedicated guide for details)
- Things to note on departure/return home (trading restrictions for non-residents, items to confirm before leaving Japan)
① Can Foreigners Open a Securities Account?
The short answer is yes: foreign residents of Japan who meet certain conditions can open a securities account at many online brokers. However, this does not mean everyone is guaranteed approval — each broker has its own screening criteria, and some applications may be declined depending on visa status or length of stay.
Main eligibility requirements (general guidelines)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa status (residence status) | Permanent resident, work-based visas (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, etc.), Dependent, Student, etc. Short-term stay and certain specific-activity visas may not be accepted (confirm with each broker) |
| Length of stay | If your remaining period of stay is very short (e.g., only a few months left), your application may be declined during screening. Check each broker's conditions |
| Residence card | A valid residence card is required as an identity document |
| My Number | My Number must be submitted when opening a securities account (some brokers accept the notification card; confirm conditions with each broker) |
| Japanese address | A Japanese address as registered on your jūminhyō (residence record) is required |
| Bank account | A Japanese bank account (ordinary deposit) is required for deposits and withdrawals |
| Email address | Used for online applications and communications |
💡 The idea that "foreigners cannot open a securities account" is a myth. If you have a residence card, My Number, and a Japanese address, several brokers will accept your application. Because each broker's screening criteria differ, being rejected by one does not mean you cannot succeed at another.
⚠️ Depending on visa status and length of stay, account opening may not be possible. Short-term stay, student visa, and certain specific-activity visa holders are often not accepted. Always check the official website of each broker before applying.
② Required Documents and Preparation
The following lists the documents and items you will need for your account application. Having everything ready in advance will make the process smoother.
| Item to prepare | Details / Notes |
|---|---|
| Residence card | Must be valid. Both the front (name, visa status, period of stay) and back (address) may be required |
| My Number documents | The My Number Card (individual number card) is the most straightforward. Depending on the broker's conditions, the notification card + another ID may also be accepted |
| Bank account information | A Japanese bank account (ordinary deposit). Used for deposits, withdrawals, and identity verification |
| Email address | For applications and login. Check that emails from the broker do not end up in your spam folder |
| Smartphone | Many brokers use eKYC (online identity verification), which requires your phone's camera |
💡 About eKYC (online identity verification): Most online brokers let you complete identity verification entirely online by photographing your residence card and your face with your smartphone camera. No need to wait for postal mail or visit a branch — quick and convenient.
📌 If you do not yet have a bank account, open one first. See the Bank Account Opening Guide for Foreigners and Top 6 Banks for Foreigners.
③ Online Broker Comparison for Foreign Residents
The table below compares online brokers popular among foreign residents in Japan across five dimensions: ease of account opening for foreigners, residence card acceptance, available products, approximate fees, and multilingual app support. This selection was made independently by this site.
PRThis comparison table reflects our independent selection. Some entries include affiliate advertising. Rankings and evaluations are determined independently.
| Broker | Ease of opening for foreigners | Residence card accepted | Available products (approx.) | Fees (approx.) | Multilingual app |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMM Stocks ★ Top pick (practical) |
Fully online · Simple process eKYC: photograph residence card only |
Accepted (eKYC) | Domestic stocks · US stocks · fractional/odd-lot shares · investment trusts (approx. · see each broker's official site) | Zero-commission plan available for domestic stocks (approx. · see official site for details) | Primarily Japanese (see official site for details) |
| SBI Securities | Residence card accepted · Extensive track record with foreign applicants | Accepted | Domestic stocks · US stocks · investment trusts · bonds · FX, etc. (approx.) | Zero-commission plan available for domestic stocks (approx. · see official site for details) | Primarily Japanese (English support available) |
| Rakuten Securities | Residence card accepted · Links with Rakuten ID | Accepted | Domestic stocks · US stocks · investment trusts · bonds, etc. (approx.) | Zero-commission plan available for domestic stocks (approx. · see official site for details) | Primarily Japanese (see official site for details) |
| Monex Securities | Residence card accepted · Strong US stock lineup | Accepted | Domestic stocks · US stocks · investment trusts · Chinese stocks, etc. (approx.) | Domestic and US stock commissions (approx. · see official site for details) | Primarily Japanese (see official site for details) |
| Matsui Securities | Accepts residence card・online application | Yes | JP stocks・US stocks・funds・futures/options・NISA (approx.) | Stock commission is a flat rate by daily total contracts (≤¥500k: ¥0; above: tiered)・¥0 for under-25 (conditions apply・see official) | Japanese only (as of our check) |
📌 Fees, available products, and visa acceptance policies may change. Always verify the latest information on each broker's official website. This table is for informational reference only and does not constitute a recommendation to invest in any specific product. Investing may result in loss of principal due to price fluctuations.
