What is "Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted"? Rules for International Students and Dependents Working Part-time in Japan
1. Basic Knowledge of the Permission and Eligible Visas
Japanese immigration law strictly defines the activities allowed for each status of residence. Those holding visas that do not originally permit work must obtain permission from the Minister of Justice before engaging in any activity for which they receive remuneration.
1-1. Why is This Permission Necessary? (Ensuring Primary Activities)
The "Student" visa is for studying, and the "Dependent" visa is for living with family. If unlimited work were allowed, it could lead to the neglect of these primary purposes, turning the stay into one focused solely on labor. Therefore, work is permitted only within a range that does not interfere with the original purpose of the stay.
1-2. Main Visas Eligible for Application
The following visa holders are primarily eligible to apply for this permission:
"Student": Students at universities, graduate schools, vocational schools, or Japanese language schools.
"Dependent": Spouses or children of foreigners working under a work visa.
"Designated Activities": Working holiday participants, interns, or graduates searching for jobs (depending on the specific activity).
Additionally, those already holding a work visa (e.g., "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services") who wish to engage in a side job completely outside their permitted field (e.g., an IT engineer working in a restaurant) also require this permission.
1-3. "Blanket Permission" vs. "Individual Permission"
Most people seeking part-time work obtain "Blanket Permission." This allows them to work anywhere within set rules (such as under 28 hours per week) without specifying the employer in advance. Conversely, "Individual Permission" is required for specific activities, such as internships exceeding 28 hours or unique roles where the immigration office must review the specific contract.
2. The Strict "28-Hour Rule" and Exceptions for Long Vacations
The most critical aspect of this permission is the time limit. Exceeding this limit even slightly can lead to the rejection of future visa renewals or, in the worst case, deportation.
2-1. Calculating "28 Hours per Week" Correctly
Students and dependents must ensure that the total time worked across all jobs is within 28 hours per week.
The Pitfall of Multiple Jobs: If you work 14 hours at Shop A and 15 hours at Shop B, the total is 29 hours, which is a violation. It is NOT "28 hours per employer."
The "Any 7 Consecutive Days" Rule: The 28-hour limit is not fixed to a specific week (e.g., Monday to Sunday). It is applied to any 7-day period. You must not exceed 28 hours no matter which day you start counting from.
Overtime and Preparation Time: Work hours include not just the time on the clock, but also time spent changing uniforms or cleaning up after closing.
2-2. Special Rule for Students: 40 Hours During Long Vacations
Only for "Student" visa holders, work is permitted up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week during long vacations (summer, winter, and spring breaks) as defined by the school's regulations.
Important: This only applies to periods officially designated as long vacations by the school. It does not apply to personal absences or periods where you simply have no classes.
For Dependents: This exception does NOT apply to those on a "Dependent" visa. They must strictly adhere to the 28-hour limit throughout the entire year.
2-3. How Violations are Detected
The idea that "it won't be found if paid in cash" is a myth. With the My Number system, information on salary payments is shared between employers, local governments, and the Immigration Bureau. It is increasingly common for visa renewals to be rejected because tax certificates show income levels that clearly indicate the 28-hour limit was exceeded.
3. Prohibited Industries and the Trap of "Adult Entertainment"
Even with permission, you cannot work in just any industry. To maintain a healthy status of residence, any work related to the "Adult Entertainment Business" (Fuei-ho) is strictly forbidden.
3-1. Examples of Prohibited Locations
You cannot work in the following places, even as a cleaner, kitchen staff, or flyer distributor:
Pachinko parlors, Game centers, Mahjong parlors
Cabarets, Host clubs, Girls' bars (places where staff "entertain" customers)
Love hotels, Private massage parlors (those providing sexual services)
Adult shops or theaters
3-2. The Line Between "Service" and "Entertainment"
Serving food in an Izakaya is fine. However, sitting next to customers to talk or singing karaoke with them (classed as "Entertainment") in places like snacks or bars is prohibited. Working in such places can lead to immediate arrest or deportation if the police raid the establishment.
4. Application Procedures and Required Documents
The process is relatively simple, but timing is key to ensuring you do not have periods where you cannot work.
4-1. Application at the Airport (New Arrivals)
For those arriving in Japan for the first time with a "Student" visa, you can apply at the immigration counter at major airports (Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Kansai, etc.). The permission will be stamped on the back of your Residence Card immediately.
4-2. Application at the Immigration Bureau (Current Residents)
If you are already in Japan, you must visit the regional Immigration Bureau.
Required Documents:
Application Form for Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted.
Residence Card (Original).
Passport (Original).
Fee: Free of charge.
Standard Processing Time: 2 weeks to 2 months.
4-3. Validity and Renewal
The permission is valid until your current visa expires. When you renew your visa (Extension of Period of Stay), you must re-apply for the work permission at the same time.
5. Employer Obligations and Penalties
Companies and shops hiring foreigners also have significant legal responsibilities.
5-1. Mandatory Check of the Residence Card
Employers must check the back of the Residence Card for the "Permission" stamp. Hiring a foreigner without this can lead to charges of "Encouraging Illegal Labor," punishable by up to 3 years in prison or a fine of up to 3 million JPY.
5-2. Notification of Employment Status
Employers are legally required to report the hiring or resignation of foreign employees to Hello Work. Failure to do so can result in fines for the employer.
6. Conclusion: Staying Legal for a Successful Life in Japan
Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted is a valuable system, but rules must be followed to protect your life in Japan.
Never forget to apply (especially during visa renewal).
Strictly adhere to the 28-hour limit (be careful with multiple jobs).
Avoid any workplace related to the adult entertainment industry.
Clarify vacation dates with your school.
By following these rules, you can gain social experience while ensuring your status of residence remains secure.
References & Supervision
This article was created based on official guidelines from:
Immigration Services Agency of Japan (MOJ): Procedures for "Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted."
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: Guidelines on "Notification of Employment Status of Foreigners."
Mynavi Global: Professional insights on foreign employment and visa practices.
Administrative Scrivener Corporation VISA JAPAN: Legal interpretations and case studies.