How to Get Permission for a Side Job in Japan (Shikaku Gai Katsudo Kyoka)
If you are living in Japan on a working visa and want to take on a side job, you must first obtain “Permission to Engage in Activities Other Than Those Permitted Under the Status of Residence” (資格外活動許可, Shikaku Gai Katsudō Kyoka).
Since this term is quite long, we will refer to it as “Side-Job Permission” throughout this article for convenience. Please note this is not an official term.
This article covers:
- What is Side-Job Permission?
- Required documents
- Immigration requirements
- Prohibited activities
- Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What Is Shikaku Gai Katsudo Kyoka?
Japan’s immigration law limits what you can do under each visa type. If you want to do any work not covered by your current visa status, you must get prior permission from the Immigration Services Agency. This is especially relevant for:
- Working visa holders who want to do additional work (e.g., outside their sponsoring company)
Note: Students and dependents on a Dependent Visa (家族滞在) can also apply for Side-Job Permission. They are generally allowed to work up to 28 hours per week during school terms (or regularly in the case of dependents) and 40 hours per week during long vacations for students. In addition, simple labor such as convenience store and restaurant jobs is generally permitted for students and dependents, unlike for working visa holders.
Who Needs Side-Job Permission?
You need this permission if:
- You are on a working visa (e.g., Engineer, Humanities, Instructor) and wish to do a side job outside your sponsoring employer
You do not need permission if your new work falls within the scope of your current visa activity.
Required Documents for Side-Job Permission
1. Application Form (資格外活動許可申請書)
You can download this form from the official Immigration Services Agency website.
2. Supporting Documents for the Side Job
These may include:
- Labor contract (雇用契約書)
- Notification of working conditions (労働条件通知書)
- Job offer letter or schedule
- Written explanation of job content, working hours, and how it will not interfere with your main activity
Immigration Requirements for Approval
To get permission, the side job must:
- Not interfere with your main visa activity
- Be secondary in both time and income
- Not be a form of simple labor (e.g., convenience stores, food delivery)
Key Points:
- For working visa holders: There’s no fixed hour cap, but working too many hours in a side job may lead to rejection.
Prohibited Side Jobs for Working Visa Holders
If you are on a working visa, you cannot engage in the following:
- Manual labor such as:
- Convenience store clerk
- Fast food or restaurant kitchen staff
- Delivery work (e.g., Uber Eats)
- Jobs that undermine your main activity
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Keep your side job under 10 hours/week if you’re a working visa holder
- Have your main employer issue a letter stating that your performance will not be affected
- Submit a written explanation of how you will manage your time
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I do Uber Eats on a working visa in Japan?
A: No. Simple labor and delivery jobs are generally prohibited under working visas.
Q2: How long does it take to get Side-Job Permission?
A: It depends on your local immigration office, but most cases are processed within 1–2 weeks.
Q3: Can I work multiple part-time jobs with one permission?
A: No. You must apply for each side job separately, stating details of each.
Q4: What happens if I work without permission?
A: It is a serious immigration violation and may result in visa revocation or deportation.
Summary: Applying for Side Job Permission in Japan
| Visa Type | Can Work Without Permission? | Max Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Working Visa | No, if job is outside your sponsoring employer | No fixed cap (but must be limited) | Must be clearly secondary |
| Student Visa | No | 28 hrs/week (term), 40 hrs/week (breaks) | Simple labor generally permitted |
| Dependent Visa | No | 28 hrs/week | Simple labor generally permitted |
To stay safe and legal in Japan, always obtain Side-Job Permission before starting any additional work.
