Pre-application guide: About residence status
This page clearly explains whether you can apply for a job with your residence status.
Before applying for a job, first check your residence status and the conditions for working.
First Step: Check Your Residence Status!
If you're not sure of your residence status,Residence cardplease check your Residence Card.
On the front of your Residence Card,"Status of Residence"is printed.
Examples
- Student
- Dependent
- Permanent resident
- Engineer/specialist in humanities/international services
- Designated activities
- Specific skills
Can you apply with your residence status?
First, check your status of residence and refer to the table below.
*This is only a general guideline for eligibility.a general guideline for eligibility. Always check the specific application criteria listed in each job posting.
| Status | Part-time | Full-time | Short-term Jobs*Online surveys/monitors | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent resident | ○ | ○ | ○ | No work restrictions |
| Long-term resident | ○ | ○ | ○ | No work restrictions |
| Spouse or Child of a Japanese National | ○ | ○ | ○ | No work restrictions |
| Spouse or Child of a Permanent Resident | ○ | ○ | ○ | No work restrictions |
| Student | △ | △ | △ | Part-time worker: you must obtain Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted by the Staus of Residence Previously Granted Full-time: Visa change required |
| Dependent | △ | △ | △ | Part-time worker: you must obtain Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted by the Staus of Residence Previously Granted Full-time: Visa change required |
| Designated activities(Working Holiday) | ○ | ○ | ○ | Adult entertainment businesses are prohibited |
| Designated activities(Others) | △ | △ | △ | Check your Designated Activities Certificate |
| Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services |
△ | △ | △ | Can only work within the scope of your status |
| Specific skills | × | △ | ○ | Can only work within your designated field |
| Technical intern | × | × | × | Can only work at the designated host company |
| Short-term stay | × | × | × | Work is not permitted |
Full-time: Visa change required
Full-time: Visa change required
Meaning of ○ △ × symbol
○ : Generally Eligible
In most cases, you can apply based on your residence status.
△ : Conditions Apply
Please check the job details and ensure you have the necessary work permit (Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted)
× : Generally Not Eligible
In most cases, your residence status does not allow you to apply for these jobs.
3 Key Points to Check Before Applying
Eligibility to work is determined by the following 3 points.
Even for the same job, the requirements may change depending on your employment type.
- Part-time
- Full-time
- Freelance / Outsourcing
Check the Employment Type on the job details page.
The type of work you can do is determined by your status of residence. Please be especially careful if you have the following status of residence:
- Engineer/specialist in humanities/international services
- Specific skills
- Designated activities
Make sure that the Main Job Duties of the job offer falls within the scope of your status of residence.
There are limits on the number of hours you can work depending on your residence status.
Student
- Standard: Up to 28 hours per week
- Long Vacations: Up to 40 hours per week
Dependent
- Standard: Up to 28 hours per week
Always check the working hours listed in the job description before applying.
About the Residence Card
This is a card that is issued to medium and long-term foreign residents of Japan.
Basic personal information such as the resident's name, residency status and period of stay, as well as the resident's photograph are printed on the card.
Please check the following 4 points on your residence card.
Residence card (front)
Residence card (back)
Status
This indicates the type of visa you currently hold.
Work restrictions
- "Work Permitted" : You are allowed to work.
- "Work Not Permitted" : You are not allowed to work
Period of stay
Check to see how long you are permitted to stay in Japan.
Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted by the Staus of Residence Previously Granted
"Student" and "Dependent" status holders must have this permission to work part-time.
About the Designated Activities Certificate
This document is issued when residence is permitted under "Specified Skills" or "Specified Activities."
It is typically stapled inside your passport.
This certificate specifies what kind of activities (jobs) you are allowed to do.
You may only work within the scope described in this document.
*Even if you have a certificate, there are cases where you may not be allowed to work.
Important Points for Each Status of Residence
Student
- Work permit (Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted) is required for part-time work.
- Working hours are limited to 28 hours per week.
- Adult entertainment work is prohibited.
- Full-time work requires a change of visa status.
Dependent
- Work permit (Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted) is required for part-time work.
- Working hours are limited to 28 hours per week.
- Adult entertainment work is prohibited.
- Full-time work requires a change of visa status.
Designated activities
It is important to check whether the activity is within the scope of the "permitted activities" written in the designation document.
The content of "specific activities" varies from person to person, so the designation letter will be used as a basis for making a decision.
Engineer/specialist in humanities/international services
It is important to confirm that the job duties are within the scope of your residence status.
Specialist in Humanities : Marketing, Human Resources (HR), Accounting
International Services : Interpretation, Translation, Overseas Sales
Specific skills
The work must be withinyour designated fieldmust be within your designated field.
Accommodation : Front desk, hospitality, cleaning, and guest services.
When in doubt
We recommend that you consult a professional in the following cases:
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan
- Lawyer / Attorney
- Administrative Scrivener
*YOLO JAPAN cannot provide individual assessments regarding your residence status.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q. My visa is about to expire. Can I still apply?
A. Yes, you can apply.
However, you should apply to renew your residence status as soon as possible.
Q. Do I need a work permit/ permission to engage in activities other than those permitted?
A. If you have a status that restricts employment (such as "Student" or "Dependent"), you must obtain a work permit/permission to engage in activities other than those permitted before starting a part-time job.
Please check the back of your Residence Card to see if you have this permission.
Q. Will I be asked about my residence status during the interview?
A. Yes, it is very common for companies to ask.
Companies need to confirm the following conditions:
- Work scope
- Working hours
- Period of stay
Things to prepare for this:
- Residence card
- Designated Activities Certificate (If you have "Designated Activities" or "Specified Skilled Worker" status)
Last step!
Make sure to check these 3 points before applying:
Your Residence Status
Work permit/permission to engage in activities other than those permitted and Designated Activities Certificate
The job details, employment type, and working hours
All set? Now you’re ready to find a job that fits you!
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