Interactive Brokers Securities Inc. is a Japanese securities firm that is a member of the Japan Securities Dealers Association and an affiliate of the Interactive Brokers Group in the United States.
The securities and money entrusted to us by our clients are kept strictly separate from our own assets (segregated management). In addition, we are a member of the Japan Investor Protection Fund, which provides financial compensation to our clients in the event that we are unable to return the securities or money entrusted to us due to default.
JIPF website: https://jipf.or.jp/en/index.html
Currently only an Ippan (General) account is available. Therefore, clients are required to file their own taxes.
There is no account maintenance fee.
Yes, for English assistance please call 03-4590-0711.
Please log in to Client Portal (IBKR's account management system) here and update your address via the following. Click on the head and shoulders symbol in the upper right corner > Settings > Account Settings > Account Profile > Profile > Edit Profile > update your address on the page that follows. You will be required to submit documents as proof of your new address. See list of accepted proof of address documents.
Important: Clients who hold trading permissions for Japanese stocks and Japanese stock options are required to update their information with JASDEC whenever they change their address. To update your information, please log in to Client portal and go to Help > Support Center > Information and Tools > JASDEC.
You may begin trading once funds have been deposited and credited to your account. Please log in to Client Portal and apply for trading permissions via the following. Click on the head and shoulders symbol in the upper right corner > Settings > Trading > Trading Permissions.
Important: You must be registered with JASDEC to trade Japanese stocks and stock options. To register with JASDEC, please log in to Client Portal and click Help > Support Center > Information and Tools > JASDEC Please note that JASDEC registration typically takes 3-business days to complete after submission. You may begin trading once registration is completed.
Please confirm that your application for registration with JASDEC is complete. Contact Client Services if you require additional assistance.
We only offer cash accounts.
Since this account is a cash account, short selling is not permitted. However, it is possible to hold a short position in Japanese stock CFDs.
One demo account is granted per account. We refer to demo accounts as paper trading accounts. When logging in to our platforms, please select Paper Trading on the login screen and log in with your live trading user ID and password. The account number for the paper trading account will begin with DU. Please do not confuse this with your live account.
We do not allow double trades. A buy or sell order will be offset by an equivalent opposite trade. Cross trading is also not allowed on the IBSJ platform.
There are no position limits as long as IBSJ margin requirements are met. However, please note that if our own risk assessment deems a client's position to be too risky, a margin requirement that significantly exceeds the legal margin amount will be required.
It is not possible to specify lots. The average price of positions is used to calculate realized gains/losses on the trading tools. Additionally, gains and losses on trading statements (Activity Statements) are calculated using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.
Since the account is a domestic account, fund transfers from Japanese banks will be domestic remittances.
You can withdraw the funds three business days after the funds' arrival.
Withdrawal requests cannot be immediately submitted. Withdrawal requests can be submitted the day after the settlement date (US Eastern Time).
Quick Deposit is not supported.
We offer one free withdrawal request per calendar month. After the first withdrawal (of any kind), IBSJ will charge JPY 1760 (+ tax) for any additional withdrawals.
No. Only deposits in the name of the account holder are accepted. For individual accounts, only deposits from bank accounts in the same individual's name are accepted. For corporate accounts, we only accept deposits from bank accounts in the same corporate name.
Yes, you can deposit/withdraw USD, EUR and GBP to/from your IBSJ account. Transfers for these non-JPY currencies are an international wire, not a domestic wire. Please check with your bank transfer fees, including lifting charges.
Yes, two-factor verification is required.
When you open an account, you will be asked to verify your mobile phone number via SMS, which will serve as a temporary two-factor verification token. After opening an account and making a deposit, you may continue to use SMS, but you may also use the IBKR Mobile application with IB Key functionality at any time.
Read more about IB Key at: Knowledge Base
How to activate and use IB Key (Android OS 9.0 and above): Knowledge Base
How to activate and use IB Key (iPhone 6S and above with Touch ID enabled): Knowledge Base
QR code: Knowledge Base
*QR codes are available only if the specimen phone number has been verified.
SMS is sent to the mobile phone number registered when applying for an account. Though you can edit the phone number in Client Portal, you must call our Client Service desk to make any changes to your registered phone number.
Two-factor verification is required to ensure security and cannot be removed.
The overnight trading session allows you to trade on your timetable and capture more market opportunities by submitting orders for a wide range of US ETFs and more popular US stocks.
The current securities available to trade during the US overnight trading session.
