International graduate students residing in Japan under a Student visa who wish to take up part-time employment or receive remuneration outside their academic program must obtain official permission from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. This application process is completely free of charge, takes between two weeks and two months to process, and requires submitting specific forms and identification documents. Before accepting any paid work, students should review official regulations and confirm their eligibility directly with official sources or regional immigration authorities.
What is the permission required for international students to work part-time in Japan?
Under Article 19, Paragraph 2 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, individuals holding a status of residence such as "Student" are generally restricted to activities directly tied to their status. If an international student or graduate researcher intends to operate a business that yields income or perform paid part-time work, they must first apply for "Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted" (資格外活動許可).
Official procedures and guidelines are maintained by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. Securing this permit allows foreign students to legally earn income while pursuing their studies, provided they adhere strictly to the conditions set by immigration authorities.
What criteria must international graduate students satisfy to obtain approval?
To receive authorization for part-time work or side activities, applicants must fulfill several core legal requirements evaluated during the immigration review process:
- Preservation of primary study goals: The secondary activity must not hinder or interfere with the student's primary academic activities and coursework under their current residence status.
- Active enrollment status: The applicant must currently be actively carrying out the primary activities corresponding to their designated status of residence.
- Permissible activity classification: The target activity must fall under activities recognized within the designated residence status tables of the immigration act (excluding Specified Skilled Worker and Technical Intern Training categories).
- Compliance with lawful fields: The work must not violate any civil or criminal laws and must not take place in prohibited industries.
- Clean administrative record: The student must not be subject to a deportation order or have received a notice of hearing for deportation procedures.
- Good conduct: The applicant must maintain acceptable personal conduct and standard compliance.
- Institutional consent: If the student's residence status involves a contract with a public or private Japanese organization, that host organization must explicitly consent to the student engaging in outside work.
What documents do you need and how do you submit the application?
Preparing a complete application packet ensures that immigration officers can evaluate your request efficiently. Standard processing times range between two weeks and two months. There is no official application fee required.
Required documentation
Applicants need to present and submit the following materials to the immigration authorities:
- Application form: One official application document. Downloadable PDF or Excel forms are provided by immigration, including specific versions designed for newly entering international students.
- Activity details document: One document clarifying the nature, scope, and specific details of the proposed work activity (requirements vary depending on whether comprehensive or individual permission is sought).
- Residence Card: Must be presented at the time of application. If an authorized representative files on behalf of the student, a copy of the Residence Card must be carried by the student while the representative presents the original card at the office.
- Passport or Certificate of Status of Residence: Must be shown to officials. If the passport cannot be presented, a written statement detailing the reasons must be attached.
- Identification proof: Required if an authorized proxy or agent submits the application on behalf of the student.
- Special explanatory letter: In cases where temporary disruption occurs due to severe natural disasters—such as the heavy rain in the Noto Peninsula region in September 2026—a written explanation issued by the host educational institution is required if the student is temporarily unable to engage in primary academic duties.
How and where to submit
Applications must be submitted to the local Regional Immigration Services Bureau or branch office that holds jurisdiction over the student's registered place of residence. Submissions are accepted on weekdays during business hours: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Inquiries regarding procedures can be directed to the Foreign Residents Information Center at 0570-013904.
Applications may be submitted directly by the student, their legal representative, or approved organizational proxies (such as designated staff at the university, representatives from public interest corporations, or registered administrative scriveners and lawyers). Online filing is available, but only when submitted simultaneously with an application for Change of Status of Residence, Extension of Period of Stay, or Acquisition of Status of Residence. Note that no administrative appeals or administrative objection procedures are permitted if an application is denied.
What activities are strictly prohibited for student part-time work?
Japan's immigration regulations establish strict boundaries regarding where international students may work. Engagement in prohibited sectors can result in severe legal consequences.
Part-time work is strictly forbidden in any establishment connected to adult entertainment businesses (*fusoku eigyo*), adult entertainment dining, or sexually oriented businesses. This prohibition covers both store-based and non-store-based sex industries, video-transmission sexual service businesses, and phone-dating service operations. Furthermore, students cannot engage in any activity that violates Japanese civil or criminal law.
Finding a place to stay
When planning graduate studies and part-time work in Tokyo, securing reliable housing before arrival or immediately after receiving your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and visa is essential. Establishing your local address promptly enables you to complete municipal registration, receive your Residence Card, and apply smoothly for work permission at the regional immigration office.
Many international graduate students and arriving researchers choose to settle into temporary housing while exploring Tokyo's university neighborhoods. OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo. Their streamlined service requires no guarantor, no key money and no agency fee; booking is online with a passport or ID and a credit card. For students, research fellows, or academic groups planning extended stays, groups, longer stays and students can ask for a quote; a special price is often possible. Setting up a comfortable home base early allows you to focus on your research commitments and navigate part-time work regulations with confidence.
FAQ
How long does it take to process the part-time work permit in Japan?
The standard processing time for a part-time work permission application ranges from two weeks to two months.
Can you apply for the work permit online?
Online applications are permitted only when submitted simultaneously with an application to change status of residence, extend period of stay, or acquire status of residence.
Is there an official fee to apply for this permission?
No, there is no application fee charged by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan for processing this permit.
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 2026-10-16)
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.