Why DMM Stocks is our top pick: The process is fully online, requiring only a smartphone photo of your residence card via eKYC — minimal steps even if your Japanese is limited. For foreigners opening their first brokerage account in Japan, the lower barrier to entry is a practical advantage (screening conditions and visa acceptance vary; confirm with each broker).
④ Step-by-Step Account Opening (Online)
Most online brokers follow the process below for a fully online account opening (exact steps may differ by broker).
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Step 1 Apply | Select "Open an account" on the broker's official website or app. Register your email address and click the URL in the provisional registration email |
| Step 2 Enter basic information | Enter your name (Roman alphabet and katakana), address, date of birth, visa status, occupation, investment experience, etc. |
| Step 3 Identity verification (eKYC) | Photograph the front and back of your residence card, then match it against a selfie via your phone camera. Usually takes a few minutes to a few tens of minutes |
| Step 4 Submit My Number | Photograph your My Number Card, or submit your notification card + ID (check the method required by each broker) |
| Step 5 Screening & account opening | Screening typically takes a few days to about one week. Once approved, your login ID and password will be sent to you |
| Step 6 Deposit funds | Transfer money from your registered Japanese bank account to your securities account. Instant transfer and wire transfer options vary by broker |
| Step 7 Start trading | You can now buy and sell stocks, investment trusts, and other products via the app or website |
💡 We recommend the "tokutei" (specified) account with withholding. Choosing the "tokutei account · with withholding" option at account opening means the broker automatically calculates and withholds your taxes, potentially eliminating the need to file a tax return (see the Tax Return Guide for details).
📌 It is important that the name and address on your identity documents match your jūminhyō (residence record) exactly. If you have moved, be sure to update the address on your residence card at your local municipal office (see also the Bank Account Opening Guide).
PRIndependent selection by this site. Contains affiliate advertising. Investing carries the risk of loss of principal.
PROnline broker accessible to foreigners — open an account fully online in simple steps
DMM StocksTop pick (practical) · Selected by this site
Open an account entirely online via eKYC — just photograph your residence card with your smartphone. The process is straightforward and designed to be accessible for foreign applicants. Offers domestic stocks, US stocks, and fractional/odd-lot shares (see each broker's official site for available products).
※ Investing may result in loss of principal due to price fluctuations. Returns are not guaranteed.
PR Open an account at DMM →
※ Investing may result in loss of principal due to price fluctuations. Returns are not guaranteed.
※ Procedures, accepted visa types, fees, etc. are subject to change. Always check the latest information on the official site. Account opening may not be approved depending on screening results.
💡 Key Points
- If you have a residence card, My Number (individual number), and a residential address in Japan, you can apply to open an account at many online brokerages, though depending on each broker's screening and your residence status and length of stay, opening an account may not always be possible.
- Opening an account requires a residence card, My Number-related documents, a Japanese bank account, an email address, and similar items, and in many cases it can be completed entirely online via eKYC on a smartphone.
- DMM Stocks is said to have a simple process since eKYC only requires photographing your residence card, and SBI Securities, Rakuten Securities, Monex Securities, and Matsui Securities also support residence cards.
