Working part-time

You must obtain a part-time work permit ("Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted") at the Regional Immigration Bureau before starting a part-time job. By law, you may work up to 28 hours per week with this permit (During summer, winter, and spring vacations, work hours may not exceed 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week).

Students who work as Student Assistants (SA), Teaching Assistants (TA), or Research Assistants (RA) for the university do not need a work permit, but may still only work up to 28 hours per week, including any other part-time jobs, etc. outside of the university ("activities other than those permitted by the status of residence"). In addition, students are required to obtain permission to engage in part-time jobs other than SA, TA, or RA at the university.

To apply, please prepare Application Form for Working Permission ("Application for Permission to Engage in Activity Other than That Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted") and submit it at the Regional Immigration Bureau along with your passport and residence card. https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-8.html

Attention!

The status of residence "Student" is intended only for studying in Japan. If you work beyond the legally allowed working hours, you may be subject to penalties including deportation, fines, and imprisonment. In addition, part-time jobs related to the adult entertainment business (including washing dishes and cleaning at such places of business) are prohibited.

Participating in an internship

◇Unpaid: No special paperwork is required.

◇Paid internships: If you will be working less 28 hours or fewer per week, you must apply for a work permit in the same way as if you were working part-time. However, if the internship exceeds 28 hours per week during the class period, you must apply for a special permit separate from a work permit. https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/resources/nyuukokukanri07_00109.html