This information is for general orientation only and does not constitute legal, tax or medical advice. Always verify with the official sources cited.
Finance roadmap
Neobank on arrival → Local account → Part-time salary → Nenmatsu chosei / juminzei
Student checklist — money
- Before leaving: Wise/Revolut; notify your home bank; fund documents for CoE/visa.
- First week: withdraw yen (Japan Post / 7-Bank ATM); customs declaration if carrying > ¥1,000,000 cash.
- After municipal registration: Japanese bank account + PayPay; My Number for work and taxes.
- With MEXT/JASSO scholarship: keep letters and receipts for renewals.
- Never: salary in cash only without a contract — risk to status and juminzei.
Opening a bank account
- Documents: Passport, residence card, juminhyo (residence certificate), My Number (or notification).
- Choose a branch with an international desk if possible (Shinsei/SBI Shinsei Bank, SMBC Trust, MUFG, Mizuho, Japan Post Bank).
- Inkan — Some banks require a personal seal; others accept signature only for foreigners.
- Initial deposit — Often ¥1,000–¥3,000 minimum.
- Activate internet banking and a cash card (debit; revolving credit not always available).
Banks and digital payments
| Service | Use |
|---|---|
| Japan Post Bank | Wide branch network, student-friendly |
| PayPay, Line Pay, Rakuten Pay | QR payments in cities |
| Suica (mobile) | Transport + convenience store payments |
| Furikomi | Domestic bank transfer (rent, bills) |
| Konbini payment | Barcode payment for NHI bills, taxes |
International transfers
- Wise — Competitive exchange rates to/from JPY.
- SWIFT via bank — Fees ¥2,000–¥7,500+ per transfer.
- PayPal — Useful but variable fees.
- Declare funds on entry if carrying > ¥1,000,000 cash (customs).
Credit score
Japan does not use a unified FICO system. What matters:
- Banking history and payment delays.
- CIC (credit information) for loans and credit cards.
- On-time payment of NHI and juminzei.
Taxes for students with employment
| Tax / contribution | Note (2026) |
|---|---|
| Income tax (national) | Withheld on payslip; progressive rates from about 5% to 45% on taxable income |
| Resident tax (juminzei 住民税) | About 10% of previous year’s income; ward notice from June |
| Social insurance | If hours exceed threshold, employer enrolls you in shakai hoken — verify with HR |
| Consumption tax | 10% (8% on some takeaway food) included in prices |
| Nenmatsu chosei | Year-end adjustment if you have a single employer |
- Keep your gensen chōshūhyō (withholding certificate) from your employer.
- Income below threshold may be exempt from national tax — ask your employer.
- e-Tax for tax returns if required: e-Tax NTA.
Last updated: May 2026 — National Tax Agency
Scholarships and support
- MEXT scholarship — Government scholarship (tuition coverage + monthly stipend).
- JASSO — Loans and scholarships for international students: JASSO.
- University scholarships — Merit and need-based; deadlines per institution.
Everyday payments in Japan
- Cash — Still common at small shops and rural areas; ATMs at 7-Eleven and post offices often accept foreign cards.
- IC cards — Suica/PASMO for trains and many stores; link to Apple Pay where supported.
- PayPay / Line Pay / Rakuten Pay — QR wallets widely used in cities (often need a Japanese phone number).
- Konbini bill pay — Pay utilities and insurance slips at Lawson/FamilyMart with barcode.
- International transfers — Wise, Revolut, or bank SWIFT — compare fees before sending large amounts.
Last updated: May 2026 — NTA
Next step: 28-hour work permission and baito — see the Work guide.
Sources
Worse rates — bring part cash or ATM 7-Bank after RC.
Quick reference
Tokyo ¥150,000–220,000/month possible in share house; smaller cities ¥100,000–150,000. Yen exchange: budget in local currency. Japanese account useful for part-time salaries.
Realistic monthly budget
- ¥
- 2026 indicative
Banking and payments
Bank/bank
Japan Post Bank accessible; Historical Shinsei for foreigners. 7-Eleven ATM with international card for initial cash.
Taxes in daily life
Taxation
Consumption tax included. Part-time: sets light withholding tax if below threshold. Resident tax after first full year.
Groceries and dining
Food
Konbini meals ¥400–600. Uni canteen ¥400–500. Ramen 900–1,200 yen. Evening supermarket market discounts.
First-month checklist
First month
Deep dive (optional)
Go deeper
Operational detail and official links—amounts and deadlines change; always confirm on the competent portal before filing or paying.
Banking & payments
Resident accounts
Passport, residence card, and sometimes a registered seal (hanko)—branch policies differ; ask international desks.
Transfers & bills
ATM furikomi domestic transfers and convenience-store bill payments are common—watch bank fees and limits.
Tax
Withholding & year-end adjustment
Employers usually run nenmatsu chosei; keep your gensen choshuhyo withholding slip.
Resident tax
Municipal tax bills typically arrive after your first full tax year—confirm instalment dates with your ward.
Financial consumer protection
Investments, loans, and complaints—use the FSA’s public guidance.
Post-arrival checklist
Students
- Municipal registration + matching address on your card
- Bank + phone for lawful part-time pay
- Join National Health Insurance at the ward office
Workers
- Residence status matches your job description
- Employees’ health & pension when employed
- Archive payslips and NTA notices
This block complements the guide with institutional entry points—not legal or tax advice.