Permission for Part-time Work

If your visa status is "Student," "Cultural Activities," or "Dependent," you are not permitted to work in Japan. However, if you need to supplement your tuition or living expenses and wish to work part-time, you can do so by obtaining permission to engage in activities outside your visa status. Working without permission can result in penalties and deportation.
Be sure to obtain permission for activities outside your visa 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 (downloadable from the Ministry of Justice’s website)
2. Passport
3. Residence card (or alien registration certificate )

Restrictions on working hours

Even with permission to work, there are limitations on working hours.
"Student" and "Dependent" visa holders are only permitted to work up to 28 hours per week.
"Student" visa holders are permitted to work up to 8 hours per day, 28 hours per week , during long school vacations designated by their educational institution (such as summer and winter break ). Working beyond these hours (per day and/or per week ) is prohibited.

For "Cultural Activities" visa holders, permission is granted on a case-by-case basis (individual permission). Please apply for permission to engage in activities outside your visa status after securing employment.

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” visa holders do not need to obtain permission to engage in activities outside their visa 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 visa status may still be required. Please verify if a permit is necessary in advance. If you're unsure, contact the Support Office.