See the exchange listing page by clicking the "Exchange" tab and searching "Overnight" for a complete listing of the available US stocks and ETFs.
Interactive Brokers is now offering the ability to trade US ETF Securities and more popular US stocks during Asia-Pacific (APAC) trading hours.
Please Note
The US overnight trading hours are 8pm ET to 3:50am ET Sunday to Friday.
Please Note
Market data is provided free of charge during the US overnight trading session.
No, orders from Regular Trading Hours (RTH) and those orders marked to work outside RTH will not be eligible for the overnight session.
When you submit an overnight stock or ETF order, the "overnight" parameter is considered a destination.
Please Note
The commission charged during the US overnight session for IBKR Pro accounts is the same commission you are charged during regular trading hours. For an overview of the pricing structure for US Stocks and ETFs, please refer to our website under the Pricing menu followed by Commissions.
Please Note
Only Day Limit orders are allowed in the US overnight trading session. In this scenario, "DAY" implies the time during which the overnight market is open. Orders will only be active during the overnight trading hours and will expire automatically at 3:50am ET if not executed.
Trading in fractions is not permitted in the US overnight trading session.
The Overnight venue comprises multiple destinations. We display the best bid and ask from the included providers.
IBKR’s US overnight trading sessions observe the New York Stock Exchange’s ("NYSE") holiday schedule in that IBSJ will not operate an overnight trading session when the NYSE is closed the next day (e.g., if the NYSE is closed on a Friday, we will not operate a trading session that Thursday evening/Friday morning). IBSJ does not adjust the overnight trading hours of operation on days the NYSE has a scheduled early close.
The US Overnight trading venue employs price bands throughout each trading session. It will reject any order with a limit price outside the relevant price bands. Except where otherwise identified, the price band for a given security is the narrower of (i) 90% of FINRA’s clearly erroneous thresholds for after-hours trading (the “FINRA Band”) and (ii) the CME Group U.S. equity index price limits (the “CME Band,” the narrower of the FINRA Band and the CME Band for a given security, the “Outer Price Band”). IBSJ will not apply a price band that is wider than the Outer Price Band.
IBSJ may, in its discretion, apply a price band that is narrower than the Outer Price Band due to unanticipated market conditions. We may elect to apply a price band to a security that is narrower than the security’s Outer Price Band prior to the start of the trading session or after the US overnight trading venue has commenced trading. If we narrow a price band during a trading session, orders resting in the US overnight trading venue that are priced outside the narrowed price band will be cancelled.
For the US overnight trading price bands, the reference price is the security’s closing price as disseminated by the security’s primary listing exchange or, whereas such a closing price was not disseminated, the last disseminated trade for the security during regular trading hours. Except where IBSJ elects to narrow the price band for a security after the start of the US overnight trading venue session, a security’s price band remains static for the relevant trading session.
IBSJ resets the US overnight trading venue price band for each trading session.
You cannot transfer your positions in your NISA accounts to another financial institution. Your NISA positions we hold will be managed by us, and you will also be required to sell them through us.
Our system will confirm funds again up to two business days after the scheduled purchase date and continue the purchase process. If sufficient funds are not confirmed within two business days of the scheduled purchase date, the scheduled purchases for the month will not be made. The purchase will be processed again on the next month's purchase date.
You can sell foreign stocks yourself using our trading tool. For Japanese stocks, please contact Client Services during our business hours (weekdays: 08:30 - 17:30 ). We will purchase them from you at the price we specify. Please note that you cannot sell odd lots of Japanese stocks using the trading tool.
With a NISA account, dividends and trading profits are tax-free, but these trading losses are not considered to exist. Therefore, it is not possible to offset these losses against the dividends and trading profits and losses of other listed stocks held in a general account (taxable account). In addition, it is not possible to carry forward losses (for three years).
It will be treated as if there was no loss in a NISA account with us. Also, it cannot keep being held in the NISA account, so it will be moved to the general account.
You can still hold them in your NISA account until the date of delisting. You can also move them to a general account (taxable account).
Trading gains and losses incurred in a NISA account cannot be offset against gains and losses incurred in a general accounts.
The heir must submit a “Hikazei Kouza Kaisetusha Shibo Todokedesho (Notification of Death of Tax-Exempt Account Holder)” to us without delay after the date of death. We will then proceed to pay out the positions held by the deceased in the NISA account to the general account held by the heir. Please note that, at present, we do not handle mutual funds in general accounts, so you will need to settle the transaction.
Shares held in a taxable account (general account) cannot be transferred to a NISA account (growth investment limit or savings account). If you wish to invest tax-free, please consider making new purchases in your NISA account.
