Participating in an internship in Japan requires careful alignment between your academic background, remuneration status, and visa requirements. International students studying in Japan under a Student visa can take unpaid internships without prior immigration permits, but paid internships exceeding standard hourly limits require specific authorization. For students coming directly from universities abroad, host companies and candidates must secure dedicated residence statuses such as Designated Activities before starting work.
What residence status do international students in Japan need for internships?
If you are currently residing in Japan under the Student (留学) visa, or hold a status for job hunting or job offer holders such as Designated Activities (Continuous Job-Hunting) or Designated Activities (Job Offer Holder), your internship rules depend on whether you receive remuneration:
- Unpaid Internships: You do not need to obtain permission for extra-status activity (資格外活動許可) before starting your internship training.
- Paid Internships up to 28 Hours per Week: If your internship is paid and operates within 28 hours per week (or up to 8 hours per day during official school vacation periods), you must hold a comprehensive permit for extra-status activity (包括的な資格外活動許可). If you already hold this standard part-time work permit, no additional permit application is required.
- Paid Internships Exceeding 28 Hours per Week: If the internship takes place outside official vacation periods and exceeds 28 hours per week, you must apply for an individual permit for extra-status activity (個別の資格外活動許可) at your local Regional Immigration Services Bureau.
Individual permits are generally granted to degree-seeking university or graduate students in their final academic year who have completed most required credits, or to students participating in internships directly connected to coursework credit acquisition. Detailed rules are available on the Immigration Services Agency Internship Information Page.
What are the visa options for students coming directly from overseas universities?
Students enrolled in foreign universities who want to complete an internship in Japan without enrolling in a Japanese university must satisfy specific educational link conditions. The internship must form part of the foreign university's curriculum, connect to the student's major, and involve appropriate supervision at the Japanese host organization.
- Paid Internships: Candidates must obtain the Designated Activities (Public Notice No. 9) residence status prior to entry. The internship period cannot exceed 1 year and must not exceed half of the total degree program duration at the foreign university. Official requirements can be reviewed at the Designated Activities Status Page.
- Unpaid Internships Over 90 Days: Candidates must obtain the Cultural Activities (文化活動) status. The host organization in Japan applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) on the student's behalf.
- Unpaid Internships of 90 Days or Less: Candidates enter under the Temporary Visitor (短期滞在) status. Students from non-visa-exempt nations must apply for a visa at a Japanese diplomatic mission abroad before traveling.
What documents and submission rules apply to Designated Activities applications?
When applying for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE), change of status, or extension under Designated Activities (Notice No. 9), specific document standards must be followed:
- Required Core Documents: Official application form, 1 photograph meeting immigration specifications, proof of university enrollment, the formal internship agreement between the foreign university and the host company, a recommendation/approval letter from the university, documentation proving credit fulfillment or educational alignment, and detailed records showing compensation, duties, and duration.
- Past Travel Records: Evidence of any prior internship stays in Japan, or a written statement if you have no prior internship history in Japan.
- Document Validity & Format: Certificates issued in Japan must be dated within 3 months of submission. Any document written in a foreign language must include a Japanese translation. Applications must be printed single-sided on A4 paper (double-sided printing is not accepted).
- Residence Card Photo Rule in 2026: Starting June 14, 2026, applicants aged 1 year and older must submit a photograph when issued a residence card (previously, children under 16 were exempt).
What procedures are required after arriving in Japan?
After entering Japan with your residence status, you must register your residential address at your local municipal office within the required timeframe. If you move during your stay or experience changes in residence card details other than your address, you must report these updates to the authorities.
For official eligibility inquiries or document guidance, consult the Foreign Residency General Information Center at 0570-013904 (or 03-5796-7112 for IP phones/overseas calls) or visit a Regional Immigration Services Bureau or FRESC (Foreign Residents Support Center). Readers should always confirm their individual circumstances directly with official authorities.
Finding a place to stay
Arranging accommodation for an internship in Tokyo should be finalized once your visa approval or Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) timeline is confirmed, well before your flight to Japan. Selecting a location with direct transportation access to your host company simplifies your daily commute. OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo. Most homes have a minimum stay of 30 nights (shown on each listing). No guarantor, no key money and no agency fee; booking is online with a passport or ID and a credit card.
FAQ
Do international students at Japanese universities need permission for unpaid internships?
No, students holding a Student visa do not need to apply for extra-status activity permission if the internship is completely unpaid.
How long can overseas students stay on a paid internship under Designated Activities Notice No. 9?
The maximum duration is up to 1 year, provided it does not exceed half of the standard duration of the foreign university's degree program.
What change regarding residence card photos took effect on June 14, 2026?
As of June 14, 2026, individuals aged 1 year and older must submit a photograph when receiving a residence card.
Sources
- 出入国在留管理庁「在留資格「特定活動」（インターンシップ・サマージョブ・国際文化交流） | 出入国在留管理庁」(checked 2026-10-12)
- 出入国在留管理庁「インターンシップをご希望のみなさまへ | 出入国在留管理庁」(checked 2026-10-12)
This article was created by OHAYO Stay based on the sources above (edited, reorganized and translated). It is not an official publication.
Rules and dates can change. Always confirm with the official source before you apply.