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Information for foreigners working in Japan on how to change jobs, visa changes, and recommended occupations for changing jobs.

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A foreign woman looking for a new job in Japan undergoing an interview.

For foreign nationals working in Japan, changing jobs is a big challenge. Many of you may be bewildered by the language and cultural differences, but are determined to take a new step forward to improve your career and quality of life.

However, there are different challenges for foreign nationals changing jobs than for Japanese nationals. There are many points to keep in mind, such as changes in status of residence (visa) and job-hunting customs unique to Japan.

Therefore, in this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know when changing jobs for foreigners working in Japan. It is full of tips for a successful job change, including the general flow of changing jobs, necessary procedures, recommended job types and job sites.

Foreign nationals who wish to develop their careers in Japan are encouraged to refer to this page.

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The process (method) of changing jobs in Japan

The general process of changing jobs in Japan is as follows.

  1. Determine the type of job you want to change jobs and your goals.
  2. Finding a potential new job
  3. Apply to potential new jobs and undergo screening and interviews.
  4. Inform your current employer that you are resigning once you receive a job offer.
  5. Perform handover duties at your current place of employment.
  6. Start working at a new place of employment

This process is the same for both Japanese and non-Japanese residents, but some additional procedures may be required for non-Japanese residents, such as a change of status of residence (visa).

When considering a career change, it is important to first organize your career plans and working preferences. Be clear about what type of job and under what conditions you want to work. By doing so, you will be able to efficiently search for jobs that suit you.

During your job search, you should also pay attention to the timing of your resignation from your current employer. Although the basic flow is to "resign after you have decided on a new job," some companies may have a specific time when you must inform them of your intention to resign. We recommend that you carefully check the company's internal rules and allow plenty of time for your schedule.

If you quit your current job before you have decided on a new one, you risk a temporary loss of income. In some cases, especially for foreign residents, you may not be able to create a period of unemployment due to your status of residence. It is important to proceed with your job change activities carefully and systematically.

Points to keep in mind when changing jobs in Japan

There are a few points to note in the above job change process.

First, it is important to clarify the purpose and goals of your job change. For example, you may want to

  • Change to a job with a higher annual salary than you have now.
  • Change to a job with more annual holidays than you have now.
  • Change to a job that allows you to take more time off than you have now.

The key to a successful career change is to have a vision of what kind of work you want to do after changing jobs and what kind of career you want to pursue.

Next, you must also be careful about the timing of your job change. In general, it is advisable to inform your current employer of your intention to resign after you have decided on a new job.

The Civil Code stipulates that the resignation offer must be made at least "two weeks prior to the date of resignation. However, some companies may have a specific time frame for tendering resignation in their employment regulations. For example, "one month prior to the date of resignation" is stipulated. In this case, the offer must be made at least one month prior to the planned date of resignation.

It is also necessary to coordinate the start date with the new company, so it is important to allow sufficient time for your job search to proceed. If you fail to manage your schedule, you run the risk of losing your income after leaving your current job, especially if you are a foreigner, and in some cases, due to your status of residence, you may not be able to create a period of unemployment.

In addition, Japanese companies tend not to like people who have not worked for a period of time (so-called "blank period"). They wonder, "What did you do during this period?" "Are you not motivated enough to work?" "Will they quit soon?" This is because the person may have suspicions that he or she will quit soon. When changing jobs, be careful not to create a blank period.

It is important to check the company's internal regulations carefully and move with plenty of time to spare. We recommend that you proceed with your job search in a planned manner.

In recent years, remote work has become increasingly popular in Japan. Why not explore the possibility of remote work in parallel with your job search? The following article provides useful information for foreigners looking for remote work in Japan.
▶︎ 【6 recommended remote work options for foreigners working in Japan 】! We also show you how to find one!

Necessary procedures for changing jobs in Japan

When changing jobs in Japan, the following procedures are required.

  • Procedures for enrollment in social insurance: Pension handbook, certificate of employment insurance coverage, etc. are submitted.
  • Submission of Gensen Choshuhyo (Certificate of Withholding Tax): If you received a Gensen Choshuhyo from your previous employer, submit it to your new employer.
  • Resident tax procedures: If you wish to have resident tax deducted from your salary, you must follow the procedures.

These are common procedures for both Japanese and non-Japanese residents, but the following additional procedures are required for non-Japanese residents.

  • Submission of "Notification of Institution of Affiliation": Notification to the Immigration Bureau is required within 14 days of signing a contract with the new employer.
  • Change of status of residence (visa): Depending on the type of job you are changing jobs, you may need to change your status of residence.

Let's take a closer look at each of these procedures.

