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Why It's So Difficult to Open a Corporate Bank Account in Japan
Opening a personal account is a breeze, but opening a corporate bank account in Japan often catches founders off guard. On paper, the process looks simple. In practice, it’s unpredictable and challenging to navigate, especially if you’re not fluent in Japanese.
Sometimes...
SMARTFIX
Focus on Your Business,
We’ll Handle Your Bank.
Setting up a corporate bank account in Japan is one of the most frustrating parts of starting a business here, even for those who can speak Japanese.
At SmartStart Japan, we help non-Japanese founders and foreign companies establishing or operating a Japanese subsidiary open corporate bank accounts with both megabanks and online banks.
We can take care of the entire process:
Banks We Work With
We support foreign founders and foreign-owned Japanese subsidiaries with both megabank and online bank applications.
Megabanks
Japan's major city banks
Our primary megabank option, supported by strong direct relationships.
- Mizuho Case by case
- SMBC Case by case
Online Banks
Digital-first corporate accounts
- GMO Aozora Net Bank
- PayPay Bank
- Rakuten Bank
- Docomo SMTB Net Bankformerly SBI Sumishin Net Bank
We handle online bank applications for both new and established companies.
The right bank depends on your company size, paid-in capital, business activities, and parent company background. We recommend options after a readiness assessment.
Check Your Bank ReadinessGETTING STARTED
What’s Required to Open a Business Bank Account in Japan?
Anyone can find bank requirements online, but the magic part is knowing how to create the business plan specifically for Japanese corporate banks.
Certificate of Registered Matters (登記簿謄本)
Articles of Incorporation (定款)
Company seal (and seal registration certificate)
Business plan or explanation of operations
Proof of address (for company and representative)
Passport and residence card (if applicable)
Financial statements (the parent company’s, for subsidiaries)
✅ Not sure you’re ready?
Outsource Your Corporate Bank Account Setup to Experts
We’ve opened more than 50 corporate bank accounts in Japan, about one every month, for founders and parent companies from the US, Europe, Korea, Southeast Asia, and beyond. We also help companies previously rejected by banks through our Smart Fix service.
1
Readiness Assessment
We screen your company’s background and documents. We only take on applications that meet our screening criteria.
2
Document Prep
We collect your financial statements, business plan, relevant qualifications and website details, and prepare or translate what the bank expects.
3
Application and Bank Communication
We submit the application and handle all follow-ups with bank staff.
4
Review and Account Opening
We guide you through the bank’s review until your account is open.
Let’s Make Your Bank Account Happen!
If you want to open a corporate bank account in Japan without the stress, we’re here to help. Our service is clear, well-prepared and built for foreign entrepreneurs.
About Us
Co-Founder | USA
Tyson Batino
Tyson Batino is a resident mentor for 500 global and is advising 35 companies on scaling their business in Japan by upgrading their marketing, sales, team, and operations. One area he noticed is that many companies lack good back office systems and it slows them down and makes it harder to get loans, investment, or acquired in the future.
Co-Founder | Japan
TJ Yoon
TJ is our expert who will handle all fulfillment. He was born in Japan and moved to Australia while in junior high school and stayed until he graduated from UNSW, a top 5 university in Australia. He has successfully incorporated more than 50 companies and more than 50 loan and subsidy applications. TJ can help guide you through the incorporation process and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
We're Here to Help Open Your Corporate Bank Account in Japan!
SmartStart Japan is dedicated to helping international entrepreneurs confidently build and launch businesses in Japan.
