Sending money home from Japan: banks, apps and the paperwork

Why your bank asks for your My Number, how the fees really compare, the cheaper money-transfer apps, and the limits and records that matter. So more of your money arrives.

Last updated 4 October 2026

Your options

Way to send	What to expect
Your bank's international transfer	Reliable, but often several thousand yen in fees plus a weaker exchange rate, and fees from banks along the way. Usually needs a branch visit or online banking setup first.
Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ)	International transfers from many post offices. Similar trade-offs to the big banks.
Money-transfer apps and services	Usually much cheaper, with rates close to the mid-market rate shown on Google. Must be registered with Japan's Financial Services Agency as a funds transfer service (資金移動業者).
Remittance shops for specific countries	Popular for the Philippines, Vietnam, Nepal and others, often with cash pickup at the other end. Check they're registered before using one.

Only use services registered with the Financial Services Agency. Unregistered "underground banks" are illegal in Japan, and using them can put your residence status at risk.

How to compare fees honestly

1Look up the mid-market rate (the one on Google or XE) right now.
2Ask each service: if I send ¥100,000, how much arrives? Compare that number, not the advertised fee.
3The gap between the rate you get and the mid-market rate is a fee too, often the biggest one.
4Check fees at the receiving end: some banks abroad charge to receive.

Why they ask for your My Number

Banks and transfer services in Japan must collect your My Number for international transfers. It's the law, not a scam. Have your My Number card or notice ready.
Larger international transfers are reported to the tax office automatically. Ordinary transfers of your own salary are fine; it's simply recorded.
They'll also check your identity and may ask what the money is for (family support, savings, tuition). Answer plainly.

Setting up an app

1Download the app and sign up with your residence card. Identity checks are done with your phone's camera.
2Register your My Number.
3Verify your address: some services post a code to your home in Japan. It can't be forwarded, so your name must be on the mailbox.
4Add the recipient and send. Many apps take a bank transfer from your Japanese account or a convenience-store payment.

Taxes on the other side

Sending your own earned money home isn't taxed in Japan. Whether the receiving country taxes it, or whether gifts to family over a certain size count as gifts, depends on that country. If you're moving large savings, check with a tax professional at home.

Keep reading

Opening a bank account in Japan as a foreigner

Which banks say yes early, what to bring, and the six-month rule nobody explains.

That letter from the city: what it is and what to do

Tax, insurance, pension, overdue notices: which letters need you, and how to pay at the konbini.

Japanese words on forms: a dictionary of the ones you'll actually meet

The words on ward office, bank and rental forms, and what to write in each box.

Sources

Facts checked against these official sources. Rules change and differ by city: if something here looks out of date, tell us at support@progaijin.com.

All guides