Part-time work in Japan as a foreigner is legally possible on most visa types — but the rules on hours and job types depend on your specific visa status. Getting this wrong has serious immigration consequences. Here’s what you’re actually allowed to do and how to find work.
Can You Work Part-Time?
It depends on your visa.
| Visa Type | Part-Time Work Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Student visa | Yes — up to 28 hours/week (資格外活動許可 required) |
| Working Holiday | Yes — no hour limit, some restrictions by industry |
| Spouse/Dependent visa | Yes — up to 28 hours/week |
| Engineer/IT/Other work visa | Only in your permitted field — check your status |
| Tourist/Short-stay | No |
| Permanent Resident | Yes — no restrictions |
Student visa holders must apply for shikaku-gai katsudo kyoka (資格外活動許可) at the immigration bureau. Without this, working is illegal even part-time.
How Many Hours Can You Work?
Students and dependents: 28 hours per week maximum during term. During university holidays (summer, winter), students can work up to 40 hours/week.
Important: This is a hard limit. Working more is a visa violation and can affect your visa renewal.
Minimum Wage
Japan sets minimum wage by prefecture. As of 2024:
| Prefecture | Minimum Wage |
|---|---|
| Tokyo | ¥1,113/hour |
| Osaka | ¥1,064/hour |
| Kanagawa | ¥1,112/hour |
| Aichi | ¥1,027/hour |
| National average | ~¥1,004/hour |
Minimum wages are updated each October. Check the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website for current rates.
Common Part-Time Jobs for Foreigners
Restaurant / Café / Convenience Store
Most common entry-level jobs. Konbini and family restaurants hire frequently.
- No Japanese required at some tourist-area spots
- Most require basic Japanese (greeting customers, register work)
- Pay: ¥1,000–¥1,200/hour
English Teaching (Eikaiwa)
Good pay, no Japanese needed. Conversation schools (eikaiwa) always hire.
- Pay: ¥1,500–¥2,500/hour
- Some require teaching certification, most don’t for part-time
- NOVA, GEOS, ECC, and private tutoring are common options
Factory / Warehouse Work
Physical work, minimal Japanese needed. Often available through temp agencies (haken).
- Pay: ¥1,100–¥1,500/hour
- Often includes transport allowance
Hotel / Tourism
Especially in tourist areas — some English-speaking positions available.
Translation / Interpretation (Freelance)
If you’re bilingual, freelance work is an option. Not restricted by part-time hour limits in the same way (check your visa status).
How to Find Part-Time Work
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Indeed Japan | indeed.com/jp — filter by area and industry |
| Townwork | townwork.net — largest Japanese arubaito site |
| Baito | baito.com — popular for restaurant/retail |
| GaijinPot Jobs | Jobs in English — good for English teaching roles |
| Daijob | Professional bilingual jobs |
| Walk-in | Many shops post 求人 (help wanted) signs in windows |
Tax and Social Insurance
Income Tax
If you earn over ¥1.03 million/year part-time, you owe income tax. Tax is often withheld automatically by your employer (gensen choshu).
File a year-end adjustment (nenmatsu chosei) or tax return if needed.
Social Insurance
Working fewer than 20 hours/week typically exempts you from employer health/pension enrollment. Over 20 hours at larger companies may require enrollment.
Tips for Finding Work
- Bring your residence card — employers are required to check your work authorization
- Basic Japanese helps a lot for service jobs — learn greetings and numbers
- Start applications 2–4 weeks before you want to start
- Dress neatly for interviews — first impressions matter in Japan
Bottom Line
Most foreign residents in Japan can work part-time as long as their visa permits it. Students need the activity permit first. For convenience store, restaurant, or English teaching jobs, basic Japanese and a professional attitude are enough to get started.