You can invest in Japanese and global stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds from Japan — and the NISA tax-free account makes it especially worthwhile. Opening an account takes about 20 minutes online. Here’s how.
Why Invest from Japan?
Japan’s NISA (Nippon Individual Savings Account) gives you a tax-free investment wrapper that’s genuinely excellent:
- New NISA (2024+): ¥3.6 million/year investment limit, tax-free growth forever, no holding period requirement
- Japan-based accounts give you access to Japanese stocks, Tokyo-listed ETFs, and global index funds
- Yen-denominated investing hedges against currency risk if you plan to stay long-term
Sending money internationally? Use Wise to fund your Japanese account from overseas — much cheaper than bank wire transfers.
Can Foreigners Open an Investment Account?
Yes, with conditions:
- Valid residence card (在留カード) required
- My Number (マイナンバー) required for tax reporting
- Must be a resident of Japan (not a tourist)
- Some countries have restrictions — US citizens and green card holders face serious limitations due to FATCA (most brokers won’t accept them)
US citizens: Contact the broker directly before applying. Most Japanese brokers cannot legally open accounts for US persons.
The Main Online Brokers
| Broker | Best for | English | Min. deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBI証券 | Overall — widest selection | Partial | ¥0 |
| 楽天証券 | Rakuten ecosystem, easy interface | Partial | ¥0 |
| 松井証券 (Matsui) | Long-term investors | Japanese | ¥0 |
| マネックス証券 (Monex) | US stocks access | Partial | ¥0 |
| auカブコム | au/KDDI users | Japanese | ¥0 |
SBI Securities and Rakuten Securities are the most popular among foreigners due to their wide fund selection and accessible interfaces.
What You Need to Open an Account
- Residence card (在留カード)
- My Number card or My Number notification slip
- Japanese bank account (for fund transfers)
- Japanese phone number
- Email address
Step-by-Step: Opening an SBI Securities Account
- Go to SBI証券のウェブサイト
- Click 「口座開設」(Account Opening)
- Enter your email and create a password
- Fill in personal information — name, address, date of birth
- Upload documents: residence card (front and back), My Number
- Select account types: General account (一般口座), Specific account (特定口座 — recommended), and NISA account
- Wait for approval (3–7 business days typically)
- Receive account number by mail
- Log in and transfer funds from your bank account
Choose “特定口座 源泉徴収あり” (Specific Account with Withholding Tax) — this means the broker handles your tax reporting automatically. Much easier for foreigners.
NISA Account: Open One Immediately
When applying, tick the box for a NISA account (つみたてNISA or 成長投資枠). You can only have one NISA account across all brokers in Japan.
New NISA structure (from 2024):
| Component | Annual limit | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 積立投資枠 (Tsumitate) | ¥1.2 million | Regular investment in approved funds |
| 成長投資枠 (Seichō) | ¥2.4 million | Stocks, ETFs, any listed securities |
| Total | ¥3.6 million | Tax-free growth forever |
Start with the 積立投資枠 and set up automatic monthly investments in a low-cost global index fund (e.g., eMAXIS Slim All Country).
Recommended Funds for Beginners
| Fund | What it tracks | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|
| eMAXIS Slim 全世界株式 (All Country) | Global stocks (70+ countries) | 0.057% |
| eMAXIS Slim 米国株式 (S&P500) | US S&P 500 | 0.09% |
| SBI・V・S&P500 | US S&P 500 | 0.09% |
These are available at both SBI and Rakuten. Low cost, globally diversified, NISA-eligible.
Tax on Investments (Outside NISA)
Outside the NISA wrapper, gains and dividends are taxed at 20.315% (20% income tax + 0.315% reconstruction tax). With the “withholding tax” specific account, your broker deducts this automatically — no additional filing required.
Inside NISA: 0% tax on all gains and dividends. Use it.