Alien Registration Cards & Opening Bank Accounts

Non-Japanese who stay in Japan for more than 90 days are required to register for an Alien registration card (officially called the "Certificate of Alien Registration"). This acts as an identification card and foreigners are required to carry it with them at all times. If you fail to do so, you may be penalized with a fine larger than the one imposed if you are not carrying your driver's license. However, if you lose your passport, your Alien Registration card will be the only certificate that can prove your name and residency status.

An application for the registration must be made at your local government office within 90 days of your arrival in Japan. You must take your passport and two ID photos. If your eligibility for residence changes, you extend your stay, or you change your address or work place, you must report it within two weeks. Except if a re-entry permit has been obtained, the Alien Registration card has to be returned to an Immigration Department officer at the airport or port when you depart from Japan.

Many people hold the view that the registration of aliens is discriminatory. One of the reasons for this is that Japanese do not have to carry an ID card, while non-Japanese always have to carry their Alien Registration cards. A highly criticized move to fingerprint foreigners was abolished in 2000. However, a new move to do the same thing has resurfaced under the guise of "terrorism measures." Interestingly, it has been pointed out that this is based on the presumption that terrorists are non-Japanese.

Requirements for opening a bank account differ by bank
To open a bank account, it is necessary to show your ID (passport or driver's license) and a certificate to prove your address (ie: your Alien Registration card). You are also required to bring your seal (signatures are accepted at some banks) and a deposit (over 1 yen in cash). You can also open an account at the post office in a similar manner.

In fact, the opening of bank accounts by foreigners' is generally not welcomed. This is to prevent crimes such as money laundering, and the use of fictitious names for bank accounts. But the true reason is that the savings of foreign residents are generally small and therefore banks do not benefit much. The category of foreigners who can open accounts is limited to "residents." The interpretation of "residents" and relevant account opening procedures differ by bank.

"Residents" are interpreted as those who stay in Japan for more than six months under the Foreign Currency Exchange Control Law. However, alien registration is necessary for those who stay in Japan for more than 90 days. In all cases, it is difficult for short stayers to open bank accounts. Most bank accounts for foreigners are registered in either katakana or romaji. In the case of katakana, be sure to remember how to write your name, otherwise you will not be able to make withdrawals.

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