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Permission to Engage in Other Activities in Japan
Permission to Engage in Other Activities is an immigration procedure that allows a foreign national to conduct certain activities outside the scope of their current status of residence, after obtaining permission from Immigration in advance.
This is especially important for students, dependents, part-time workers, side jobs, freelance activities, and cases where the proposed activity may not clearly fall within the current status of residence.
When this permission may be required
In Japan, each status of residence has a permitted scope of activities.
For example, a Student status is primarily for study, and a Dependent status is primarily for staying in Japan as a family member. If a person with such status wishes to work part-time or engage in activities that generate income, Permission to Engage in Other Activities is usually required.
Working without the proper permission may affect future extension applications, change of status applications, permanent residence applications, and future immigration screening.
Typical applicants
The following are common situations where this permission should be considered carefully.
Part-time work by students
International students generally need permission before working part-time in Japan.
- Working hour restrictions
- Rules during long school holidays
- Prohibited work categories
- Consistency with school attendance and study purpose
Part-time work by dependents
A person with Dependent status usually needs permission before engaging in paid work such as part-time employment.
- Part-time work
- Working hour control
- Relationship with financial dependency
- Explanation at the time of renewal
Side jobs or different activities
Even for work-related statuses, side jobs or activities outside the permitted scope of the current status may require careful review.
- Side jobs and multiple jobs
- Freelance or outsourcing activities
- Work different from the current job category
- Whether remuneration is involved
Check the back of the Residence Card
Permission to Engage in Other Activities may be shown on the back of the Residence Card.
However, even if there is a notation on the Residence Card, it does not mean that any work is freely permitted. The type of permission, activity content, working hours, workplace, and relationship with the original status of residence must be reviewed.
In practice, issues often appear near the time of extension or change of status, especially when there are questions about actual working hours, income, school attendance, family dependency, or the real nature of the activity.
Important points to avoid immigration problems
This permission is not a simple “free work permit.” It is permission to conduct certain additional activities within a limited scope, without interfering with the main activity of the current status of residence.
Even with permission, a foreign national may still face problems if the actual work is inconsistent with the status of residence, involves excessive working hours, conflicts with study or dependency status, or falls within a prohibited business category.
Employers must also check whether the person is legally allowed to work. In foreign employment management, it is important to confirm the Residence Card, status of residence, expiry date, and permission notation before employment starts.
- Do not start working before obtaining the required permission.
- For students, school attendance and study performance may also become relevant.
- For dependents, the relationship with financial dependency and household circumstances should be considered.
- Side jobs by work-status holders require careful review of the permitted scope of their current status.
- Employers should confirm the permission and manage working hours properly.
How we review the case
The first step is to confirm the current status of residence, expiry date, proposed activity, workplace, working conditions, and working hours.
We then consider whether Permission to Engage in Other Activities is sufficient, whether an individual permission is required, or whether a Change of Status of Residence should be considered instead.
We confirm the Residence Card, expiry date, and current permitted activities.
We review the workplace, job duties, working hours, remuneration, and employment or contract type.
We consider whether blanket permission is enough, whether individual permission is needed, or whether a change of status may be more appropriate.
We check applicant-side documents and materials explaining the activity and working conditions.
Depending on the case, we assist with the permission application, review in connection with renewal or change, or employer-side compliance check.
How Tommy’s Legal Service can support you
Applicant and family support
We help students, dependents, and work-status holders confirm whether the proposed activity is allowed under the current status of residence.
- Review of whether permission is required
- Residence Card and permission notation check
- Explanation of working hour and activity restrictions
- Review of possible impact on renewal or change of status
Employer-side compliance check
Before hiring a foreign national for part-time work, side work, outsourcing, or freelance-style work, employers should confirm whether the person can legally engage in the proposed activity.
- Residence Card check points
- Permission notation review
- Working hour management
- Prevention of illegal employment facilitation risk
Unsure whether you can work or hire?
Permission to Engage in Other Activities depends on the current status of residence, proposed activity, working hours, remuneration, contract type, workplace, and timing of renewal or change of status.
If you are unsure whether you can work, or whether you can hire a foreign national, please confirm the situation before the activity starts.
Back to Immigration Services
When contacting us, please tell us your nationality, current status of residence, expiry date, proposed activity, workplace, working hours, and whether remuneration is involved.