Submission of "Submission of Notification Concerning Institution of Affiliation (Conclusion of New Contract)

After changing jobs, you must submit a "Notification of Institutional Affiliation" to the Immigration Bureau within 14 days. This notification is required when there is a change in the information on your residence card, such as your place of employment.

The notification form can be downloaded from the following page of the Immigration and Residency Management Agency. Note that there are two formats, "Active Organization" and "Contracting Organization," depending on your status of residence.

◎For active institutions

This is the format for those who fall under the following status of residence.

  • professor
  • Highly specialized profession 1 (c)
  • Highly Specialized 2 (c)
  • Management and Administration
  • Legal and accounting services
  • medical care
  • education
  • intra-company transfer
  • technical internship
  • studying abroad (usu. at university level)
  • induction course

Reference:Notification of Affiliation (Activity) Organization

◎For contracting institutions

This is the format for those who fall under the following status of residence.

  • Highly specialized profession 1 (a) or (b)
  • Highly specialized position 2 (a or b) (Note 4)
  • research
  • Technical/Humanities/International Services
  • care
  • show business
  • ability
  • specific skill

Reference:Notification regarding affiliation (contract) organization

The notification should be submitted to the regional immigration bureau with jurisdiction over your place of residence. The Immigration Bureau with jurisdiction can be found on the following page.

Reference:Regional Immigration Offices | Immigration and Residency Management Agency

Changing status of residence when engaging in activities that differ from the status of residence before changing jobs

If the type of work at your new job differs from the activities permitted under your current status of residence, you will need to change your status of residence. For example, the following cases are applicable

  • Change from English instructor to interpreter (change from "education" to "technical, humanities, or international services").
  • Changing from a transfer to a foreign company to a Japanese company ("intra-company transfer" to a status of residence appropriate for the type of work to be done at the new company)

The documents required for change of status of residence are as follows

  • written application
  • Photograph of the applicant (4 cm (H) x 3 cm (W), taken within the last 3 months)
  • Documents appropriate to the content of your status of residence (employment contracts, withholding tax certificates, certificates of education, etc.)
  • A resident card
  • Permit to engage in activities other than those permitted under the status of residence (only for those who have been issued such a permit)
  • Passport or Certificate of Eligibility

Required documents vary depending on the status of residence, so we recommend that you check the following pages for the most up-to-date information.

Reference:Application for Change of Status of Residence | Immigration and Residence Management Agency

Also, change of status of residence can be applied for online, which is very convenient. Please refer to the following page.

Reference:Online Procedures for Residency Applications | Immigration and Residency Management Agency

The procedures involved in changing jobs may seem complicated and daunting, but it is important to make sure that you follow them one by one. If you have any questions,General Information Center for Foreign Residentsto inquire about the correct procedures to be followed.

For Foreigners] Recommended Occupations for Career Change in Japan

The following is a list of recommended job types for foreign nationals looking to change jobs in Japan. Finding a job that matches your skills, experience, and interests is the first step to a successful career change.

1. system engineer (SE)

Even if you are not that good at communicating in Japanese, you are likely to be hired for this position if you have excellent technical skills.

In recent years, an increasing number of companies have been actively recruiting foreign nationals for SE. This is a job where you can make use of your knowledge and experience in programming languages and system development. This is one of the recommended positions for those who want to work in the Japanese IT industry.

The following articles provide a detailed description of each position and the skills required for aspiring IT engineers, including SEs. Please check it out.
▶︎ What are the IT jobs for foreigners in Japan? Explaining the types of jobs, salaries, and skills required.

2. teacher, interpreter, translator

It is a job where you can make use of your own native language. English conversation instructors, Japanese language teachers, and interpreters/translators are all jobs where you can directly utilize your language skills.

Although it requires some communication skills and the ability to understand Japanese, it is a rewarding job because it provides an opportunity for Japanese people to learn about their home country. This position is recommended for those who are good at languages.

Incidentally, becoming an English teacher is one of the most popular options for foreigners to work in Japan. The following article with basic information on becoming an English teacher is also helpful.
▶︎ An easy-to-understand explanation of the basics of how a foreigner can become an English teacher in Japan!

3. art-related

Designers, illustrators, musicians, etc., are occupations in which the work itself is highly valued. Even if you are not that good at communicating in Japanese, you are likely to be able to continue in your profession.

Many artists prefer the Japanese culture and environment and work in Japan. There are also many Japanese who prefer the art of foreigners from different cultures. If supply and demand can be matched well, you may be able to make this a lifelong career. This is a good choice for those who want to do creative work.

4. wholesale and retail

Many foreigners work in duty-free stores at airports, electronics stores, and brand stores that are frequented by foreigners.

The ability to serve customers in a foreign language is an advantage and a high probability of employment. If you are good at customer service, this is a good position for you to work in Japan. This job is recommended for those who enjoy interacting with people.

