Can International Students Work Part-Time in Japan? Rules, Hours & Permission
Learn when Student status holders may work, how permission works, the 28-hour limit, prohibited work and why attendance must remain the priority.
By SJLA Student Support Desk · Published · Updated
Quick Answer
International students in Japan may work part-time only after receiving permission to engage in activities outside their Student status. The general limit is 28 hours per week, with up to 8 hours per day during designated long school holidays. Work must not interfere with study, and adult-entertainment-related businesses are prohibited.
Permission Comes First
Student status is granted for studying, not employment. Eligible first-time entrants staying more than three months may be able to apply for the additional-activity permission at the airport when landing permission is issued; otherwise follow the immigration procedure. Do not start work until permission is confirmed on your residence card or official record.
Core Rules
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Permission | Obtain it before starting any paid work |
| Weekly limit | Normally no more than 28 hours across all jobs combined |
| Long holidays | Up to 8 hours per day during school-designated long vacations |
| Study priority | Work cannot damage attendance or academic progress |
| Prohibited sector | No work connected to adult entertainment businesses |
| Status validity | Work only while validly enrolled under Student status |
Multiple Jobs
The limit is total time across all employers, not 28 hours for each job. Keep a weekly record of shifts, including training and any paid preparation time. Confirm how your employer records hours and wages.
Attendance Risk
Official guidance warns that students can face problems extending their period of stay when poor attendance results from excessive work. A high-paying shift is not worth losing academic progress or immigration compliance.
Before Accepting a Job
- Show the employer your permitted work conditions.
- Get wage, hours, duties, pay date and transport reimbursement in writing.
- Confirm the work is outside prohibited businesses.
- Check that shifts fit the school timetable and commute.
- Keep payslips and understand tax or municipal reporting obligations.
- Ask the school or a labour consultation service if something seems unsafe.
Scam Warnings
Avoid anyone promising unusually high income, asking you to hand over your residence card, charging a large recruitment fee, paying through unexplained accounts, or telling you to hide hours. Never lend a bank account, phone contract or identity to another person.
Official Sources
- Part-time work guidance: studyinjapan.go.jp/en/work-in-japan/part-time-jobs/
- Status and additional-activity permission: studyinjapan.go.jp/en/life/residing-in-japan/