International students holding a Student (ryugaku) visa in Japan must obtain Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted before starting any paid employment. Under this permit issued by the Immigration Services Agency, students are permitted to work up to 28 hours per week during normal academic semesters and up to 8 hours per day during official school breaks in 2026. Performing paid work without approval or exceeding authorized hours is illegal and can lead to penalties or deportation.
Because immigration policies require strict compliance, readers should always confirm their specific situation with the official source or their educational institution.
Do international students need permission to work part-time in Japan?
Foreign nationals residing under the Student status of residence are brought to Japan primarily for study and academic research. As a result, engaging in income-generating operations or receiving remuneration is not automatically permitted under the standard visa conditions. To undertake part-time jobs legally, students must apply for and receive official approval under Article 19, Paragraph 2 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.
Securing this work permit must happen before starting any employment. Working prior to official approval is considered illegal employment under Japanese law. Furthermore, students must actively maintain their primary Student residence status throughout their stay. If a student takes an official leave of absence from their school, part-time work is strictly prohibited during that temporary period. Spouses residing in Japan under a dependent status must also secure a similar work permit if they wish to undertake part-time employment.
For additional official details, students can consult resources provided by the University of Tokyo Website for International Students and procedural guidelines published by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
What are the hour limits and work restrictions in 2026?
When permission is granted, part-time employment is strictly regulated by law to ensure it does not interfere with an individual's main academic purpose. Standard regulations limit student work to a maximum of 28 hours per week during regular term periods. During long school breaks, such as official summer or winter vacations, the limit is expanded to up to 8 hours per day. Students should refer directly to their department or academic office to verify their institution's official calendar dates.
Certain categories of work remain entirely prohibited under all circumstances. International students are forbidden from working in adult-entertainment businesses (fusoku eigyo). This restriction covers locations operating adult entertainment, specific amusement food and drink venues, non-store sex services, video-transmission sex businesses, and phone dating services. Engaging in work that violates criminal or civil law, or undertaking work while undergoing deportation or hearing procedures, is strictly forbidden.
To qualify for and retain permission, applicants must meet specific requirements set by the Immigration Services Agency:
- The part-time activity must not impede the student's primary studies or residence activities.
- The student must be actively pursuing their primary residence status activities.
- The applicant must maintain good conduct and must not be subject to deportation orders.
- If bound by a contract with a Japanese public or private institution, that institution must consent to the outside activity.
How do you apply for part-time work permission in Japan?
New arrivals coming to Japan (excluding MEXT scholarship students) have the option to apply for work permission immediately upon landing. This application can be submitted directly at qualified entry airports where Residence Cards are issued right after receiving landing permission. Note that the application form used at the airport differs from the standard form used at regional immigration offices.
If you do not apply at the airport, you can submit your application at the Regional Immigration Bureau having jurisdiction over your registered place of residence. Applications can be submitted in person, by legal representatives, or by authorized administrative scriveners or institutional staff. Regional offices accept filings on weekdays between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM, and from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Questions regarding procedures can be directed to regional offices or the Foreign Residents Information Center (0570-013904).
Key administrative aspects of the application include:
- Application fee: Obtaining this permit is free of charge (0 yen).
- Processing timeline: Standard processing takes between 2 weeks and 2 months.
- Visa extensions: You can apply for work permission simultaneously when extending your period of stay or changing your status.
- Online submission: Online application is permitted when filed concurrently with an extension, status change, or acquisition procedure.
- Institutional notification: Be sure to notify your school's administrative office as soon as your permit is granted.
What documents are required for the application?
Preparing your paperwork correctly helps avoid unnecessary processing delays. When applying through a regional immigration office, applicants must submit standard documentation:
- Application form: One completed copy of the Application for Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted.
- Residence Card: Must be presented at the time of application (or a copy if an authorized representative submits the file on your behalf).
- Passport: Must be presented (or a Residence Qualification Certificate; if neither can be produced, a written statement detailing the reason must be attached).
- Supporting details: Documents explaining the nature of the planned activity may be requested during the examination.
Finding a place to stay
When preparing to move to Tokyo for your studies in 2026, it is advisable to arrange your housing after your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or visa is issued, but well before your flight to Japan. Having your initial accommodation reserved early ensures a stress-free transition when completing mandatory address registration upon arrival. OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo, providing convenient housing solutions tailored for international newcomers. Most homes have a minimum stay of 30 nights (shown on each listing), and the monthly price includes electricity, gas, water and Wi-Fi. Booking is simple: no guarantor, no key money and no agency fee; booking is online with a passport or ID and a credit card.