Part-Time Work on a Student/Dependent Visa: Rules & Limits
Working part-time in Japan on a Student or Dependent visa is possible but strictly regulated. We break down the “28-hour rule,” how to apply for the necessary work permit, prohibited industries, and the critical income thresholds (the “1.03 Million Yen Wall”) you must respect to keep your visa safe.
The Legal Foundation: Shikakugai Katsudo Kyoka
Your visa status (Student or Dependent) is technically a status of residence for non-working purposes. Therefore, before you work a single hour, you must obtain a “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted” (Shikakugai Katsudo Kyoka).
This is a physical stamp placed on the back of your Residence Card (Zairyu Card). It is not automatic; you must apply for it.
How to Apply
There are two main ways to get this permit:
- At the Airport (New Arrivals):If you are entering Japan for the first time on a Student visa (and possess your Certificate of Eligibility), you can apply for this permission at the immigration counter at major airports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, etc.).
- Pros: It is instant. You get the stamp immediately upon entry.
- Cons: You must have the application form ready in hand before you approach the immigration officer.
- At the Immigration Bureau (Residents):If you are already living in Japan or forgot to apply at the airport, you must visit your regional Immigration Bureau.
- Documents needed: Valid passport, Residence Card, and the Application for Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted form.
- Wait time: It can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months to process.
Important Note: You cannot legally work until you have the stamp on your card. Even if you have signed a contract, you cannot start your first shift until the permission is granted.
The Golden Rule: 28 Hours Per Week
Once you have your permit, the most critical rule is the time limit. You are generally allowed to work up to 28 hours per week.
This sounds simple, but many foreign residents accidentally break this rule because they misunderstand how “one week” is calculated.
How “One Week” is Calculated
Immigration does not look at a fixed “Monday to Sunday” schedule. Instead, they can check any consecutive 7-day period.
For example, if you work 10 hours a day on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, you have worked 30 hours in three days. Even if you take the rest of the week off, you have violated the 28-hour limit for that 7-day block.
To be safe, you should never exceed 28 hours in any rolling 7-day period.
Managing Multiple Jobs
The 28-hour limit is cumulative. If you have two part-time jobs, the total hours combined must not exceed 28.
- Job A: 20 hours/week
- Job B: 10 hours/week
- Total: 30 hours/week = Illegal.
If you are juggling multiple employers, you must meticulously track your total hours. For more advice on managing this, read our guide on Working Two Jobs in Japan: Tax Implications for Expats with Side Gigs.
Student vs. Dependent: Key Differences
While both visas use the same “28-hour” permit, there is one massive difference regarding holidays.
The Student Visa Exception
Students are allowed to work up to 8 hours per day (40 hours per week) during long school holidays designated by their school (e.g., summer break, winter break, spring break).
- Condition: You must be able to prove that the period is an official school holiday (usually via the school’s academic calendar).
- Warning: This exception does not apply to regular weekends or short national holidays.
The Dependent Visa Reality
Dependent visa holders (spouses of work visa holders) do not get a holiday exception.
- Rule: Strict 28-hour limit, 365 days a year.
- Even if your spouse is on holiday, or it is Golden Week, you cannot work more than 28 hours.
Comparison Table: Student vs. Dependent Rules
| Feature | Student Visa | Dependent Visa |
| Standard Limit | 28 hours / week | 28 hours / week |
| Long Holidays | Up to 8 hours / day (40 hrs/week) | No change (Strictly 28 hours) |
| School Permission | Often required by the university | Not required |
| Main Purpose | Study (School attendance is mandatory) | Supporting the main visa holder |
| Tax Wall Risk | 1.03 Million Yen (affects parents/self) | 1.3 Million Yen (affects social insurance) |
Prohibited Jobs: The “Fueiho” Law
Even with permission, there are certain jobs you are strictly forbidden from doing. These fall under the Businesses Affecting Public Morals Regulation Law (Fueiho).
You strictly cannot work at:
- Host or Hostess Clubs: Even washing dishes or working the cash register is illegal.
- Pachinko Parlors: No cleaning, no machine maintenance.
- Adult Entertainment: Sex shops, strip clubs, “pink salons,” or love hotels.
- Gambling Venues: Mahjong parlors or unauthorized casinos.
- Bars/Snacks: If the venue’s primary business is serving alcohol and providing company to customers (like a “Snack”), it is often off-limits. However, working at a standard Izakaya (Japanese pub) or family restaurant that serves beer is generally fine, provided you are not “entertaining” customers by sitting with them.
Zero Tolerance Policy: Immigration is incredibly strict about this. If you are caught working in a prohibited establishment—even as a cleaner—you face immediate deportation. For more on the risks of breaking immigration law, see Deportation from Japan: Causes, Process, and Consequences for Expats.
