Part-time work (arubaito — from German Arbeit) is common in Japan. Many foreigners work part-time while studying, on a working holiday visa, or alongside a full-time job. Here’s how it works.
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.