Understanding the Japanese Part-Time Work Permit (Shikakugai Katsudo)

International students in Japan on a Student Visa are legally permitted to work part-time to help cover their tuition fees and living costs. However, because a Student Visa is primarily for academic purposes, you cannot work unless you obtain an official permit called the Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted (Shikakugai Katsudo Kyoka).

In this guide, we explain how to apply for this work permit and the strict regulations you must follow.

1. How to Apply for the Work Permit

You can apply for the part-time work permit for free:

  • At the Airport (Recommended): When you land in Japan at the immigration counter, you can submit the Application for Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted... form along with your passport and COE. The officer will stamp the back of your newly printed Residence Card with the work permit permission instantly.
  • At the Immigration Office: If you do not apply at the airport, you must visit the local Japanese Immigration Bureau, which can take 2-4 weeks to process.

2. The Strict 28-Hour Weekly Limit

Under Japanese immigration law, international students can work:

  • A maximum of 28 hours per week during normal academic semesters.
  • Up to 8 hours per day (totaling 40 hours per week) during long university holidays (summer, winter, and spring breaks).

[!WARNING] Overworking (exceeding the 28-hour limit) is a serious immigration violation. The Japanese Immigration Bureau checks tax records during visa renewal, and violating this limit can lead to a denial of your student visa extension or immediate deportation.

3. Prohibited Industries (Fuzoku)

You cannot work in any business associated with adult entertainment or gambling. This includes:

  • Bars, nightclubs, or host clubs.
  • Pachinko parlors.
  • Love hotels.
  • Game centers (arcades). Even working as a dishwasher or cleaner in these venues is strictly prohibited.

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