The Financial Walls: Taxes and Social Insurance
Working within the 28-hour limit keeps immigration happy, but working too much can create a financial nightmare for you or your sponsor. This is often called the “Wall” (kabe).
The 1.03 Million Yen Wall (Income Tax)
If your annual income exceeds ¥1.03 million (approx. ¥85,000/month), you must start paying income tax.
- For Students: If you earn over this amount, your parents (or sponsor) can no longer claim you as a dependent for their tax deductions, potentially raising their tax bill significantly.
- For Dependents: Similarly, your working spouse loses a specific tax deduction if you earn over this amount (though there is a “Special Spousal Deduction” that extends up to ¥2.01 million depending on the spouse’s income).
The 1.3 Million Yen Wall (Social Insurance)
This is the most dangerous wall for Dependent visa holders.
If you earn ¥1.3 million or more per year (approx. ¥108,000/month), you are no longer considered a “dependent” for Social Insurance (Health Insurance and Pension) purposes.
- Consequence: You will be removed from your spouse’s health insurance plan and must join the National Health Insurance (NHI) and National Pension independently.
- Cost: This can cost you roughly ¥150,000 to ¥300,000 per year in premiums, effectively wiping out the extra money you earned by working more.
Because of this, many dependents cap their income at ¥1.29 million to stay safe. If you need help navigating these complex thresholds, it might be time to read Hiring a Tax Accountant in Japan: When Do Expats Need Help?.
Common Scenarios and FAQs
“Can I work as a freelancer?”
Yes, but tracking hours is tricky. If you do Uber Eats or freelance graphic design, you must still adhere to the 28-hour rule. Immigration may ask for a log of your “active” hours. For gig work, keeping a detailed spreadsheet is mandatory to prove your innocence if audited.
“What if I switch schools?”
If you are a student and you leave your school (graduate or withdraw), your “Student” status technically ends because you are no longer engaging in the activity of “studying.” Even if your visa card has months left on it, you cannot keep working part-time if you are not enrolled. You must either enroll in a new school or switch visas. Learn more about the process in Transferring Schools on a Student Visa: Staying Legal During the Switch.
“I overstayed my visa or worked 30 hours. What do I do?”
Honesty is usually the best policy, but you need professional guidance. If you inadvertently worked 29 hours one week, it might not be flagged immediately, but it will almost certainly come up during your next visa renewal. Immigration requires you to submit tax certificates (Kazei Shomeisho), which reveal your exact earnings. If the math shows you earned too much for a part-time worker, your renewal will be denied.
If you are in this situation, read Overstayed Your Visa? Grace Periods and How to Correct Your Status immediately.
Finding a Job
Once you understand the rules, finding work is the next step.
- Konbini (Convenience Stores): Always hiring, good for practicing basic transactional Japanese.
- Chain Restaurants (Matsuya, Sukiya): Often have systems in place for foreign staff.
- Language Teaching: High hourly wage, but hours can be irregular.
Don’t worry if your Japanese isn’t perfect yet. Many shops in cities like Tokyo and Osaka are desperate for staff. However, knowing a few phrases helps. Check out Survival Japanese: 20 Key Phrases for Daily Life to get started.
Conclusion
Working part-time on a Student or Dependent visa is a fantastic way to supplement your income and integrate into Japanese society. The system is designed to let you live a balanced life, not to let you work full-time under the guise of studying or being a dependent.
To stay on the safe side:
- Get the Permit before you start.
- Track your hours religiously (stay under 28 hours).
- Watch your income (stay under ¥1.3 million if you want to keep your insurance status).
- Avoid prohibited industries completely.
By following these simple rules, you can enjoy your time in Japan without the constant stress of visa issues hanging over your head.
References
Primary sources (official)
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan. Permission to engage in an activity other than those permitted by the status of residence previously granted. https://www.isa.go.jp/en/applications/guide/nyuukokukanri07_00045.html
- The University of Tokyo. Part-time Jobs (Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted). https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/adm/inbound/en/life-visa-pj.html
- Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. Work Permits for International Students. https://en.apu.ac.jp/studentsupport/part_time/work_permit/
Other helpful sources
- GaijinPot Study. The Basics of Working as a Student in Japan. https://study.gaijinpot.com/faq/working-as-a-student-japan/
- June Advisors Group. Work Permit for Student and Dependent Visa Holders in Japan. https://www.juridique.jp/visa/work_permit.php
- JP-MIRAI Portal. Part-time Job and Immigration Control Act. https://portal.jp-mirai.org/en/study/s/study-abroad/part-time-and-immigration-law
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules and procedures may change and can vary by individual circumstances. We are not a law firm, and this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. Always verify the latest requirements with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney for advice specific to your case.
