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Opening a NISA account takes three things: a brokerage account, your residence card, and your My Number. The route depends on the broker. One broker accepts English online applications, several accept online applications in Japanese, and many require foreign nationals to apply by mail. This guide shows each route and every step in order.
Key facts (as of October 2026)
- Who can open one: Residents of Japan aged 18 or over. There is no nationality condition. (FSA)
- One account per person: You can have NISA at only one financial institution at a time. (FSA)
- You need: Your residence card and My Number. Some brokers require months left on your residence card.
- Risk: Investment trusts are not principal-guaranteed. You can lose money.
Which application route will you use?
Your route depends on the broker you choose. These are the official rules for foreign nationals that we found. (Checked October 2026)
| Route | Brokers | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| English online application | Interactive Brokers Securities Japan (IBSJ) | The whole application is in English |
| Online application in Japanese | Rakuten Securities, Matsui Securities, PayPay Securities, moomoo Securities | You apply online, but the screens are in Japanese |
| Mail only for foreign nationals | SBI Securities (SBI), Monex, MUFG eSmart Securities, Nomura | You request forms and send copies of your documents by mail |
| Phone first, then forms | SMBC Nikko Securities (SMBC Nikko) | You call the contact center to get the forms |
Daiwa Securities is a partial case. Foreign nationals can’t use its quick online application with a My Number Card, but other routes remain. (Daiwa)
Rules change, so check the broker’s current page before you apply. For a full comparison, see Best NISA Accounts for Foreigners.
What documents do you need?
Prepare these before you start. Most delays come from a missing or expiring document.
| Document | Why you need it | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Residence card (zairyu card) | Identity check | Some brokers need months left before it expires. See below. |
| My Number (card or notification with your number) | NISA requires your My Number (NTA) | Use the number registered at your city office |
| A Japanese bank account | To send money to the broker and receive sales proceeds | Open it first. See How to Open a Bank Account in Japan |
| A phone number and email | For codes and notices | Use one you’ll keep |
Residence card validity rules we found:
- SBI Securities and moomoo: at least 2 months left. (SBI, moomoo)
- Rakuten Securities and SMBC Nikko: at least 3 months left. (Rakuten, SMBC Nikko)
If your card expires soon, renew it first. Your name on the application must match your residence card.
How do you open a NISA account, step by step?
The steps are similar at every broker. Only the application method changes.
Step 1: Choose a broker
Decide based on language, application route, and whether you also want iDeCo. Some brokers restrict US persons, so check if that applies to you. See Best NISA Accounts for Foreigners.
Step 2: Apply for a brokerage account and NISA together
You apply for a brokerage account, and choose to open NISA as part of the process or right after. Follow your broker’s instructions.
- Online: Fill in the form and upload photos of your residence card and My Number document.
- By mail: Request the forms, fill them in, and mail them back with copies of your documents.
Step 3: Wait for the account and the NISA check
The broker opens your brokerage account first. Your NISA account needs an extra check with the tax office. Matsui Securities, for example, says this check takes about 1 to 2 weeks. (Matsui Securities)
Step 4: Log in and set up
You receive your login details by mail or email. Set your password and check your registered details.
Step 5: Send money to your account
Transfer money from your bank account to the broker. Some brokers link directly with certain banks.
Step 6: Choose what to buy and how
Decide between the tsumitate investment quota and the growth investment quota. The tsumitate quota is limited to certain long-term investment trusts. (FSA)
Choose based on your own goals and risk tolerance. We don’t recommend specific products.
How much can you invest after opening?
| Quota | Annual limit | Lifetime limit |
|---|---|---|
| Tsumitate investment quota | ¥1.2 million | ¥18 million in total |
| Growth investment quota | ¥2.4 million | Up to ¥12 million of the ¥18 million |
You can use both quotas in the same year. Gains inside NISA are tax-free with no time limit. (FSA)
You must use both quotas at the same financial institution. (FSA Q&A)
What if you already have NISA somewhere else?
You can have only one NISA account. To move it, follow the change procedure. (FSA Q&A)
- Submit a change form to your current institution.
- Receive an account closure notice from them.
- Submit that notice and a new NISA application to the new institution.
You can file the change form from October 1 of the previous year to September 30 of the year you want to switch. If you’ve already bought in your current NISA this year, you can’t switch for this year. (FSA Q&A)
What should you do if your details change?
If your name, address, or My Number changes, submit a change notice to the institution that holds your NISA. (FSA Q&A)
If you’re sent abroad by your employer, you can keep your holdings tax-free for a period by filing a notice before you leave. If you leave without it, your NISA account is treated as closed. (FSA Q&A, e-Gov) See NISA for Foreigners in Japan.
What problems do foreigners run into?
| Problem | How to avoid it |
|---|---|
| Your residence card expires soon | Renew it before applying |
| Your name doesn’t match your residence card | Enter it exactly as shown on the card |
| The broker accepts foreign nationals by mail only | Allow extra time, or choose a broker with an online route |
| You are a US person | Check the broker’s rules. Some restrict US persons |
| You already have NISA elsewhere | Follow the change procedure first |
What should you do next?
- Open a Japanese bank account if you don’t have one.
- Check your residence card’s expiry date.
- Choose your broker and its application route.
FAQ
Can I open a NISA account in English?
Yes, at Interactive Brokers Securities Japan, which offers English online applications and NISA. (IBSJ) Other brokers we checked use Japanese screens or mail.
Can foreigners open a NISA account at SBI Securities online?
No. SBI Securities accepts foreign nationals by mail only. (SBI)
Do I need a My Number to open NISA?
Yes. You must give your My Number to the financial institution when you open a NISA account. (NTA)
Can I have NISA at two brokers?
No. You can have only one NISA account. (FSA)
How long does it take?
It depends on the broker and the route. After the brokerage account opens, the tax office check for NISA can take about 1 to 2 weeks at Matsui Securities. (Matsui Securities) Mail applications add mailing time.
Can I open NISA if I’ve lived in Japan for only a few months?
You need to be a resident of Japan. (FSA) Brokers also check your residence card’s remaining validity.
This article is general information, not investment advice. Investment trusts are not principal-guaranteed. Broker rules change often. Information is as of October 2026. Sources: FSA: NISA, FSA: NISA Q&A, SBI Securities FAQ.