Expat Japan Guide

How to Open an Investment Account in Japan as a Foreigner

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. ...

May 25, 2026 · 3 min · Expat Japan Team
Expat Japan Guide

Investing in Japan as a Foreigner: Stocks, Funds, and Getting Started (2025)

Investing while living in Japan as a foreigner involves tax implications, account restrictions, and platform choices that don’t apply to Japanese residents. Getting the setup right from the beginning saves significant complications later. Here’s a practical guide to investing in Japan as a foreign resident. Start Here: Open a NISA Account New NISA (2024 onwards) is Japan’s tax-free investment account — the most important account for any foreign resident investing in Japan. ...

May 25, 2026 · 3 min · Expat Japan Team
Expat Japan Guide

NISA Account in Japan: A Complete Guide for Foreigners (2025)

Quick Answer NISA is Japan’s tax-free investment account. Foreigners with a residence card and My Number can open one — most don’t realize they’re eligible. The 2024 new NISA allows up to ¥3.6M/year tax-free, with a ¥18M lifetime limit and no expiry. NISA is Japan’s tax-free investment account — similar in concept to an ISA or Roth IRA — and foreign residents can open one. Most foreigners never use it because they don’t know they’re eligible. Here’s how NISA works and whether it makes sense for you. ...

May 25, 2026 · 4 min · Expat Japan Team
Expat Japan Guide

NISA for Foreigners in Japan: How to Start Investing (2025)

NISA allows foreign residents in Japan to invest tax-free — but most foreigners don’t know they qualify or how to actually open an account. The 2024 NISA reform made it significantly more powerful. Here’s a clear guide to using NISA as a foreigner. What Is NISA? NISA lets you invest in stocks and mutual funds without paying capital gains tax or dividend tax on profits within the account. Normal investing in Japan: 20.315% tax on gains and dividends NISA investing: 0% tax on gains and dividends ...

May 25, 2026 · 4 min · Expat Japan Team