Part Time Work Rules for Foreigners in Japan

Working part-time in Japan as a foreigner can be a great way to supplement your income, practice Japanese, and gain valuable cultural experience. However, Japan has strict regulations governing who can work part-time, how many hours you can work, and what types of jobs are permitted. Understanding these rules is essential to avoid serious consequences including fines or even deportation.

This guide covers everything you need to know about part-time work rules for foreigners in Japan, from visa requirements to prohibited industries and your rights as a worker.

Who Can Work Part-Time in Japan?

Your eligibility for part-time work in Japan depends entirely on your visa status. Not all residence statuses allow part-time employment, and even those that do often come with restrictions.

Visa types that allow part-time work:

• Student visa (留学) — Allowed with a special work permit, subject to hour restrictions
• Dependent visa (家族滞在) — Allowed with a work permit, limited to 28 hours per week
• Working Holiday visa — Generally unrestricted in terms of job type and hours
• Designated Activities visa — Depends on the specific designation
• Work visas (Engineer, Humanities, etc.) — Part-time work outside your visa category requires additional permission

If you hold a student or dependent visa, you must apply for a separate work permit before you can legally take on any part-time job. This is non-negotiable. For more information on visa types and their requirements, check out our complete guide to Japan visa and immigration.

How to Get a Part-Time Work Permit

Foreign students and dependents need to obtain "Permission to Engage in Activities Other Than Those Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted" (資格外活動許可 / shikakugai katsudō kyoka). While the name is long, the process is straightforward.

Option 1: Apply at the airport upon arrival

When you first arrive in Japan, you can fill out the application form at the immigration desk. If approved, immigration will place a stamp on the back of your residence card and a sticker on your passport. This is the fastest method.

Option 2: Apply at your local immigration office

If you did not apply at the airport, visit your nearest Regional Immigration Services Bureau. You will need:

• Your passport
• Your residence card (zairyū card)
• A completed application form (available at the office or online)

Processing typically takes about two to four weeks. There is no fee for the application.

Important: Your work permit is only valid while your visa status remains active. If you graduate, drop out, or otherwise lose your student status, the work permit expires immediately. Continuing to work after this point is illegal.

You can find more details about navigating Japanese bureaucracy in our guide to Japanese bureaucracy and paperwork.

Working Hour Limits by Visa Type

One of the most important rules for part-time workers on student and dependent visas is the strict limit on working hours. These limits apply to your total hours across all part-time jobs combined, not per employer.

The 28-hour weekly limit is strictly enforced. Immigration authorities can and do check employment records. If you work at multiple jobs, the combined hours must not exceed 28 hours per week. During long school vacations such as summer, winter, and spring breaks, students may work up to 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week, but you may need a letter from your school confirming the vacation period.

For a broader understanding of working in Japan as a foreigner, including full-time opportunities, explore our comprehensive guide.

Prohibited Jobs and Industries

Even with a valid work permit, certain types of employment are completely off-limits for student and dependent visa holders. Japan strictly prohibits part-time work in the following industries:

• Adult entertainment businesses (風俗営業) — Hostess clubs, host clubs, cabarets, and similar establishments
• Bars and lounges — Establishments primarily serving alcohol with customer companionship
• Gambling venues — Pachinko parlors, mahjong parlors, and betting establishments
• Related services — Any business associated with the above categories

Critical point: This prohibition extends to all roles at these establishments, not just customer-facing positions. Even if you are hired as a dishwasher, cleaner, or kitchen staff at a bar or pachinko parlor, it is still illegal. There are no exceptions.

Violating these restrictions can result in the revocation of your work permit, denial of visa renewal, or deportation. Always verify that your workplace falls within permitted categories before accepting a job.

Your Rights as a Part-Time Worker

Japanese labor law applies equally to all workers regardless of nationality. This is explicitly stated in the Labor Standards Act, which prohibits discriminatory treatment based on nationality with respect to wages, working hours, and other working conditions. As a part-time worker in Japan, you are entitled to:

Minimum wage protection: Japan sets minimum wages by prefecture. As of 2025, the national weighted average minimum wage is approximately 1,055 yen per hour, with Tokyo at around 1,163 yen. Research shows that about 70% of foreign students earn between 1,000 and 1,400 yen per hour. You can learn more about managing your finances in our guide to banking and finance in Japan.

Paid holidays: Part-time workers are entitled to paid annual leave, calculated proportionally based on working days. After six months of continuous employment with at least 80% attendance, you begin accruing paid leave.

Overtime compensation: If you work beyond your scheduled hours, overtime pay applies:

• Regular overtime: 125% of your normal hourly rate
• Overtime exceeding 60 hours per month: 150%
• Work on holidays: 135%
• Late-night work (10 PM to 5 AM): Additional 25% premium

Social insurance: Depending on your working hours and the size of your employer, you may be enrolled in health insurance and pension programs. For more on healthcare coverage, see our healthcare guide for foreigners in Japan.

Essential Documents and Requirements

Before starting a part-time job in Japan, you need to prepare several important documents. Having these ready will make your job search and hiring process much smoother.

My Number (マイナンバー): This 12-digit identification number is required by all employers for payroll processing, tax withholding, and social insurance. Your employer will ask for it during the onboarding process. You receive your My Number when you register your address at your local city or ward office.

Bank account: Most Japanese employers pay by direct deposit. You will need a Japanese bank account, which you can open at major banks or Japan Post Bank with your residence card and passport.

