If you plan to engage in part-time work or earn an income while residing as an international student in Japan in 2026, you must obtain official authorization before starting any job. Under Japanese immigration regulations, foreign students can legally work by obtaining Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence, which is free of government application fees and processed within two weeks to two months. Below is a detailed breakdown covering legal standards, required application documents, prohibited employment categories, and official submission rules.
What is permission to engage in activity other than permitted status?
Under Article 19, Paragraph 2 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, individuals holding a residence status such as "Student" are restricted to educational activities associated with their stay. To run a business generating revenue or undertake remuneration-bearing activities such as part-time employment, foreign residents must submit a formal application for Immigration Services Agency of Japan authorization. Receiving this official permit ensures that your secondary employment remains fully legal while living in Japan.
What are the eligibility criteria and key conditions?
To receive approval for part-time employment, your application must satisfy all general criteria specified by immigration officials:
- Primary status focus: Engaging in the side activity must not hinder or interfere with the primary activities authorized under your current residence status.
- Active status participation: You must currently be actively performing the primary activities required by your assigned residence status.
- Eligible activity categories: The intended job must fall within activities authorized under Appended Table I-1 or I-2 of the Immigration Act (excluding Specified Skilled Worker and Technical Intern Training statuses).
- Legal compliance: The proposed activity must not violate any civil or criminal laws in Japan.
- Good conduct: The applicant must maintain good personal conduct, with no history of deportation orders or official hearing notices.
- Institutional consent: If your residence status is based on a contract with a public or private institution in Japan, that institution must formally agree to your secondary activity.
What types of jobs are strictly prohibited?
Even after receiving official permission, international students are forbidden from taking jobs in adult entertainment and adult-related service sectors. Under Japanese law, prohibited employment includes:
- Adult entertainment establishments (*fuei* venues or night entertainment businesses).
- Store-based or non-store-based sex industry businesses.
- Video transmission adult businesses or adult phone introduction services.
- Venues operating specified amusement or night-club style drinking businesses.
Engaging in work at any of these premises is illegal, regardless of the specific job duties performed.
Who can submit the application on your behalf?
The application can be submitted directly by the applicant in person. Alternatively, authorized proxies may submit the paperwork on your behalf:
- A legal representative of the applicant.
- Staff members from the educational or training institution where the student is enrolled, provided they are approved application proxies by the regional immigration bureau director.
- Staff members from public interest corporations dedicated to facilitating smooth entry and residence for foreign nationals.
- Registered attorneys or administrative scriveners who have filed official notice with the regional immigration bureau director.
When a representative submits documents, they must present official proof of identity and authorization.
What documents do you need to prepare?
Applicants must gather and present specific paperwork to complete the submission:
- Application form: One completed copy of the official application form (downloadable in PDF or Excel format).
- Activity clarification document: One document detailing the exact nature and content of the intended activities.
- Residence Card: Present your physical Residence Card (or provide a copy for a representative to carry alongside their own identification).
- Passport or status certificate: Present your passport or residence status certificate (a written statement of reasons is required if these cannot be produced).
Immigration officers may request additional supporting materials during the examination process if further verification is required.
How much does it cost and how long does processing take?
There is no government fee required when filing an application for permission to engage in activity other than that permitted under the status of residence. The standard processing period ranges from two weeks to two months. Because screening can take up to two months, applicants should organize their paperwork early.
Where and when can you apply?
Applications must be delivered to the Regional Immigration Bureau or branch office that holds jurisdiction over your registered place of residence in Japan.
- Acceptance hours: Offices receive applications on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
- Online application rules: Submitting online is permitted only when filed concurrently with an application for Change of Status of Residence, Extension of Period of Stay, or Acquisition of Status of Residence.
- Inquiry line: For procedural guidance, applicants can contact their Regional Immigration Bureau or the Foreign Resident Information Center at 0570-013904.
Please note that individual cases may vary, and readers should confirm their specific eligibility and procedural steps directly with official immigration authorities.
Finding a place to stay
Arranging suitable accommodation before arriving in Japan is an essential step once your Certificate of Eligibility or visa process is underway. Look for housing near public transportation and your campus or place of study. OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo; most homes have a minimum stay of 30 nights (shown on each listing). The monthly price includes electricity, gas, water and Wi-Fi. No guarantor, no key money and no agency fee; booking is online with a passport or ID and a credit card. Having your accommodation secured early allows you to focus on your studies and official administrative procedures smoothly after landing.
FAQ
How much does it cost to apply for part-time work permission in Japan?
There is no application fee for requesting permission to engage in activity other than that permitted under your status of residence.
Can I submit my part-time work permission application online?
Online applications are permitted only when submitted at the same time as an application for Change of Status, Extension of Stay, or Acquisition of Status of Residence.
How long does it take for immigration to process the application?
The standard processing time set by the Immigration Services Agency ranges from two weeks to two months.
Sources
- 出入国在留管理庁「資格外活動許可申請 | 出入国在留管理庁」(checked 2026-10-15)
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.