Out-of-Status Activity Permission Application

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Foreign nationals who do not hold a work-eligible status of residence are generally not permitted to work in Japan. However, by obtaining Out-of-Status Activity Permission, they become able to work for a limited number of hours 窶・in principle, up to 28 hours per week. This permission is also required when a foreign national wishes to engage in activities outside the scope of their current status of residence. Applications are submitted to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, and results are typically received within 2 weeks to 1 month after submission.

I personally worked part-time during my own study abroad experience in the UK. There was a limit of 20 hours per week, but the income helped cover my living expenses, and working allowed me to learn a great deal and expand my circle of friends. Our office handles the application process for Out-of-Status Activity Permission on your behalf, so please feel free to contact us.

Who Can Apply for Out-of-Status Activity Permission

In most cases, the applicants are foreign nationals holding a Student Visa or a Family Stay Visa. Foreign nationals with a work-eligible status of residence may also apply if they wish to engage in employment outside the scope of their currently permitted activities.

Newly Arrived International Students

Foreign nationals entering Japan for the first time under a Student (College Student) status of residence (excluding re-entry) may apply for Out-of-Status Activity Permission at the port of entry. However, those granted a 3-month period of stay are not eligible. If you are coming to Japan on a Student Visa and wish to start a part-time job as soon as possible 窶・or if visiting the Immigration Services Agency to apply seems like too much trouble 窶・it is a good idea to prepare the necessary documents before your arrival in Japan.

Working Without Permission

If a foreign national who is required to obtain Out-of-Status Activity Permission takes on part-time work without doing so, or exceeds the permitted working hours, this constitutes a violation of their status of residence and may lead to deportation 窶・meaning you will no longer be able to continue living in Japan. Even if you have not yet decided on a specific part-time job, you can obtain permission in advance. If you are considering part-time work, we strongly recommend applying for permission first and searching for work after approval is granted. The validity period of Out-of-Status Activity Permission is the same as the validity of your current status of residence. If you renew your period of stay, any permission obtained prior to renewal becomes invalid. Therefore, when renewing your period of stay, you must also simultaneously apply to renew your Out-of-Status Activity Permission.

Statuses of Residence That Allow Work Within a Defined Scope

The statuses of residence that permit work in Japan include Diplomat, Official, Professor, Artist, Religious Activities, Journalism, Business Management, Legal and Accounting Services, Medical, Research, Education, Engineering / Humanities / International Services, Intra-Company Transfer, Entertainment, Skilled Labor, Technical Intern Training, Specified Activity (Working Holiday, EPA-based Foreign Nurses and Care Workers, etc.), and others.

Foreign nationals holding the above statuses of residence who wish to work outside the scope of their permitted activities are required to obtain Out-of-Status Activity Permission.

Statuses of Residence That Do Not Permit Work in Principle

Cultural Activities, Short-Term Stay, Student, Training, Family Stay, and other statuses of residence generally do not permit work in Japan. However, foreign nationals residing in Japan with a Student or Family Stay status of residence may apply for Out-of-Status Activity Permission at the Immigration Services Agency, and upon approval, are permitted to take on part-time work.

With Out-of-Status Activity Permission, foreign nationals holding a Student status of residence may work up to 28 hours per week in principle. During school long-term vacation periods (such as summer break), up to 8 hours per day of work is permitted. Specific details such as permitted working hours during long school holidays can be confirmed on the Out-of-Status Activity Permission document.

Foreign nationals residing in Japan with a Family Stay status of residence may also work up to 28 hours per week in principle upon obtaining Out-of-Status Activity Permission. When seeking employment, eligibility to work can be demonstrated by presenting the "Out-of-Status Activity Permission Certificate" or the "Out-of-Status Activity Permission stamp in your passport." Even with Out-of-Status Activity Permission, you are not permitted to work in adult entertainment establishments (hostess bars, snack bars, pubs, night clubs, mahjong parlors, pachinko parlors, game centers, and similar venues where customers are entertained with food and drinks).

Statuses of Residence With No Work Restrictions

The four statuses of residence 窶・Permanent Resident, Spouse or Child of Japanese National, Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident, and Long-Term Resident 窶・have no restrictions on work activities, and therefore do not require an application for Out-of-Status Activity Permission.

Required Documents

Application Form
One (1) document clarifying the content of the activities pertaining to the application
Residence Card (including alien registration certificates deemed as Residence Cards; the same applies hereinafter) to be presented
窶ｻ If someone other than the applicant is submitting the application on the applicant's behalf, the applicant must carry a copy of their Residence Card.
Passport or Certificate of Eligibility to be presented
If unable to present a passport or Certificate of Eligibility, a written statement explaining the reason
Documents proving identity (required when the application is submitted by an authorized representative)