To use Wise in Japan (sending, receiving, or adding money), we need to verify your identity and address. This helps keep your money safe and complies with Japanese regulations.
The verification process usually starts automatically when you set up your first transfer. It’s easiest on the Wise app, but you can also use the website.
What you'll need:
Before you start, make sure you have:
A valid Japanese photo ID
A valid My Number document
A paper and a pen/pencil to write down a 4 digit code we will give you
Important: The name, date of birth, and address on your photo ID, your My Number document, and your Wise profile must all exactly match. Please update any outdated documents or your Wise profile before starting verification.
The verification steps
1. Start your first action
This can be any action that requires verification, such as sending money, card order, top up, opening a balance, or getting local account details.
2. Tell us your residency status
We need to know if you are:
Japanese National: If you have Japanese citizenship.
Permanent Resident: If you hold permanent residency in Japan.
Long-term stay visa holder: If you have a working visa, student visa, spouse visa, or any other visas with an expiry date.
3. Choose your valid photo ID:
Select which ID you'll use for verification.
| Residency Status | Accepted Photo IDs |
|---|---|
| Japanese National | My Number card (recommended) |
| Japanese driver's licence | |
| Japanese passport (issued before February 2020) | |
| Permanent Resident | My Number card |
| Japanese driver's licence | |
| Residence card (Zairyu card) | |
| Long-term stay visa | My Number card |
| Japanese driver's licence | |
| Residence card (Zairyu card) |
Good to know about IDs:
We can't accept Japanese passports issued in or after February 2020 because they don't show your address.
We can't accept My Number cards with a 'returned' or ‘move out’ stamp (国外転出or 返納) unless you have officially re-registered your address after returning to Japan.
If you're moving out of Japan (国外転出), we can't offer you an account in Japan, but you'll likely be able to open a Wise account wherever you are, as long as you're in a supported country. When you move, you can update your address to your new country of residence and then verify your account accordingly.
4. Get your 4-digit code
We'll show you a unique 4-digit code on screen. Write this code down clearly on a piece of paper. It expires after 30 minutes.
5. Take photos of your ID
Follow the on-screen instructions carefully. You'll need to take:
A photo of the front of your ID with the 4-digit code paper placed directly below it.
A photo showing the thickness of your ID by tilting it slightly. Make sure the ID details are still readable. You don't need the code for this photo.
A photo of the back of your ID. You don't need the code for this photo. (For Japanese passport, this would be the Information on Bearer page - 所持人記入欄) ).
6. Take a selfie
Take a clear photo of yourself holding the paper with the 4-digit code next to your face.
7. Upload your My Number document
We are required collect this in in accordance with the Act on Submission of Statement of Overseas Wire Transfers for Purpose of Securing Proper Domestic Taxation (内国税の適正な課税の確保を図るための国外送金等に係る調書の提出等に関する法律).
If you used your My Number card as your photo ID in Step 3, this is not required as we’ll already have the backside of your My Number card. We accept one of these documents showing your My Number (個人番号):
Valid My Number card (front and back)
Juminhyo (住民票 - residence certificate) issued within the last 6 months, showing your 12-digit My Number. You can get this at your local city hall. Make sure to request one without Honseki (本籍) details, or cover/mask the Honseki section before uploading.
My Number notification slip (通知カード)
Good to know about My Number documents:
All information (name, date of birth, address) must be up-to-date and match your photo ID and Wise profile exactly.
We can't accept My Number notification slips with outdated information (updates were no longer done from May 25, 2020).
We can't acceptMy Number cards or notification slips with ‘returned’ or ‘move out’ stamp (返納 or 国外転出).
Wait for review: That's it! Our team will review your documents. This usually takes one working day. We'll email you once it's done or if we need anything else.
Common Questions
What if my address is different on my documents or Wise profile?
You must update your documents (like your driver's licence or My Number card) to show your current address before starting verification.
Your Wise profile address must also match.
Good to know: Mismatched addresses are a common reason for verification delays.
What if my photos were rejected as blurry or unclear?
Make sure you take photos in good lighting and avoid glare.
Make sure all text is sharp and readable.
For the tilted photo, ensure we can still see the ID details clearly while also seeing its thickness.
What if I don't have a My Number card?
You can use an up-to-date My Number notification slip or a Juminhyo instead.
In that case, you have to use one of the other acceptable photo IDs (like a driver's licence) for Step 3.
What if I only have a new Japanese passport (issued Feb 2020 or later)?
Unfortunately, we can't accept these passports for verification because they don't have the Information on Bearer page (所持人記入欄).
If you don't have another accepted Japanese photo ID (like a driver's licence or My Number card), you won't be able to complete verification with a Japanese address.
What if I think my document was rejected by mistake?
If you've reviewed the requirements above and believe your documents meet all the criteria, please contact our support team.