There are 29 types of statuses of residence in Japan.
If you just have landed in Japan and intend to work here, it is necessary to understand who is permitted to work and who is not.
Group A
Permanent Resident/Spouse or Child of Japanese National/Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident/Long term Resident
You are permitted to work in any type of industry or job.
There is no working time limits (Group B must not work more than 28 hours a week), and of course, you are free to change jobs if you want to.
Group B
Professor/Artist/Religious Activities/Journalist/Investor or Business Manager/Legal or Accounting Services/Medical Services/Researcher/Instructor/Engineer/Specialist in humanities and International services/Intra-company transferee/Entertainer/Skilled Labor/Designated Activities.
You are permitted to engage in certain types of job, industries or job contents.
Please note that you must not engage in any activity other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted.
If you want to work in other type of industry or job, you are required to complete “Application Procedure for Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted” at the regional immigration office in charge of your address.
*If you have “shukatsu VISA(Designated Activities)”…
Comprehensive permission may be granted in such cases where a foreign national stays in Japan with the status of residence for “Designated Activities” for the purpose of continuing job-hunting that he/she has been carrying out since the time prior to his/her graduation, and also possesses a letter of recommendation issued by the relevant educational institution which contains the statement concerning the application for permission to engage in an activity other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted.
Group C
Student/Dependent
Part-time job is permitted to work up to 28 hours a week after receiving permission to engage in an activity other than those permitted by the status of residence previously granted.
In addition, especially for students, it is permitted to work up to 8 hours a day during long-term vacation.
Group D
Technical Intern Training/Trainee/Specified Skilled Worker/Temporary Visitor
You are not permitted to work even if you are to apply for Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted.
You want to work in Japan with your current status of residence?
First, go to read this page carefully and obtain work permit !
