Employment of foreign nationals （Visas/Status of Residence）

Working in Japan is dependent on your current status of residence. Some have no restrictions on employment, while others may restrict you to only certain types of work. Then there are some that restrict any form of work. Check carefully that you are in compliance with Immigration Law before starting any job.

No restrictions on employment

• Permanent resident
• Spouse or child of a Japanese national
• Spouse or child of a permanent resident
• Special permanent resident

Employment is permitted with restrictions*

• Diplomat
• Official
• Professor
• Artist
• Religious Activities
• Journalist
• Business Manager
• Legal/Accounting Services
• Medical Services
• Researcher
• Instructor
• Highly-skilled Foreign Professional
• Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
• Intracompany Transferee
• Entertainer
• Skilled Labor
• Technical Intern Trainee
• Designated Activities **

*The restriction being that you are limited to the type of work detailed in your Status of Residence. For example, Instructors are allowed to teach at public schools, but cannot work at a translation company. That would require a change to the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status of residence. If you would like to change the type of work you are doing, you must first apply to the Immigration Office to change your residence status.

• Changing your Status of Residence

**There may be extra restrictions associated with this Status of Residence.

Employment is not permitted

• Cultural Activities
• Student
• Trainee
• Temporary Visitor （i.e. tourist）
• Dependent

If your status does not permit you to work, you can fill out and have granted the application for Permission to Engage in Activities outside of your Status of Residence, which allows you to work under specific parameters. If you fail to do so, you will be considered to be engaging in illegal labor, and both you and your employer will be subject to legal consequences.

• Permission to Engage in Activities outside of your Status of Residence

How do I get a Status of Residence in the first place?

If you have been hired for a job in Japan while residing abroad, your employer must handle the procedures for procuring your Status of Residence. Please read more at How to Get a Status of Residence.

• How to get a Status of Residence