With the new NISA system ( Since 2024 ), the concept of a lifetime tax-free limit has been introduced, meaning that you can invest up to 18 million yen over the course of your lifetime using the NISA system.
You can trade up to a total of 3.6 million yen per year, with 2.4 million yen in the growth investment limit and 1.2 million yen in the accumulated investment limit. For example, if you invest 3.6 million yen each year, you will reach the new NISA lifetime tax-free limit of 18 million yen in the fifth year, and so you will not be able to make any more purchases in your NISA account from the sixth year onwards.
However, Under the new NISA system, if you were to sell all the assets you had invested in NISA in the fifth year, the available balance for the following year (sixth year) would be 18 million yen due to the tax-free limit being reinstated, and you would be able to continue investing 3.6 million yen from the sixth year onwards.
In other words, once you have sold the assets in your NISA accounts, you will be able to continue using NISA even if the cumulative purchase amount exceeds 18 million yen. The amount of tax-free investment that can be made through the sale of assets will be restored and can be reused for assets purchased in the new NISA framework from 2024 onwards. Even if you sell assets purchased under the old NISA framework, they will not be eligible for restoration or reuse. The annual investment limit is 3.6 million yen (1.2 million yen for the investment accumulation framework + 2.4 million yen for the growth investment framework), and even if you have a restored framework, you cannot use it for more than 3.6 million yen per year.
If you lose the “Kanjyo Haishi Tsuchisho (Notice of Cancellation of Account)” before submitting it to another financial instruments firm, etc., you will need to fill in the prescribed items on the “Haishi Tsuchishotou Saikoufu Shinseisho (Application for Reissuance of Cancellation Notice, etc.)” and submit it to us. If the document is not lost but damaged or soiled, you will need to attach the actual document to the reissuance application and submit it to us. For details, please contact Tokyo Client Service.
Please submit “Kinyukikan Henko Todoke (Notification of change of financial institution)” via Client Portal. After checking the details, we will issue a “Kanjyo Haishisho (Notice of Account Cancellation)” or “Hikazei Koza Haishi Tsuchisho (Notice of Tax-Exempt Account Cancellation)”. So once you receive one of them from us, please submit it to the financial institution you are changing to.
To receive tax-free dividends from Japanese stocks, you must choose the "Kabushikisuu Hireihaibun Hoshiki" as your dividend receipt method. It is a method of receiving stock dividends in your securities broker account. In this method, dividends are allocated in proportion to the number of shares held at each securities company and received in a general securities account. Once you select the "allocation based on the number of shares" method at a securities company, the "allocation based on the number of shares" method will be automatically selected for all dividends for listed shares held at the same securities company or other securities companies in a specific or general account (you cannot select a different receiving method at each securities company).
If you wish to receive dividends of listed stocks through the "allocation in proportion to the number of shares method," you must complete the procedures by the record date of dividends for the stocks you own. This procedure takes about 3-5 business days, but please contact Client Services for details.Please note that if you choose the "Registered Dividend Receiving Account Method," you will be subject to taxation when receiving dividends regardless of your NISA account.
With regard to dividends from foreign stocks, the amount of tax withheld at the source in the country of issue is not tax-exempt, but it is tax-exempt in Japan.
You can check your NISA annual and lifetime investment limits in the “Account Window” of the trading tool. Please note that the NISA lifetime investment limit displayed is the tax-exempted investment limit that we are aware of, and it might be recalculated based on the figures of your NISA investment limit released by the National Tax Agency in February each year. In the unlikely event that you purchase shares in excess of your NISA quota, in the case of shares, the excess will be transferred to and retained in your general account as a general account transaction. In the case of mutual funds, the excess will be transferred to the general account as general account transactions. However, mutual funds cannot be held in the general account, so we will ask you to complete the cancellation procedures.
If, after a purchase has been executed in a NISA account, it is discovered that the total purchase amount exceeds your annual tax-free limit or lifetime limit, the following will happen. In the case of stocks, the excess will be transferred to and retained in the general account as a general account transaction. In the case of mutual funds, the excess will be transferred to the general account as general account transactions. However, mutual funds cannot be held in the general account, and the client must take the necessary procedures to cancel the account.
Purchases made through NISA accounts are made by automatic money transfer from a general account. Proceeds from the sale of securities and dividends, etc. in NISA accounts are credited to the NISA account on the date of transfer, and are automatically transferred to a general account.
