Loading…
17 June 2026
Studying in Japan is a life-changing experience, but it can also be financially demanding. To help cover tuition fees, housing, and general cost of living, many international students choose to work part-time (known as arubaito or baito). While Japan allows student visa holders to work, there are strict legal limits to protect your status as a student. The most important of these regulations is the 28-Hour Rule.
In this guide, we will walk you through the process of applying for a student work permit, understanding your work hour limits, and exploring job opportunities without violating your visa conditions.
Here is a summary of the core rules and constraints for working on a student visa in Japan:
| Regulation / Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Work Permit Name | Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence (Shikakugai Katsudou Kyoka) |
| Weekly Hour Limit | 28 hours per week (strict maximum; combined hours if you have multiple jobs) |
| School Holiday Limit | Up to 40 hours per week (8 hours per day) during official, long academic breaks |
| Forbidden Industries | Adult entertainment industry (fuzoku), including bars, host clubs, and pachinko parlors |
| Application Timing | At airport immigration upon initial arrival, or later at a local Immigration office |
| Required Document | Residence Card (Zairyu Card) with the permission stamp on the back |
| Income Tax Limit | 1.03 million JPY per year (exceeding this makes you liable for income tax and may impact dependency status) |
Warning: Exceeding the 28-hour limit is a serious immigration offense. It can lead to the rejection of your student visa renewal, suspension from your school, and in severe cases, deportation from Japan. Always track your hours carefully across all employers.
By default, a student visa does not allow you to work. To get permission, you must obtain a stamp on the back of your Residence Card (Zairyu Card). The official permit is called Shikakugai Katsudou Kyoka.
There are two ways to apply for this permit:
The 28-hour weekly limit is calculated dynamically and resets weekly. This means you cannot average your hours over a month; you cannot work 40 hours in one week and 16 hours the next. The total time worked from Monday to Sunday must never exceed 28 hours.
However, during official long vacations (such as summer, winter, and spring breaks designated by your school's regulations), you are legally allowed to work up to 40 hours per week, subject to a daily limit of 8 hours. You will need to obtain a certificate of enrollment and the official academic calendar from your school to verify these vacation periods.
Japan’s immigration laws strictly forbid foreign students from working in any business classified under the adult entertainment and amusement industry (known as Fuzoku). This restriction applies even if you are not directly involved in sexual services. Forbidden jobs include:
Working in these establishments will result in immediate visa revocation and deportation.
Pro Tip: Finding your first job in Japan can be intimidating. Prepare a Japanese-style resume using our free online Japan CV Builder and practice essential Japanese workplace vocabulary with our interactive Japanese Phrase Cards. For step-by-step guidance on where to search, read our article on How to Find a Part-Time Job in Japan as a Student.
In Japan, student workers are subject to income tax. If your annual earnings are below 1.03 million JPY, you qualify for the basic exemption, meaning you will not have to pay national income tax. If you earn more, tax will be withheld from your paycheck, and you might need to file a tax return. Many students also seek resources at public job centers like Hello Work for free job matching and legal advice.
Q: Can I work immediately after arriving in Japan on a student visa?
No, you must first obtain a work permit called "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted" (Shikakugai Katsudou Kyoka).
Q: Where can I apply for the student work permit?
You can apply directly at the airport immigration counter upon arrival in Japan, or later at a local Immigration Services Agency (ISA) office.
Q: Does the 28-hour work limit apply during school holidays?
During official long school vacations (like summer or winter breaks), students are legally allowed to work up to 40 hours per week (8 hours per day).
Q: What happens if I work more than 28 hours a week?
Working beyond 28 hours is a serious immigration violation. It can result in heavy fines, deportation, or rejection of your student visa renewal.
Q: Are there any industries where foreign students are banned from working?
Yes, students are strictly forbidden from working in adult entertainment industries (fuzoku), including bars, host clubs, pachinko parlors, and adult venues.
Q: Can I work multiple part-time jobs at the same time?
Yes, you can work multiple jobs, but the combined hours of all jobs must not exceed the 28-hour weekly limit under any circumstances.
Q: Do I need to report my part-time job to the ward office?
No, you do not report it directly to the Ward/City Office (Kuyakusho/Shiyakusho), but your employer will report your income for tax and insurance purposes.
Q: Do I need to file tax on my part-time income in Japan?
Yes, if your annual income exceeds 1.03 million JPY, you are subject to income tax. Many employers deduct this automatically, but you may need to file a year-end adjustment.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Immigration laws, work limits, and tax thresholds are subject to change. Always consult the official Immigration Services Agency (ISA) of Japan or your educational institution's international student office for official advice.