For many international students living on a budget, their biggest concerns when studying abroad are managing living expenses. In Japan, obtaining a part-time work permit can make a difference. With this permit, you can work up to 28 hours per week most of the year, giving you the flexibility to support yourself while still focusing on your studies and enjoying life abroad.
It is important to know that the part-time work permit is not automatically granted when you receive your Japanese student visa. That is because working is considered an “activity outside the scope of your visa status” that you must apply for permission separately.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through applying for a part-time work permit in Japan, what to expect during the process, and helpful tips to make your application go smoothly and successfully.
What is a Part-time Work Permit in Japan?
In Japan, international students who want to work part-time, often referred to as arubaito (アルバイト), must get a part-time work permit. As mentioned, a standard student visa does not automatically grant you the right to work. Although Japanese law permits most people to begin part-time work at age 15 after junior high school, international students can only work if their visa explicitly authorizes it.
Since working in Japan as a student is classified as an “activity other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted,” students are required to apply for a 資格外活動許可 (Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted).
Once approved, immigration places a small sticker on the student’s Residence Card, or 在留カード (zairyuu kaado). While it may seem insignificant, this sticker is extremely important—employers are required to check it and usually make a photocopy before hiring any international student. This permit, obtained through the 資格外活動許可申請書 (Application for Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted), is essential for legally working part-time in Japan and ensures that students remain fully compliant with Japanese immigration regulations.
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Eligibility Criteria for Part-time Work for Students in Japan
If you want to work part-time in Japan as a student, there are a few criteria that must be met before you can do so.
International students in Japan must meet several essential eligibility requirements before they can legally work part-time. First, they must hold a valid Student Visa issued by Japanese immigration authorities. Next, they need to obtain the 資格外活動許可. A mandatory work permit that allows part-time employment. Students must also be enrolled in a recognized educational institution, such as a language school, university, or vocational college. Once granted, the permit allows students to work up to 28 hours per week during normal school terms. This is usually increased to 40 hours per week during your school breaks.
Required Documents for Part-time Work Permit
To apply for a part-time work permit in Japan, students must bring the necessary documents. Below is a clear list of the items typically required:
- Application Form for Part-Time Work Permit
Known as 資格外活動許可 (Shikakugai Katsudō Kyoka), this is the official form for “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted.” The form can be downloaded from Japan’s official Immigration Services Agency website. Many universities and language schools also provide printed copies.
- Residence Card (在留カード)
Your zairyuu kaado (residence card) is needed for identification and to attach the approved work-permit sticker or stamp.
- Passport
- Student ID Card
Usually issued within the first week after arriving in Japan. Your student ID confirms your enrollment in a recognized educational institution.
Keep in mind that the required documents may vary slightly depending on how you apply for the part-time work permit, which we will discuss below. However, the application form remains the most required item.
Application Process for Part-time Work Permit for Students in Japan
To make the process less daunting and overwhelming, we will walk through the steps to obtain a part-time work permit. First, you will need to apply for the “Permission to Engage in Activities Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted” permit.
You can apply for your part-time work permit in two places. At the airport upon arrival or later at your local Regional Immigration Services Bureau. The process looks slightly different depending on where you apply.
Before filling out the application form, be sure to check your university’s policy regarding part-time work permits. Some schools require students to submit the form through their own system or website before applying for immigration.
1. Applying for your part-time work permit at the airport
Applying for a part-time work permit at the airport is the easier of the two methods and the most recommended option, especially if you already know you want to work part-time in Japan. Even if you’re unsure, we still recommend it anyway, as the process is quick, simple, and has no downsides!
When you arrive in Japan with your student visa, the airport immigration will issue your Residence Card on the spot. At the same time, you can apply for the 資格外活動許可 (Part-Time Work Permit), which allows you to start working legally as soon as you settle in.
Not all airports can do this. In general, major airports, including New Chitose Airport, Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Chubu Airport, Kansai Airport, Hiroshima Airport, and Fukuoka Airport, can issue your work permit. If you are landing somewhere else, make sure your port of entry is one of the airports listed above, or double-check in advance.
Steps to Apply at the Airport
Fill out the application form.
Complete the “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted” form. You can download and fill it out before your flight for a faster process. You can also complete it at the airport, though doing it beforehand saves time.
Prepare and present your documents
Show immigration officers the required documents. Your filled-out application form, your passport, your newly issued Residence Card, and your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) if requested.
Receive your work permit immediately
After processing, immigration will place a 資格外活動許可 sticker on the back of your Residence Card. This approval is issued on the spot, making it faster than applying after you leave the airport.
Keep in mind that this method — applying for 資格外活動許可 (part-time work permit) at the airport— is only available during your first entry into Japan with a student visa. This means that if you go back during the break to your home country as a student and return as a student, unfortunately, immigration at the airport can no longer process the application.
2. Applying for your part-time work permit at your local immigration office
The second option to obtain a part-time work permit in Japan is to apply at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau. The application process for the work permit is identical to applying at the airport, with the same required documentation. The only difference is the processing time. This can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months.
To apply, bring the following four items:
- Application form for part-time work permit (資格外活動許可申請書)
- Residence Card
- Passport
- Student ID Card
When applying at the immigration office, you will need to bring most of your essential documents. Including your student ID, so make sure everything is prepared before you go.