At our company, you will need to go through the procedure for closing your NISA account after being transferred overseas. Please be sure to submit the “Tax-Free Account Departure Notification Form” by the day before you leave the country.
You are required to transfer or close positions held in your NISA account. Stock positions must be transferred to a general account or closed in your NISA account. You will need to close mutual fund positions in your NISA accounts. After confirming that there are no positions in your NISA account, please complete the NISA account closure procedure through the Client Portal.
The NAV (Net Asset Value) is the price of the mutual fund calculated on a daily basis. The total value of assets is calculated by valuing all the stocks and government bonds, etc. included in the mutual fund at market value, adding in income such as interest on government bonds and dividends on stocks, and then deducting necessary expenses such as trust fees, etc. The NAV is the asset value per unit of beneficiary right, calculated by dividing this total value of assets by the number of beneficiary rights. Depending on the mutual fund, in the case of many mutual funds, the value of 10,000 units is displayed in general.
In order to maintain fairness for investors, investment trusts are not executed at the NAV of the previous business day, which is known at the time of the order. In investment trust transactions, investors place orders to buy or sell without knowing the NAV at which the order will be executed or the valuation of the assets included in the trust. This is called the “blind method”. Therefore, when you buy an investment trust, the number of units calculated using the previous day's NAV may differ from the number of units actually executed when the order is executed.
The prices of assets incorporated in mutual funds, such as stocks and bonds, fluctuate due to various factors. Therefore, the NAV, which reflects the value of the assets included in the mutual fund, will also fluctuate accordingly. In addition, the payment of distributions and the payment of trust fees for investment trusts are also factors that may cause the NAV to fluctuate.
Mutual funds have a trust period (investment period) set by the trust agreement. Some investment trusts do not have a trust period and have an indefinite term. However, if the conditions stipulated in the trust agreement are met, the investment management company may stop managing the trust assets even in the middle of the trust period and return them to the beneficiaries (investors) ahead of schedule. This is called early redemption of the investment trust. The terms and conditions of the trust can be confirmed in the prospectus for request.
The following are typical cases of early redemption:
When an early redemption is to be made, the investment management company is generally required to give a public notice or deliver a written notice to all beneficiaries. Beneficiaries are given a period of time to file an objection and may oppose the early redemption in writing. However, if the conditions for early redemption are clearly stated in advance in the trust agreement, redemption can be made regardless of the beneficiary's objection. Therefore, reading the trust agreement is essential.
We only offer mutual funds in our NISA account. Your mutual funds are held using your NISA quota and cannot be transferred to other companies.
The structure of mutual funds ensures that the money deposited by beneficiaries (investors) is systematically protected regardless of the amount invested, even if the respective institutions fail.
In the event of the failure of the distributor
The distributor acts as a contact point for mutual fund transactions and handles funds with beneficiaries. Funds are deposited into a trust bank via the distributor, and the trust bank manages the funds as trust assets, so there is no impact on trust assets even if the distributor fails.
In the event of the failure of the management company
The asset management company only provides investment instructions and does not store or manage trust assets. Since trust assets are kept in a trust bank, separate from the asset management company, there is no direct impact on trust assets even if the asset management company goes bankrupt. The investment trust will either be taken over by another investment management company or redeemed early.
In the event of trust bank failure
An investment trust's trust assets are managed by a trust bank, which is required by law to manage trust assets separately from the trust bank's own assets (segregated management).
Therefore, the trust assets are unaffected even if the trust bank fails. Investors can continue to hold their investment trusts as long as the trust assets are either cancelled at the NAV at the time of the failure or transferred to another trust bank.
When purchasing a mutual fund, the client pays the distributor an "initial purchase fee" (we do not charge an initial purchase fee). In addition, "trust fees" are indirectly deducted from the trust assets during the investment period. This fee covers investment management costs and is allocated among the asset management company, distributor, and trust bank. In addition, "audit fees," "brokerage commissions," and other expenses are deducted from the trust assets. In addition, some funds charge a "retained trust asset amount" when purchased or cancelled.
When trading mutual funds, it is necessary to confirm in the prospectus or other documents what costs will be incurred. Knowing how much costs will be incurred is very important when trading mutual funds, so please check carefully. Below is a list of common costs associated with mutual fund transactions. In addition to the costs listed below, there may be other costs, so you should always read through the prospectus before purchasing a mutual fund.
Purchase commission: A fee paid by the client directly to the distributor at the time of purchase. (A sales commission may also be paid at the time of sale.) Some mutual funds and distributors do not charge this fee (no-load). We do not charge a purchase or sales charge, but some funds may charge a fee to retain trust assets.
