Permission for Part-time Work

If the status of your residence is "Student," "Cultural Activities," or "Dependent," you will have "No Work Allowed” stated on your residence card. However, if you wish to work part-time in order to supplement your tuition or living expenses, you can do so by obtaining permission to engage in activities outside your residence status. Working without permission is illegal, and can result in penalties and deportation.
Be sure to obtain permission for activities outside your residence status before starting any work.

For details, please check the website of the Immigration Services Agency:

Required documents:

1. Application for permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted
2. Passport
3. Residence card

*If you hold a "Student" or "Dependent" residence status and apply in advance for permission to engage in activities outside the scope of your residence status, it is acceptable to leave the "12. Other activity to engage in" section on the application form blank or marked as "N/A."

*Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Students must complete the required procedures with their affiliated institution before applying for permission to engage in activities outside the scope of their residence status.

*International students are not permitted to engage in activities outside their residence status (such as part-time work) during their leave of absence.

For "Cultural Activities" residence status holders, permission is granted on a case-by-case basis (individual permission). Therefore, for each part-time job, you will need to apply for permission to engage in activities outside your residence status after securing employment. Activities are limited to those related to the individual's activities (research activities).

Restrictions on working hours

Even with permission to work, there are limitations on working hours.
"Student" and "Dependent" residence status holders are permitted to work up to 28 hours per week once they obtain permission.
"Student" residence status holders are permitted to work up to 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, during long school vacations designated by their educational institution (such as summer and winter break ).

To avoid penalties such as deportation, fines, or imprisonment, it is crucial to comply with the above regulations regarding permitted working hours.

Important notes regarding part-time work

Working at establishments engaged in or related to the sex industry is strictly prohibited.
This includes any form of work at amusement businesses as defined in the "Act on Control and Improvement of Amusement Business," such as host/hostess clubs, cabarets, bars, nightclubs, snack or karaoke bars, pachinko parlors, and/or establishments where employees engage in the provision of companionship or customer interaction. This prohibition extends to any type of work for these establishments, including washing dishes or cleaning up.

In recent years, "shady" part-time jobs violating labor laws and exploiting workers have become a social problem. Before starting a part-time job, be sure to confirm the working conditions.

Part-time work at the University of Osaka

“Student” residence status holders do not need to obtain permission to engage in activities outside their residence status if they work under a contract with the university to support education or research and receive compensation for their work.
This includes positions such as teaching fellow (TF), teaching assistant (TA), student assistant (SA), research assistant (RA), laboratory/research support, and tutor for international students.

For certain part-time work on campus, a permit for activities outside your residence status may still be required. Please verify if a permit is necessary in advance.