Phone number: A Japanese phone number is practically essential. Most employers prefer to contact applicants by phone rather than email. Consider getting a Japanese SIM card or phone plan early on.

Resume (履歴書 / rirekisho): Japanese employers expect a specific resume format different from Western-style CVs. You can purchase blank rirekisho forms at convenience stores or download templates online. Fill them out neatly by hand or use a digital version.

For more tips on navigating daily life necessities, check our guide to daily life in Japan.

Popular Part-Time Jobs for Foreigners

Foreigners in Japan commonly work in several industries that are welcoming to non-native speakers and offer flexible scheduling. Here are some of the most popular options:

Convenience stores (コンビニ): Chains like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson frequently hire foreign workers. These jobs offer regular hours, a structured work environment, and excellent Japanese practice. Pay is typically at or near minimum wage.

Restaurants and cafes: The food service industry is one of the largest employers of foreign part-time workers. Roles include kitchen staff, servers, and dishwashers. Some restaurants specifically seek bilingual staff.

English teaching and tutoring: If you are a native English speaker, private tutoring or working at an eikaiwa (English conversation school) can be lucrative. Hourly rates often range from 2,000 to 5,000 yen. Learn more in our guide to teaching English in Japan.

Factory and warehouse work: These jobs often require less Japanese ability and offer higher hourly wages, especially for night shifts. Dispatching companies (派遣会社 / haken gaisha) frequently connect foreigners with these opportunities.

Translation and interpretation: If you are fluent in Japanese and another language, freelance translation work can pay well and offer flexible hours. Check our guide to starting a business in Japan if you want to pursue this independently.

Taxes and Income Reporting

Part-time income in Japan is subject to taxation, and understanding your obligations is important to stay compliant. Read our complete guide to taxes in Japan for detailed information.

Key tax thresholds to know:

Your employer will withhold income tax from your paycheck automatically. If you work for multiple employers, you may need to file a year-end tax return to reconcile your total income. Keep all pay stubs and tax withholding documents organized.

Tax treaty benefits: Japan has tax treaties with many countries that may reduce or eliminate double taxation. Check whether your home country has a treaty with Japan, as some treaties offer special exemptions for students.

Consequences of Breaking the Rules

Japan takes immigration and employment law violations seriously. Understanding the potential consequences can help you avoid costly mistakes.

Working without a permit: If you are caught working without proper authorization, you face fines of up to 3 million yen, imprisonment for up to 3 years, or both. Your employer can also be penalized.

Exceeding hour limits: Working more than 28 hours per week on a student visa can result in denial of visa renewal, inability to change to a work visa after graduation, or deportation in severe cases.

Working in prohibited industries: Even unknowingly working in a prohibited establishment can jeopardize your immigration status. Always verify the nature of the business before accepting employment.

Employer violations: Employers who knowingly hire foreigners without proper work authorization face fines and criminal penalties. Reputable employers will always ask to see your residence card and work permit before hiring you.

If you encounter any legal issues, consult our guide to legal rights for foreigners in Japan for information on seeking legal assistance.

Tips for Finding Part-Time Work

Finding a part-time job in Japan requires a combination of online searching and in-person networking. Here are practical tips to get started:

1. Use job search platforms: Websites like Baitoru, Town Work, and WORK JAPAN specifically list part-time positions. Some cater to foreigners and offer English-language interfaces.

1. Check your school's job board: Many universities and language schools maintain bulletin boards or online portals with part-time job listings vetted for student workers.

1. Visit Hello Work: Japan's public employment service, Hello Work, offers free job placement assistance including services for foreign workers in multiple languages.

1. Walk around your neighborhood: Many shops and restaurants post help-wanted signs (アルバイト募集) in their windows. This is especially common in busy commercial areas.

1. Network through communities: Connecting with other foreigners and Japanese locals can lead to job referrals. Check our guide to making friends and social life in Japan for networking tips.

For a comprehensive overview of job hunting strategies in Japan, visit For Work in Japan's job hunting guide and Living in Nihon's complete guide to finding jobs. If you are considering a career change into the IT industry, Ittenshoku's career change guide provides detailed information on transitioning into tech roles in Japan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work part-time on a tourist visa? No. Tourist visa holders are strictly prohibited from any form of paid employment in Japan. Even informal or cash-in-hand work is illegal.

What happens if my employer asks me to work more than 28 hours? Politely decline and explain your visa restrictions. A responsible employer will respect these limits. If they pressure you, consider looking for a different employer.

Can I work part-time while job hunting after graduation? Yes, if you change your visa status to "Designated Activities" for job hunting. This visa typically allows part-time work for up to 28 hours per week while you search for full-time employment.

Do I need to speak Japanese to find part-time work? While Japanese ability greatly expands your options, some jobs such as factory work, warehouse operations, and English teaching require minimal Japanese. However, even basic conversational Japanese will significantly improve your chances.

Can I do freelance or gig work on a student visa? Freelance work such as online tutoring, translation, or content creation is generally permitted under the same 28-hour limit, as long as it does not fall into prohibited categories. However, registering as a sole proprietor may require additional paperwork. See our guide to the cost of living in Japan to plan your financial needs.

Working part-time in Japan can be a rewarding experience when you follow the rules. Keep your work permit current, track your hours carefully, and choose reputable employers. By staying informed and compliant, you can enjoy the benefits of part-time employment while building valuable skills and connections in Japan.