Trust fee: An investment management fee paid indirectly daily according to the amount of mutual funds held by the client while the client holds the mutual funds. How much you pay on an annual basis is stated in the prospectus.
Audit fees: As a general rule, mutual funds are required to have their accounts audited by an auditing firm, etc., each time the accounts are closed.
Brokerage commissions: Expenses incurred when buying and selling stocks and other securities in which the investment trust invests are paid indirectly from the trust assets each time they are incurred. Since these expenses are incurred due to investment management, it is not possible to indicate how much they will cost in advance.
The amount of money retained in trust assets: These are expenses collected separately from commissions when purchasing or cancelling investment trusts. The distributor does not receive it, but it is retained in the trust assets. Some mutual funds deduct this amount, while others do not.
We do not charge transaction fees when buying or selling. However, some funds that charge a fee for retained trust assets.
This is a fee paid by the client when canceling a mutual fund. The client does not pay it directly, but it is usually deducted from the cancellation fee as a percentage of the NAV. The amount deducted varies depending on the type of mutual fund and is generally around 0.3%. Not all mutual funds deduct the difference between the money held in trust and the amount retained in trust. Many mutual funds do not charge a retained trust fund asset fee.
In some cases, the amount of money retained in trust assets may have been deducted from the mutual funds that have been cancelled. Please check the prospectus to confirm whether or not the amount of money retained in trust assets is deducted.
We do not offer mutual funds in a general account. Mutual funds can only be traded in NISA accounts.
The minimum purchase amount is 10,000 yen. The minimum sale amount is 1 unit.
Switching is selling a mutual fund and purchasing another mutual fund belonging to the same group. Switching between mutual funds with and without currency hedging or between mutual funds with different settlement periods, such as monthly and annual settlements, are examples. Normally, there is no purchase fee for switching, or the fee is lower than when purchasing individual funds. For funds that charge a fee for retained trust assets, a fee for retained trust assets will be charged. However, we do not offer mutual fund transfer (switching) services. We also do not recommend switching.
When purchasing mutual funds, please carefully check the prospectus and make sure to purchase mutual funds that are appropriate for your investment objectives. Although it may be worrisome when the price of an investment trust declines after purchase, there is a possibility that the base price will be equal to or higher than the price before the decline during the medium- to long-term holding period due to favorable market conditions, changes in government policies, or other factors. In addition, even if the price of a mutual fund that has fallen in value increases in the future, the gain on the price increase up to the acquisition price of the mutual fund is not subject to taxation. On the other hand, if a transfer is made, gains on the newly purchased mutual fund will be subject to taxation. (The gain is not subject to taxation in a NISA account.)
Switching mutual funds usually involves a purchase fee, but there are also preferential measures that offer either a free purchase fee or a discounted purchase fee, but we do not offer this service.
In the case of mutual funds that primarily invest overseas, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates affect the price movements of the NAV. Currency hedging is the act of avoiding losses caused by a decline in the currency's value (appreciation of the yen). It is suitable for customers who wish to earn income without being affected by the exchange rate. However, currency hedging has the disadvantages of incurring the cost of hedging (hedging cost) and not enjoying the price appreciation of a weakening yen. No currency hedging is suitable for those who wish to invest not only in the value of foreign stocks and bonds but also expect to earn income from the appreciation of foreign exchange rates.
The NAV of the No Currency Hedged Fund is affected by the exchange rate, so a strong yen will cause the NAV to fall, while a weak yen will cause the NAV to rise.
Loss of principal of a mutual fund means that the NAV of the mutual fund purchased falls below the original investment amount.
Please refrain from short-term trading or short-term switching of mutual funds, as this may lead to higher fees and lower investment results. Holding mutual funds for an extended period has advantages such as a reduced risk of loss of principal, the effect of compound interest, and a reduced cost burden. Therefore, when purchasing mutual funds, please read the prospectus carefully and select the one that best suits your investment objectives.
It is an investment strategy in which mutual funds are purchased and held for a long time. Mutual funds are suitable for long-term holding and profit because the risk is reduced through diversification. Although investments are subject to the risk of loss of principal, mutual funds are one of the financial instruments that allow you to manage your assets efficiently while minimizing the risk of loss of principal.
Orders can be cancelled before the cut-off time for order acceptance for the mutual funds you have placed. Orders cannot be cancelled after the cut-off time. You can check the cut-off time for order acceptance in the Trading Tools.
