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The student life may be all about frugal living, but did you know you can actually work part-time while on a student visa in Japan? Read on to find out how you can get a part-time work permit in Japan and learn what benefits you’ll get if you get an arubaito (“part-time job” in Japanese). Note that you must apply for this permit before you start working — it isn’t automatically granted with your student visa.
How do I apply for a part-time work permit?
You can sometimes apply for a Japanese part-time work permit at certain airports in Japan when you first arrive with a student visa, but if you don’t, you’ll need to apply at a Regional Immigration Office. For students who come through Go! Go! Nihon, we will send you a form that you can fill out and hand over to immigration when they check your passport upon arrival. You will receive your zairyū card, along with a note on the back of it, which will allow you to work part-time.
How many hours can I work?
If you are a Japanese language school student with a part-time work permit in Japan, you are allowed to work up to 28 hours a week. During a longer school break (like summer), you can work up to eight hours a day, usually with a maximum of around 40 hours per week.
Benefits of working part-time in Japan as a student
As well as earning extra pocket money, working part-time in Japan as a student has the extra benefit of helping you practice your Japanese. You will also get work experience in Japan, which can help you in the future if you plan to get a full-time job in Japan once you’ve finished studying.
Additionally, you will get to know new people and make new friends!
What type of jobs can I do?
The typical jobs you can do with a part-time work permit in Japan include wait staff in restaurants, shop assistants in shops or convenience stores, office jobs, teaching, translating, etc. Native English speakers can find jobs teaching or tutoring English and if you speak other languages, you can work in translation or industries connected with your home country and lanuage.
Note that there are certain jobs you are not allowed to do while on a part-time work permit in Japan. This includes jobs in the adult entertainment industry such as working in nightclubs, girls bars, pachinko parlors, etc. — even in behind-the-scenes roles like cleaning or dishwashing. If you get caught working these types of jobs, you could be deported immediately back to your country or face an expensive fine.
How much can I earn per hour?
Average hourly pay is around 1100 yen, though this can vary by region and has been rising with recent minimum wage increases. Teaching jobs can offer a higher rate.
Do I need to know Japanese to start working part-time?
Again, this depends on the job. If you have to deal with Japanese customers, then conversational Japanese skills, or around upper beginner or pre-intermediate level, will be required. If dealing with foreign customers, you may be able to get away with just speaking English or your native language.
There are jobs where Japanese is not required at all, including teaching English, warehouse and factory work, and some restaurant or kitchen jobs (as long as they’re not in prohibited establishments like bars or pachinko parlors).
What if I don’t want to work regularly and just make some money easily?
You can try to work in the talent industry as a model or audience on TV shows. These jobs can pay well and you may be able to fit in the production schedule around your school hours.
Where do I get started?
Take a look at our Jobs in Japan page where we regularly post job offers for our students!
Coming to Japan on a student visa doesn’t mean you need to worry about money. With a part-time work permit in Japan, you’ll be able to work while studying, make some extra money, and practice your Japanese language skills all at the same time.
