About moving to Japan

• Relocating to Japan may require the relocation of your finances. Our experts at the International Banking Centre can answer your questions about banking in Japan and discuss the financial services you will need.

How we can help you

• For existing HSBC Premier customer from overseas, you can open an account with HSBC Premier in Japan while you are in another country in which HSBC operates.
• Visit the HSBC International Banking Centre in your country or your local HSBC Premier Centre, our staff will assist you with the application process.
• Please contact your local HSBC Premier Relationship Manager. By presenting required Identificaiton documents and filling in the application form, you can apply for Japan HSBC Premier account opening from overseas.
• If you have already arrived in Japan, simply visit one of our HSBC Premier Centres in Japan. You'll need to take your passport, Alien Registration Card and proof of address with you.

Japan – Fast Facts

• Currency: Japanese Yen. You can exchange major foreign currencies to yen at foreign exchange banks and other authorized money changers on presentation of your passport.
• Language: Japanese
• Population: About 128 million
• Climate: Japan has four distinct seasons. And those are very similar to Europe and North America. In general, summer is hot and humid. And during the winter, it snows a lot on the Sea of Japan side and it is dry on the Pacific Ocean side.
• Transportation: Transportation in Japan is highly developed. Railways cover all parts of the country. Taxis are available at all train stations.
• ATM Service: ATMs are available in convenient locations throughout the city. All the main credit cards are accepted in major institutions and an ever-growing number of shops and restaurants.
• Electricity: 100V
• Plug type: Majority are 2 square pins
• Visa: There are over 50 countries that have established “general visa exemption arrangement” with Japan, citizen from these countries (with a valid passport) can enter Japan as a “temporary visitor”.
• Driver's license: International driving license holders are allowed to drive a private vehicle in Japan. However, it depends on the arrangement between the Japanese government and foreign countries.
• Accommodation: A variety of accommodations are available in Japan, either high rise buildings or houses. If you want to rent or buy, you may consult to the local real estate firms.
• Pets: If you intend to bring your pets with you to Japan, you will need to go through a series of procedures. These procedure forms and check-list are available in http://www.maff-aqs.go.jp/english/index.htm.
• Health: Healthcare services are provided by national and local governments. People without insurance through employers can participate in a national health insurance program administered by local governments.
• Education: The Government provides nine years' free education for every child aged under 15 - six years' elementary school and middle school. Almost all children continue their education at three-year senior high schools. About 75.9% of high school graduates attend a university, junior college, trade school, or other post-secondary educational institutions.
• Tax: Taxes in Japan are paid on Income (also known as "resident tax"), Property and Consumption (5%) on the national, prefectural and municipal levels. For more information, please visit the government website: http://www.mof.go.jp/english/index.htm

Disclaimer:
*This section is intended as a general guide for reference only. 
*The information contained in this section should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice in individual cases. Future changes in legislation, tax levels and practice could affect the information on this site.
*The information shown is based on date or information obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but HSBC makes no representation and accepts no responsibility as to its accuracy or completeness, and will not be held liable for damages arising out of any person's reliance upon this information.