In principle, mutual funds can be cancelled at any time. However, in the case of mutual funds that invest overseas, there may be times when cancellation cannot be applied due to overseas holidays, etc. Please check the Trading Tools for the dates when cancellation cannot be applied. Please note that it generally takes 4 to 5 business days from the date of application for cancellation until the money is transferred to your account. Some mutual fund issues have a "closed period" during which cancellation is not possible for a specific period. However, there are some cases in which you may be able to cancel even during the closed period. Please check the prospectus carefully before canceling during the closed period.
We do not offer an automatic reinvestment service for distributions. Therefore, you will receive your distributions.
Mutual fund distributions are money (dividends) returned to beneficiaries (investors) in proportion to the number of units held from the income earned by managing the mutual fund. There are two types of mutual funds: those with distributions and those without distributions. There are two types of distributions: ordinary distributions, which are subject to taxes, and principal repayments (special distributions), which are not subject to taxes. Ordinary distributions are paid out of the mutual fund's investment income and are fully taxable. On the other hand, principal repayment (special distribution) is paid out of a portion of the principal and is not subject to tax.
In general, distributions are paid at the time of account settlement in many cases. However, the investment management company determines whether or not distributions are paid, taking into consideration the mutual fund's investment performance and future investment strategies. The investment management company also determines the amount of distributions. The method of distribution can be confirmed in the prospectus.
There are two types of mutual funds: those that pay distributions and those that do not. Mutual funds that pay distributions are usually divided into two types: those that receive distributions as they are and those that reinvest distributions. However, IBSJ does not provide a service to reinvest distributions. Depending on the mutual fund, distributions are received 4 to 5 business days after the settlement date and paid into the client's account.
Mutual funds settle accounts every predetermined calculation period (1 year, 6 months, 3 months, 2 months, monthly, etc.) and pay distributions to beneficiaries (investors) (however, in some cases, depending on investment conditions, distributions may not be paid in the fiscal period).
Notes
More is better is not necessarily the case with mutual fund distributions. Mutual fund distributions are paid out of the trust assets used to manage the mutual fund. When distributions are paid, the trust assets are reduced, and the mutual fund's NAV falls by that amount. It is important to compare good and bad mutual funds based on total return, which includes not only the amount of distribution but also the mutual fund's NAV.
We do not currently offer a distribution reinvestment course. Therefore, you will always receive your distributions.
Investment trust distributions include principal refunds (special distributions), which are paid out of a portion of the principal, and ordinary distributions, which are paid out of the investment trust's investment income. Ordinary distributions are taxable and subject to 20.315% income tax and inhabitant tax as dividend income. Currently, we only offer mutual funds in NISA accounts, so both principal return (special distributions) and ordinary distributions are tax-exempt.
It is difficult to say whether purchasing a mutual fund "before" or "after" distributions are paid is better. Since distributions are paid out of the trust assets at the time of settlement of accounts, the higher the distribution amount, the lower the NAV of the mutual fund. If you purchase a mutual fund just before a distribution payment, you can receive the distribution, but the NAV will be higher. Even if you purchase the mutual fund immediately after the distribution is paid, if the NAV rises more than the distribution paid, you will purchase the mutual fund at a higher NAV.
Considering the total return from the distribution and NAV combined, whether you purchase the mutual fund "before" or "after" the distribution payment will have little or no effect on your investment.
Per guidance from Japan's Financial Services Agency, foreigners (non-Japanese citizens) residing in Japan must have a valid Residence Card to open and operate a brokerage account.
As such, all non-Japanese applicants must provide the details and a copy of their Residence Card (front and back sides) when opening their account.
If the card's Expiry Date is within 3 months (2 months for Special Permanent Resident Certificate), clients will be asked to provide evidence that the renewal process is in progress by submitting a copy of their existing Residence Card, containing a renewal chop from the Immigration Office. Once the new Residence Card is issued, clients must upload a copy via Portal.
After the account is opened, in accordance with the Customer Agreement, non-Japanese clients are required to keep their Residence Card details updated. If the Residence Card on-record expires, trading and cash transfer restrictions will be imposed on the account until such time a copy of a valid Residence Card is provided.
To update your personal details on record, existing clients can login to the Portal, click on Settings > Profile and edit Identification details. If the Japanese Residence Card details are updated, clients will be requested to upload a copy of their new Residence Card via Pending Items.
90 days before the Residence Card on-record is due to expire, foreigners residing in Japan will receive a notification requesting an updated copy of their Residence Card to be uploaded via the Pending Items in Portal.
