Permission to engage in activities outside of one's visa status
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Foreign nationals residing in Japan are permitted to engage only in activities allowed under their current status of residence. Therefore, if you intend to engage in income-generating activities, such as a part-time job, outside the scope permitted by your current status of residence, you generally need to obtain a “Permission to engage in activities outside of one's visa status”. Engaging in remunerated activities or business operations without authorization may constitute illegal employment or fall under the grounds for deportation.
Persons Who Do Not Need the Permission Holders of the following statuses of residence have no restrictions on employment, so they do not require this permission:
Permanent Resident
Long-Term Resident
Spouse or Child of Japanese National
Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident
Cases Where the Permission Is Not Required In cases such as the following, you do not need to obtain this permission:
Engaging in work that falls within the scope of activities permitted under your current status of residence: For example, if a foreign national working as an English instructor under the "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" visa takes on a part-time job in the same job category, it falls within the scope of their current status of residence, so no permission is needed.
Activities that do not involve remuneration, such as volunteer work.
Types of Permission There are two types of permission: "Comprehensive Permission" (Permit in General) and "Individual Permission."
Temporary gratuities or remuneration received for activities that are not conducted as a continuous business or occupation.
Comprehensive Permission
Comprehensive Permission applies to part-time jobs and similar work where working hours can be objectively verified.
Eligible Persons:
Persons with the status of residence of "Student"
Persons with the status of residence of "Dependent"
Persons residing under "Designated Activities" as a dependent spouse, child, etc.
Persons residing under "Designated Activities" for the purpose of continuing job-hunting activities or remaining in Japan after receiving a job offer until employment starts
Persons residing under "Education," "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services," or "Skilled Labor (limited to sports instructors)" who engage in activities based on an employment contract with a local government, etc.
Working Hours:
In principle, up to 28 hours per week (Note: International students may work up to 8 hours a day during long school vacation periods only.)
Important Notes:
International students who have completed their academic activities due to graduation or who are on a leave of absence cannot, in principle, continue part-time work based on the permission obtained while enrolled.
Activities that violate laws and regulations are prohibited.
Part-time work at establishments requiring an Adult Entertainment Business License is strictly prohibited. (Adult Entertainment Businesses include dining/drinking establishments with customer service/entertainment, host/hostess clubs, pachinko parlors, amusement arcades, mahjong parlors, etc.)
Individual Permission
For activities that do not qualify for Comprehensive Permission, you must obtain Individual Permission. You must apply for Individual Permission after your place of employment and job description are determined. If your contract partner or job description changes, you must obtain a new permission.
Main Examples:
Activities where working hours are difficult to verify objectively
When an international student engages in an internship aimed at work experience exceeding 28 hours per week
Activities as a sole proprietor where working hours are difficult to verify objectively
When a holder of a work visa engages in a side job in addition to their main employment
Main Requirements for the Permission To obtain “Permission to engage in activities outside of one's visa status”, you must primarily meet the following requirements:
You are actually carrying out the activities based on your current status of residence.
The activity will not impede the original activities of your status of residence.
The activity does not violate laws or involve adult entertainment businesses, etc.
You have good conduct/behavior.
For work visa holders, the contracting organization of your primary status of residence consents to the activity outside your status.
Furthermore, work visa holders who do not demonstrate sufficient actual employment at their primary workplace will not be granted permission.
Application Procedure
You can apply for the permission at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau having jurisdiction over your place of residence. Because required documents differ between Comprehensive Permission and Individual Permission, you must prepare the documents according to your application details.
Fee
The application fee for Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Granted is free of charge.
Working Without Permission
If you engage in activities requiring permission without authorization, it may constitute illegal employment. This may also affect your subsequent residence procedures, such as applications for extension of period of stay, change of status of residence, or permanent residence permission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. If I hold multiple part-time jobs (double work), can I work up to 28 hours per week at each job?
A. Even if you hold multiple jobs, the total combined working hours across all workplaces must remain within 28 hours per week.
Q. After an international student graduates, is it okay to continue working part-time if there is still time left on their visa?
A. In principle, no. Upon graduation, your original purpose of residence, "academics," comes to an end. Therefore, even if you have remaining period of stay, you can no longer work part-time under the Comprehensive Permission. After changing your status to "Designated Activities (Continuation of Job-Hunting)," you can work part-time (up to 28 hours per week) by obtaining a new “Permission to engage in activities outside of one's visa status”.
Q. Can I work as a freelancer or sole proprietor?
A. Depending on the nature of the activity, you will need permission. In particular, sole proprietorships or activities where working hours are difficult to verify objectively may require Individual Permission.
Q. What happens if I change my part-time job?
A. If the new job falls within the scope granted under Comprehensive Permission, no new application is required. On the other hand, in the case of Individual Permission, if the contract partner or duties change, you must obtain a new permission.
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
