Status of Residence
To work in Japan, you must have a status of residence that allows employment. Status of residence can be divided into three general categories:
(1)Status of residence that do not restrict employment (4 types): Permanent residence, spouse (etc.) of a Japanese, spouse (etc.) of a permanent resident, and long term resident
(2)Status of residence authorizing employment (19 types): Diplomat, official, professor, artist, religious activities, journalist, highly-skilled professional, business manager, legal/accounting services, medical services, researcher, instructor, engineer/specialist in humanities/international services, intra-company transferee, nursing care, entertainer, skilled labor, specified skills, and technical intern training
(3)Status of residence that do not allow employment (5 types): Cultural activities, temporary visitor, student*, trainee, and dependent
*As a rule, and under certain conditions, foreign residents in Japan possessing student visas who receive advance permission from the Regional Immigration Bureau of the Ministry of Justice to engage in an activity outside the scope of their visa may work up to 28 hours a week.
Note: If your status of residence is designated activities, permission for employment varies individually.
For more information about status of residence, visit the Immigration Services Agency website.