Also, keep in mind that regional immigration offices are often far from city centers. Most of the time, they are crowded and usually involve long waiting times on the day of your visit. They are also open only on weekdays, which can make scheduling difficult for students. For these reasons, applying at the airport upon arrival is generally the more convenient option.
Want to learn more about the job landscape in Japan? Check out our article on how to find a job in Japan.
Restrictions, Rules, and Important Information About Working Part-time in Japan as a Student
Before you start working part-time in Japan as an international student, you might want to understand the rules and restrictions. These regulations are strictly enforced, and violating them can affect your visa status.
Work-hour limits
As an international student, you can work up to 28 hours per week during regular school terms. Up to 40 hours per week during long vacations such as summer, winter, or spring break.
Prohibited industries
Students are strictly forbidden from working in any business connected to adult entertainment. Including host/hostess clubs, bars, cabarets, nightclubs, mahjong and pachinko parlors, or any related establishments.
Submit your My Number
You must provide your My Number (individual number) to your employer for payroll, tax, and social insurance processing.
File annual tax returns
If your yearly income exceeds ¥1,030,000, you need to file a tax return during your year-end tax adjustment, also called nenmatsu chousei (年末調整).
Understand basic Japanese labor laws
Protect yourself and learn about key labor rules, including minimum wage, overtime regulations, and holiday pay, and your rights as a worker in Japan. This helps ensure you are treated fairly and legally at your workplace. Most importantly, it helps you be on the lookout for “yami baito” (闇バイト), or jobs that often lure in students or newcomers with promises of high pay and easy work. In reality, they can be dangerous, exploitative, or even illegal.
How to Find a Part-Time Job in Japan
We have discussed how to work part-time in Japan as a student legally, but how does one find a job as an international student in the first place? Luckily, there are a variety of avenues you can pursue to get part-time work in Japan that is best tailored to your skill sets and preferences.
The most common part-time jobs for international students in Japan are:
- Food services: waiter/waitress, kitchen staff, clerk
- Language: English tutor, translator, after-school teacher
- Retail: convenience store clerk, retail associate, hotel worker
- Warehouse: factory/warehouse work, delivery, sorting, packaging
The level of Japanese required for each position and job type varies by position listing. Typically, JLPT N4 is needed for jobs with minimal customer interaction, such as warehouse and factory work. JLPT N3 is the standard for positions that need a little more social interaction, such as stocking convenience stores and supermarkets or working in a kitchen.
This is an excellent opportunity to start a language course so you can access higher-paying opportunities in Japan! Check out our language course options here at Coto Academy and jump-start your Japanese language journey.
If you are actively searching for a job, we recommend contacting your university, as they often help students find part-time jobs that accommodate their schedules and Japanese proficiency levels. There are also a variety of job-hunting websites that you can use to search for jobs in Japan. Among these is YOLO Japan, which specifically targets the international student audience. Other websites include Jobs in Japan and Townwork, which offer broader job openings in your desired area but can sometimes be less accessible for non-Japanese speakers, whereas YOLO Japan and reaching out to your university can result in a more helpful experience for foreigners.
Check out our complete guide on how to get a part-time job in Japan.
If you have always dreamed of studying in Japan, Coto School Finder can help turn that dream into a reality! Navigating the process of choosing a language school, preparing documents, and applying for a student visa can be scary. That’s where Coto School Finder makes a real difference.
Our team connects you with a wide range of trusted Japanese-language schools, from large institutions in major cities to smaller schools offering more personalized programs. You can compare course offerings, tuition fees, locations, and schedules all in one place, helping you choose the path that best fits your goals, whether that’s entering a Japanese university, enrolling in graduate school, or preparing for a career in Japan.
Beyond school selection, our consultants guide you step-by-step through the application and visa process. We make sure your documents are accurate and complete, answer questions about requirements, and keep you updated on timelines. With expert support, the journey becomes far less stressful and much more straightforward!
Ready to take the first step? Contact us for a free consultation!
How to get a part-time job in Japan as a student?
The most crucial part of getting a part-time job in Japan is ensuring you have all the necessary documents to work in the country legally. This includes obtaining a “Permission to Engage in Activities Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted” permit (work permit) by providing all required documentation.
How to apply for a part-time work permit in Japan?
There are two ways to apply for a part-time work permit in Japan. The first way, and the least time-consuming, is to do so at the airport upon arrival in the country. The second option is the same process, but must be completed at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau and can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months.
How many hours can a student work part-time in Japan?
An international student can typically work up to 28 hours per week. However, there is some leeway for long breaks (winter break, summer break, spring break) when this time limit is raised to 40 hours.
Are international students allowed to work in Japan?
Yes, international students are permitted to work in Japan, but they must complete all the legal paperwork and get permission to do so. They must obtain a work permit, be actively attending university, and prove that their part-time job will not replace their study responsibilities.
What are the part-time laws in Japan?
Part-time work laws in Japan state that an international student may work up to 28 hours per week and must obtain a work permit to do so. They must also prioritize their studies, and their part-time job must not interfere with the primary purpose of their original visa.