If the card's Expiry Date is within 3 months (2 months for Special Permanent Resident Certificate), clients will be asked to provide evidence that the renewal process is in progress by submitting a copy of the existing Residence Card, containing a renewal chop from the Immigration Office. Once the new Residence Card is issued, clients must upload a copy via Portal.
In accordance with the Customer Agreement, clients are required to keep their Japanese Residence Card details up-to-date. If the Residence Card on-record expires, trading and cash transfer restrictions will be imposed on the account until such time a copy of a valid Residence Card is provided. It may take 1-2 business days to remove restrictions following submission of a valid Residence Card.
Also, see the FAQs above "How can I update my Residence Card details on record?" and "My Japan Residence Card is under renewal. What should I do?".
Clients who are unable to provide a renewed Residence Card or are no longer a resident of Japan should contact our Client Services at their earliest convenience.
Clients must keep account user information up-to-date.
If the user with an expired Japan Residence Card is no longer associated with the account, a primary user can remove that user via Settings > Users & Access Rights or contact our Client Services for assistance.
Foreigners residing in Japan must wait to receive their Residence Card from the Immigration Office before submitting an application.
As Foreign (Non-Japanese Citizen) Ownership of certain stocks is limited by "Civil Aviation Act," "Radio Law," "The Broadcast Act," and "The NTT Law," you may not be entitled to the shareholders benefits, as well as be listed as a shareholder, in case such foreign ownership exceeds the upper limit.
Please click here for details on holding ratio and other related information.
We accept transfers of Japanese stocks from other Japanese brokers. Please apply for registration from Client Portal by going to Transfer & Pay > Transfer of Positions > Deposit > All Other Regions > Free of Payment (FOP) Transfer of Global Securities.
Please enter your 21-digit JASDEC participant account code （Kanyushakoza Code）at the delivering broker in the "Client Account Number at Financial Institution" field. After submitting the application via Client Portal, please be sure to submit the request and instructions to the delivering broker.
Accounts held with Interactive Brokers Securities Japan, Inc. are for Japanese residents and cannot be used overseas. Please apply for a new account at your overseas address after you have moved. After opening an account, you will be able to transfer your positions manually. Please submit a request via Help > Secure Message Center from Client Portal.
Interactive Brokers Securities Inc. is a Japanese securities firm that is an affiliate of the Interactive Brokers Group in the United States and is a member of the Japan Securities Dealers Association.
The securities and money entrusted to us by our clients are kept strictly separate from our own assets (segregated management). In addition, we are a member of the Japan Investor Protection Fund, which provides financial compensation to our clients in the event that we are unable to return the securities or money entrusted to us due to default.
JIPF website: https://jipf.or.jp/en/index.html
Currently only an Ippan (General) account is available. Therefore, clients are required to file their own taxes.
There is no account maintenance fee.
Yes, for English assistance please call 03-4590-0711.
Please apply through the online application form by clicking the "Open Account" button on the upper right corner of our website.
We do not accept written applications. All applications must be completed via our online application.
See list of documents required to open an account.
The account opening process is typically completed within 7 business days after the application is received. Note that application processing times are subject to change.
Registered mail is sent to your registered address as part of the identity verification process when opening an account. If you are not home at time of delivery, please refer to the delivery notice and contact the post office to arrange re-delivery. Family members can receive the mail on your behalf. Be advised that we cannot confirm your address if the mail is forwarded to an address other than your current residential address.
If your application is in the process of being completed, you may edit your information by logging in. If have already submitted your completed application, or if you are unable to modify your entry, please contact Client Services at 03-4590-0711 or connect with us via online chat.
If you are employed by a financial institution that has an Employee Track contract with us, you can apply for an account through a dedicated link provided by your employer. Please contact your compliance officer for this link. Other applicants can apply from the "Open Account" link in the upper right corner of our website.
You must be a resident of Japan to apply. Please be sure to submit a Japanese residence card (zairyu card) with a validity period of at least six months.
Individuals residing outside of Japan are not eligible to open an account at Interactive Brokers Securities Japan, Inc. If you are an overseas resident, please contact the Interactive Brokers Group in your country of residence.
You must be at least 18 years old to apply for an account.
Clients who are ages 18 to 20 can only trade cash equities. In addition, clients age 21 or older are subject to some requirements and screenings for each product, including having prior trading experience. For more information, please contact Client Services.
Only customers residing in Japan can open NISA accounts. Customers residing overseas (including diplomats residing in Japan, etc.) cannot open NISA accounts.