- If you leave Japan and become a non-resident, restrictions on purchasing new stocks or investment trusts and changes to how NISA is handled may apply, so it's necessary to check with each company in advance.
⑤ Relationship with NISA and Regular Investing
Once you open a securities account, you can also open a NISA account at the same broker. NISA is a scheme that makes investment gains tax-free up to a specified annual limit.
📌 Being a resident of Japan is one of the requirements for NISA. If you leave Japan and become a non-resident, the treatment of your NISA account will change. See the guides below for full details on NISA and iDeCo.
Complete NISA Guide for ForeignersConditions · regular investing · growth investment allowance
Complete iDeCo Guide for ForeignersEligibility · handling on departure
⑥ Points Specific to Foreign Residents
When leaving Japan (becoming a non-resident)
When you leave Japan and become a non-resident, restrictions may apply to your securities account. In particular, be aware of the following:
- After departure, new purchases of stocks, investment trusts, etc. may be restricted (subject to each broker's rules)
- NISA accounts have a residency requirement; you may need to file a notification and take procedural steps when departing
- You may be required to notify your broker that you are becoming a non-resident before you leave
- If you file a tax return after returning to Japan past the deadline, you may need to appoint a tax administrator (see the Tax Guide)
⚠️ Be sure to contact each broker where you hold an account before leaving Japan. We avoid making definitive statements; please consult each broker, the tax office, or a tax accountant regarding your specific situation.
The "tokutei" (specified) account and tax returns
If you select the "tokutei (specified) account · with withholding," the broker calculates and withholds your tax, which in principle means you do not need to file a tax return. However, if you hold accounts at multiple brokers or need to combine income from other sources, the situation may differ. See the Tax Return & Tax Guide and the Crypto-Asset Tax Guide for details.
Lump-sum withdrawal pension and social insurance on departure
In addition to investment accounts, Japan's pension lump-sum withdrawal (datsuretai ichijikin) scheme also affects how you receive benefits after returning home. See the Pension Lump-Sum Withdrawal Guide for full details.
⑦ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I open a securities account if I have a residence card?
At many online brokers, you can apply to open an account if you have a residence card, My Number, and a Japanese address. However, depending on each broker's screening criteria and your visa status or length of stay, opening an account may not always be possible. Check the official website of each broker for full details.
Can I open a securities account on any type of visa (residence status)?
Holders of permanent residence or work-based visas tend to have an easier time opening accounts, but the acceptance policy for short-term stay, specific-activity visas, etc. differs by broker. If your remaining period of stay is short or your visa type is not supported, you may not be able to open an account — confirm with each broker before applying.
What happens to my securities account when I leave Japan?
When you depart and become a non-resident, new transactions and account maintenance may become restricted. Because NISA has a residency requirement, its treatment changes on departure. Be sure to contact each broker where you hold an account before leaving Japan.
Can I open an account and trade even if my Japanese is limited?
Some brokers provide multilingual apps and guidance (English, Chinese, Vietnamese, etc.), but support levels vary. Please refer to the comparison table in this article.
How much money do I need to start investing?
Brokers that offer fractional/odd-lot shares (allowing you to buy a single share) or small-lot investment trusts may let you start with as little as a few hundred to a few thousand yen in some cases. However, investing may result in loss of principal due to price fluctuations. Please invest only with funds you can afford to lose.
Can I also use NISA through a securities account?
After opening a securities account, you can open a NISA account at the same broker. However, being a resident of Japan is one of the requirements for NISA. See the "Complete NISA Guide for Foreigners" for details.
⑧ Sources & References
- Financial Services Agency (FSA)「NISA Special Website ↗」
- Japan Securities Dealers Association「Japan Securities Dealers Association Official Site ↗」
- National Tax Agency「"Tokutei" (Specified) Account System ↗」
- Financial Services Agency (FSA)「Notes on Financial Product Transactions ↗」