Student Visa Rules (Part-Time Job)

 

Japan Student  Part-Time  Jobs

T he Essential Rules You MUST Follow:

If you are an international student (holding a  "Student"  status of residence) in Japan and plan to work part-time ( arubaito ), you must strictly adhere to the rules set by the Japanese government.  

1. The Most Critical Requirement: The Work Permit

You cannot legally work in Japan on a Student Visa alone. You must first obtain special permission from the Immigration Services Bureau.  

Japanese Name| :  Shikakugai Katsudō Kyoka  (permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted)  . Details: This is permission to engage in activities other than those permitted by your visa status.

How to apply:  You can usually apply at the airport when you first enter Japan, or at your local Immigration Services Bureau. 

Proof:  Once approved, your Residence Card (Zairyū Card) will be stamped on the back with the permission and the working hour limit. NEVER start working before this stamp is on your card.

2. The Golden Rule:

Period : During School Semesters  Maximum Working Hours:  Up to 28 hours per week (No more than 8 hours per day)

Note: This is the standard, strict limit. Your studies must remain your primary focus.

Period : During Long School Breaks.  Maximum Working Hours:  Up to 40 hours per week (No more than 8 hours per day)

Note:  This exception applies only during designated long-term breaks (Summer, Winter, and Spring vacations), as defined by your school.

Important: There are four conceivable reasons why work that exceeds 28 hours is detected.

1. The amount of income in something such as a certificate of tax payment is too high.

2. A direct hearing investigation at the place of employment

3. Snitching by a foreign co-worker

4. The person honestly wrote the fact in an application without knowing that he or she must not work more than 28 hours a week.

In any case, the result is that it is illegal employment; therefore, there is a strong possibility that permission for renewal will not be granted. 

⚠️  Warning on Overwork (Over shifting):  Exceeding the 28-hour or 40-hour limit is an Immigration Law violation. If caught, you risk not having your visa renewed, or in severe cases, deportation and a  ban on re-entry  to Japan.  

3. Absolute Prohibitions:  Where You CANNOT Work

This rule is non-negotiable. International students are  strictly prohibited  from working in any business related to the  adult entertainment  or  sexual services industry (Fūzoku Eigyō) , even if the work is not directly related to customer service (cleaning or dishwashing).  

Prohibited businesses include, but are not limited to:

• Host and Hostess clubs, Cabarets, or Nightclubs.  

• Pachinko parlors (gambling).  

• Mahjong parlors.  

• Adult goods stores or video shops.  

• Love Hotels.  

• Certain massage parlors or businesses that involve close contact with customers.  

If you are ever unsure about a job's legality,  always check with your school's international student office  before accepting the position.

4. Financial and Academic Responsibility

Your part-time job is intended to  supplement  your expenses, not fund your entire life or save large amounts of money.  

•  Study Priority:  Your school attendance and academic performance must be maintained. If your grades or attendance drop due to overworking, your school may notify the Immigration Bureau,  which can affect your visa renewal.  

•  Income Tax:  If your annual income exceeds  ¥1,030,000 , you will generally be subject to Japanese  Income Tax  and your employer will withhold it.  

•  Residence Tax:  If your annual income exceeds  ¥1,000,000 , you may also have to pay  Residence Tax  to the local government.  

5. What Happens If I Leave School?

You must stop working immediately  and  manage  your  visa status  accordingly  .

👉  Actionable Next Steps:

1. Get Your Permit:  Before you even look for a job, ensure your Residence Card is stamped with the "Permission to engage in activity other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted."
   
   
2. Track Your Hours:  Use a time tracking app or a simple spreadsheet to diligently log your hours from ALL jobs to ensure you stay under the 28-hour weekly limit.
   
   
3.  Prioritize Study:  Remember that your main purpose for being in Japan is to study.

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