5. lodging and food services

Hotels and restaurants that expect foreign tourists and visitors are actively hiring foreign staff.

As in the wholesale and retail industry, the ability to serve customers in foreign languages is an advantage here, and a high probability of employment can be expected.

In addition, while waiters and waitresses in restaurants and receptionists in hotels are in the hospitality industry, those who serve food in restaurants (chefs and cooks) and clean and make up rooms in hotels can work calmly even if they are not good at serving customers.

6. caregiver

In Japan, "nursing care" was added to the residence status for foreigners in 2017. Foreign students who have graduated from a vocational school's nursing care welfare department can work as a "care worker (candidate)".

The nursing care industry in Japan, where the population is aging, is suffering from a serious shortage of human resources, coupled with the image of "hard work. The fact that a new status of residence has been newly established indicates the hope of the entire nation to "solve the shortage of human resources in the nursing care industry by hiring motivated foreigners.

Therefore, motivated foreigners can expect a high rate of employment. Although it is necessary to improve Japanese language skills and acquire nursing care skills, this position is recommended for those who wish to work in Japan for a long time.

Another concern when choosing a job in Japan is the salary. If you are aiming for a higher salary, the job types listed in the following article may be helpful.
▶︎ Must-see for foreigners who want to work in Japan! 10 recommended jobs with high salary

For Foreigners] Recommended job sites for changing jobs in Japan.

We recommend the following job sites for foreigners who are thinking about changing jobs in Japan. By using these sites, you should be able to efficiently find a job that suits you.

1. NINJA

NINJA" is a job search and employment information site for foreigners working in Japan. It is unique in that it specializes in job information for foreigners in Japan.

You can search for jobs by specifying detailed conditions such as "annual income over 5 million yen" or "office work using a foreign language. It is an easy site to find a job that meets your needs.

Website:Foreigner jobs｜NINJA for foreigners seeking employment

2. NIPPONJOB.com

NIPPONJOB.com" is another job information site specializing in jobs for foreigners in Japan. It has won three awards: No. 1 in customer satisfaction, No. 1 in the number of jobs available, and No. 1 in the number of job sites for foreigners to refer to their friends.

You can choose where to work from Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Hokkaido, and search for jobs by job type such as "office work" and "service" or by languages you can utilize. The appeal of this site is that it handles a wide range of job openings.

Website:Job site for foreigners｜NIPPONJOB.com, the best place to find a job and change jobs!

3. foreigner recruitment network AEC

Gaikokujin JOB OPPORTUNITY NET AEC" is a job site with one of the largest registrations of foreign human resources in Japan, providing full support for recruitment, career change, and employment of foreign nationals. Our main purpose is to support recruiting and hiring of career (mid-career) and foreign students.

The site features job postings for a variety of job types, including sales, production management, buyers, accounting, and more. This site is recommended for those looking for specialized positions.

Website:Recruitment site for only full time foreign employees｜Foreigners Employment Net ACE

4. WeXpats Jobs

WeXpats Jobs is a job site for foreigners that allows you to search for jobs based on a wide range of criteria.

You can search for jobs by Japanese language level, work location, employment type ("part-time," "full-time," "temporary staff," etc.), specific skills, and other criteria.

In particular, it is possible to search for work locations not only in major cities but also throughout Japan from Hokkaido to Okinawa, making this a job site that may fulfill your wish to "work in the city you want to live in.

Website:WeXpats Jobs, the job site for foreigners looking for work in Japan

When you look at job sites, you may be interested in companies that are willing to hire foreigners. Check out the following article for the latest ranking of such companies.
▶︎ The latest ranking of Japanese companies actively recruiting foreign nationals!

summary

We have introduced some important points to keep in mind when changing jobs for foreigners working in Japan, as well as recommended job types and job sites.

When considering a job change, you are required to confirm the necessary procedures, such as visa changes, and plan accordingly. It is also important to choose a position that matches your skills, experience, and interests. There are various types of jobs that are suitable for foreign nationals, such as IT jobs, jobs where you can make use of your language skills, and jobs in the arts. In addition, you can use job search websites for foreigners to find jobs that suit you more efficiently.

For non-Japanese nationals, working in Japan and aiming for career advancement may present some difficulties in working, such as language barriers and cultural differences. However, with proper preparation and effort, you will surely find a place to play an active role. Please make steady progress, one step at a time, toward building a career in Japan. We are rooting for you.

In addition, there are various options for finding a job in Japan, including part-time work as well as finding a job or changing jobs. For a complete overview of the job search process, please also check out the following articles.
▶︎ The Complete Guide to Finding a Job in Japan! Finding a job, changing jobs, and part-time work for foreigners

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