The basic statutory test
For the current adult system, the basic test is being 18 or older on 1 January of that year and qualifying as a resident of Japan. Permanent residence is not a requirement the system imposes on everyone. A non-Japanese nationality can still qualify when those conditions and the institution’s review are met.
The name of a status—work, business manager, student, or dependent—does not by itself mean the account will open or will be refused. How you actually live in Japan, your tax residence, and the period of stay are part of the review.
Swipe horizontally to see the full table.
| Check | What the rules say | What to ask the institution |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 18 or older on 1 January of that year is the basic test | Which document it wants relative to the application date |
| Residence | Qualifying as a resident of Japan is basic | Its own rule on remaining time on a residence card |
| Nationality and permanent residence | Permanent residence is not a universal requirement | Which statuses that firm accepts |
| My Number | It is part of opening the account | Which My Number document it accepts |
What differs when you open the account
Identity and My Number checks are already part of opening a brokerage account, before NISA itself. One firm may accept a residence card, another may ask for extra proof of address, and another may offer the application and the terms only in Japanese. Language support and the minimum remaining period of stay are that firm’s current rules.
Whether a named broker accepts foreign nationals is on that firm’s application screen and its current help.
If you leave Japan
Once you are a non-resident for Japanese tax purposes, holding the account, trading in it, and the tax-free treatment can change. A short assignment with a plan to return is not the same procedure as leaving for good or moving to a third country.
Contact the institution when the departure is decided. If you become a resident of Japan again, the steps follow the rules in force then and that firm’s process. The steps around leaving Japan are on the overview, under “If you leave Japan.”
Common misunderstandings
It is not a universal statutory requirement. Which statuses a firm accepts is that firm’s rule.
The name of the status is not enough. Residence facts and that firm’s review still apply.
Language, remaining stay, and extra documents differ. Check that firm’s current rule before you apply.
Questions on this page
Can a foreign resident use NISA?
Yes, in cases where you qualify as a resident of Japan, meet the age test, and pass the institution’s checks. Citizenship alone does not decide it.
Is permanent residence required?
The system does not list it as a universal requirement. Ask the institution which residence statuses it accepts.
Does the account stay tax-free after you leave?
Becoming a non-resident can change holding, trading, and the tax-free treatment. Ask the institution before you leave. A short version is on the overview, under leaving Japan.
Related pages
When the answer depends on your situation
Residency, length of stay, which quota you want, and the amount are personal. After the published explanation, you can put those facts into a question.
Official sources: Japan Financial Services Agency, NISA site, National Tax Agency, No. 1535 NISA
This page is general information, not tax, legal, or investment advice. Amounts and procedures can change. Before you trade or file, check the latest material from the Financial Services Agency, the National Tax Agency, and your financial institution.