To work part-time in Japan as an exchange student, you must obtain official permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under your student status. This authorization allows you to work up to 28 hours per week, provided your employment does not interfere with your academic responsibilities. You can apply for this permit at your airport of entry upon arrival or later at a regional immigration office.
Understanding the Part-Time Work Permit in 2026
The "Student" status of residence is granted specifically for academic pursuits and does not automatically allow you to earn an income. To legally work part-time, you must secure a specific authorization known as "permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted."
According to the JASSO Status of Residence guide, there are two primary ways to apply for this permission:
- At the Airport: If you are entering Japan for the first time with a "Student" status and your confirmed period of stay exceeds three months, you can apply directly at the port of entry when your landing permission is issued.
- At the Immigration Bureau: If you do not apply upon arrival, you must submit your application later at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau.
Many newcomers choose to stay in a furnished monthly apartment first when they arrive, which gives them a comfortable base to handle these initial administrative procedures and settle into their new academic life.
Key Rules and Working Hour Limits
Once you receive permission, you must strictly adhere to the legal conditions. Violating these rules can lead to severe consequences, including criminal punishment or deportation.
The official regulations outlined by the JASSO Part-Time Work guide include:
- Weekly Limit: You are permitted to work a maximum of 28 hours per week.
- Holiday Exception: During long school holidays, this limit is extended up to eight hours per day.
- Academic Priority: Your employment must not distract you from your studies or negatively impact your health.
- Prohibited Industries: You are legally forbidden from working in adult entertainment businesses.
- Purpose of Income: Your earnings must only supplement your academic fees and necessary living expenses. The money is not meant for building savings or sending remittances abroad.
- Student Status: You must actively maintain your student status at your educational institution. If you work every day without attending school, your status of residence can be revoked.
Realistic Expectations: Wages and Job Types
It is crucial to plan your finances realistically. Some dishonest study abroad brokers spread false information, claiming students can easily earn 200,000 to 300,000 yen per month or find jobs paying 3,000 yen per hour. These claims are entirely false.
Data from the official JASSO Part-Time Work guide reveals the actual financial landscape for international students:
- Average Earnings: The average monthly income from part-time work is approximately 81,000 yen.
- Average Hourly Wage: The actual average hourly wage is around 1,300 yen.
- Hourly Wage Distribution:
- Less than 1,000 yen: 20.5% of students
- Between 1,000 and 1,200 yen: 50.2% of students
- Between 1,200 and 1,400 yen: 20.5% of students
- Between 1,400 and 1,600 yen: 5.0% of students
- More than 1,600 yen: 3.6% of students
Because these earnings are limited, you cannot cover all your tuition and living costs through part-time work alone. Proper financial planning is essential.
When looking for employment, you will find students working in various sectors. The most common industries include:
- Restaurant business: 39.2%
- Sales: 28.4%
- Factory assembly: 6.0%
- Teaching or research assistant: 5.6%
- Hotel receptionist or staff: 4.2%
- Language teaching or janitorial work: 3.4%
- General administration: 3.1%
- Warehouse work, translation, or interpretation: 2.9%
Keeping Your Status Secure
Neglecting your studies to work can have disastrous effects on your future in Japan. Every year, some international students are forced to leave the country because their low school-attendance rates prevent them from extending their authorized stay.
If you need to extend your stay, you must file an application with a regional immigration bureau, typically starting three months before your current period expires. Forgetting to do so results in illegal residency, which can lead to expulsion from school and the loss of scholarships. Additionally, if you discontinue your studies, you must change your status of residence before engaging in other activities like full-time employment.
Always consult official immigration authorities to confirm your specific visa conditions and ensure you remain fully compliant with Japanese law.
Sources
- Study in Japan(JASSO)「Part-Time Work｜Study in Japan Official Website」(checked 2026-10-06)
- Study in Japan(JASSO)「Status of Residence｜Study in Japan Official Website」(checked 2026-10-06)
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.