If you are 18 years old as of January 1st this year, you can open a NISA account. If you turn 18 during the year, you cannot open a NISA account this year, but you can open one next year or later.
You will need to submit either your individual card (My Number card) or a certificate of residence containing your individual number (issued within the last 6 months).
With a Growth NISA account, you can trade mutual funds and individual stocks. To see which mutual funds are available, go to the "Trading" menu, then click on "Products and Exchange Search," and look under the "Mutual Funds" section.
To check available stocks, go to the same "Trading" menu, then "Products and Exchange Search," and look under the "Stocks" section.
Please Note: The "Stocks" section also shows ETFs, ADRs, REITs, and JDRs. However, these products, excluding ETFs, are currently unavailable for trading in NISA accounts.
You can trade the mutual funds we offer for accumulated NISA account. For details, please see the product page of mutual funds.
Please click here for a list of overseas ETFs that can be traded in your IBSJ account.
The SYEP is not available to IBSJ accounts.
The DRIP is not available to IBSJ accounts.
No. All IBSJ accounts have JPY as a base currency.
Your current paper trading account will be closed when your IBLLC account is closed.
Third party deposits/withdrawals are not permitted in IBSJ accounts.
These instructions will not be transferred. Please enter new instructions for your IBSJ account once your transfer is complete.
Yes, Japanese consumption tax applies to the commissions fee.
After signing the IBJP Multi-Currency disclosure, proceeds received from the sale of foreign securities will be received and held in the product's denominated currency. It is possible for account holders to convert funds to JPY. Other currency conversions are not permitted.
If you have an IBLLC account that is subject to transfer, log in to the Client Portal to view the transfer agreement and other verification forms to submit to open an IBSJ account. After completing these forms, your application for an IBSJ account will be processed.
No, tokutei accounts are not available. All accounts will be ippan (general) accounts.
Yes, IBSJ accounts can hold other currencies but may only deposit or withdraw funds denominated in JPY, USD, GBP and EUR. Please note that other currencies equivalent to less than USD 5 will auto-convert to JPY (the account’s base currency).
Yes, you can also deposit in USD, GBP and EUR.
Yes. After signing the IBJP Multi-Currency disclosure, you can transfer supported currencies from an IBLLC account to an IBSJ account.
Yes, they will apply after the first withdrawal per calendar month.
It is automatically paid to the IBSJ account.
Foreign stock transactions are conducted in the product's denominated currency.
Auto-conversions into JPY occur at the time of transaction. Account holders may convert funds back to JPY (the account’s base currency) if they choose to do so at any time.
Yes. your transactions appear on your activity statement.
You will receive an annual statement for your IBLLC account that covers the period starting 1 January 2023 through the date of transfer. You will also receive a second annual statement for your new account at IBSJ that covers the period starting from the migration date through 31 December 2023.
There is no need to file a foreign assets report as IBSJ accounts are considered domestic accounts.
We will move your IBLLC portfolio in its entirety (unrestricted positions only) to your IBSJ account via FOP transfer. The book value/cost basis will also be transferred.
As IBSJ is a Japan domestic account, Japan domestic laws and rules will be applied.
In general, U.S. stocks dividends will be subject to withholding tax in the U.S. at the rate of 10% based on the Japan-U.S. tax treaty, and an income tax of 15.315% (plus an additional 5% inhabitant tax for Japanese residents ) will be withheld in Japan on the remaining amount. With respect to foreign stocks other than U.S. stocks, taxes on dividends will be withheld locally at the maximum rate, and an income tax of 15.315% (plus an additional 5% inhabitant tax for Japanese residents ) will be withheld in Japan on the remaining amount.
Yes, customers can trade normally until the migration date.
IBSJ is a Japanese broker and therefore Japanese trading rules apply for both Japanese and foreign stocks. For more information, see our trading rules.
The transfer date will be determined by us, depending on the positions held. We cannot accept any requests on the transfer date.
Yes. The transfer occurs on the account migration date.
Only stocks offered in the IBSJ account can be transferred. If you hold stocks not offered in the IBSJ account, you will need to transfer them to another company or close the position.
Yes, you may decline to transfer. However, if you decline, you will be required to transfer your IBLLC positions to another broker and close your account or to close out your positions and account.
Yes, they are.
Residents of Japan must transition to an IBSJ account. It is not possible to transition to a separate IBKR entity as a resident of Japan.
Account holders no longer residing in Japan are advised to contact Client Services. TEL: 03-4590-0711 (Weekdays 8:30 - 17:30)