International student
Study, part-time work, and money that fits a visa.
Who this is for
You are studying in Japan on a student visa, managing a tight budget and part-time work rules.
Use this page to choose the next task, not to replace a complete guide.
Money as a student is about basics done well on a small budget: a working bank account, cheap remittance from family or home, and staying within the hours your visa allows for part-time work.
You can still build good habits and a thin credit history now that pay off if you stay after graduation.
Products, comparisons, and tools
Start with needs and eligibility; no product is universally suitable.
No comparison is required for this starting path.
Checklist and time horizons
- Confirm what applies to your household
- Collect the documents needed by the linked guide
- Set a date to review progress
Time horizons
- Now: remove urgent blockers
- Next 90 days: build a stable routine
- Later: compare long-term options
Taxes, deadlines, and benefits
- Use the linked official guidance to confirm dates for your own tax year and municipality.
- Ask your school or municipality which student support schemes match your status.
Your money priorities
- Open a student-friendly bank account
- Set up low-cost remittance for support from home
- Track the part-time work hours your visa permits
- Get a starter card if eligible and pay in full
Watch out for
- Exceeding permitted work hours risks your visa
- Watch remittance markups on small, frequent transfers
- Know the tax rules if you earn beyond a threshold
Recommended courses
Money basics in Japan
How everyday money works here: banks, cash culture, My Number, and the bills you cannot ignore.
Budgeting and an emergency fund
A simple system to track spending, control fixed costs, and build a safety buffer before you invest.
Credit and cards in Japan
How credit history works here, how to get approved, and how to avoid the revolving-credit trap.
Related roadmaps
In the library
Related life events
When to get professional help
- Get qualified help when tax residency, immigration status, overseas assets, dependants, or a binding contract changes the answer.
Sources
Reviewed: 2026-07-30 · Review by: 2027-01-30