I cannot work on a tourist visa! What do I need to do to work in Japan?

update date 2024/04/22

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Have you ever imagined working in the country you are traveling to?

There may be many reasons, such as to learn about a country's society and lifestyle, or to earn money for travel expenses. Visitors to Japan may possibly think in such a way, and some may actually come for a part-time job interview.

However, a "Temporary Visitor Visa," or "Tourist Visa," which is obtained when entering Japan for the purpose of sightseeing, does not permit employment.

This article will explain in detail how a foreigner with a tourist visa can apply to work in Japan if he/she wishes to do so. Please refer to this article if you are currently in Japan on a tourist visa, or if you are a company that wishes to hire foreign personnel in Japan.

If you want to know more about applying for a work visa, check out the following articles!
▶︎ Required documents when applying for a Japanese work visa

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It is impossible to work on a Japanese tourist visa, even part-time.

As mentioned in the title, first of all, it is impossible under any circumstances for a foreigner to work on a temporary visitor visa, the so-called tourist visa, which is obtained for sightseeing. In this article, we will henceforth refer to this visa as a "tourist visa.

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has published a page titled "When hiring a foreigner, please confirm whether or not he/she is permitted to work." the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare classifies a tourist visa as a status of residence under which, in principle, work is not permitted.

In addition, the Q&A on visas published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan states that some nationalities (regions) do not require a visa if the period of stay in Japan is 90 days or less and if the visitor does not engage in remunerative activities.

One case in which a foreigner with a tourist visa is hired and allowed to work is to switch to a work visa, but this is basically not possible. However, this is basically not possible. The foreigner must return to his/her home country and reapply for a work visa. However, there are cases in which a foreign national may use the maximum 90-day period of stay on a tourist visa to find employment in Japan, receive a job offer, and then apply for a work visa. There are also people who work while extending their period of stay.

If you are also interested in knowing the length of stay for a work visa, we also recommend the following article.
▶︎ How long can I stay in Japan on each work visa?

What are the exceptions that apply to employment on a temporary visitor visa?

What can you do if you still want to hire a foreigner with a temporary visitor visa, or if such a foreigner wishes to work?

Changing from a Temporary Visitor Visa to other work-enabled visas is not allowed except in unavoidable circumstances. Please refer to Article 20-3 of the Immigration Law.

The following cases apply to this unavoidable situation.

When applying for the issuance of a "Certificate of Eligibility" while staying in Japan for a short-term stay and then applying for a change of status of residence to the one you wish to change (if the period of stay for a short-term stay ends during the application, you must return to Japan temporarily).
Spouse with Japanese nationality or permanent resident status

If the above case applies to you, you may be able to pass if you prepare the necessary documents and apply for it. In particular, some people may be thinking about applying for a "Certificate of Eligibility" during their stay in Japan. Please check with a specialist as needed before proceeding with the application.

Other statuses of residence that do not permit work in principle

In addition to the tourist visa, there are four visas for which work is not permitted in principle: cultural activities, study abroad, training, and family stay.

Foreigners holding student and family visas who wish to engage in employment activities such as part-time work are required to apply for an activity other than that permitted under the status of residence at the regional immigration bureaus. In both cases, as a general rule, working hours are limited to 28 hours per week, and working longer than that will result in penalties.

In recent years, there have been many unscrupulous agents for studying in Japan, and there are some students who obtain a student visa for the purpose of studying Japanese and try to cover the cost of studying in Japan by working part-time.

Countries where similar damage is common, such as Vietnam, seem to have their own consultation services, so if you are in the above situation, please consult with a consultation service.

Corona influence

Due to the effects of the new coronavirus infection, there are many foreigners who have visited Japan on a tourist visa but have been unable to return to their home countries. The Immigration and Immigration Control Agency has announced the measures to be taken for such people.

According to the "Handling of various residence applications from mid- to long-term residents and former mid- to long-term residents who have difficulty returning home due to the effects of the new type of coronavirus infection" announced by the Agency in May 2020, after a specific period of time, the status of residence will be changed and the applicant can stay in Japan as follows.

If you are or have been in Japan on a college student visa and wish to work (90 days of short-term stay) → Specially Designated Activities (part-time work of up to 28 hours per week is allowed, 6 months stay is possible)
If you have the status of residence for technical internship or specified activities and wish to work (specified activities are limited to Internship No. 9, Foreign Construction Worker No. 32, Foreign Shipbuilding Worker No. 35, and Foreign Employee in the Manufacturing Industry No. 42. Possible to work, 3 months) → Specially Designated Activities (Possible to work and stay for 6 months)
Other status of residence (including those who do not wish to work with the above status of residence) Short-term stay of 90 days → Designated Activities (not permitted to work), 6-month stay possible

Foreign nationals who are in a difficult situation to return home should consult with the nearest regional immigration office.

→However, on May 31, 2022, the Immigration and Residency Management Agency announced the termination of these special measures. As a result, the extension of the period of stay, working conditions, etc., which were granted as special exceptions, will be terminated as "this time only". From now on, you will be required to renew or change your status of residence in accordance with the normal status of residence regulations, so please make preparations to return to your home country within the period of stay granted this time.

Reference:Application for residence concerning new coronavirus infection Handling of application for residence for those who have difficulty in returning home | Immigration and Residence Management Agency

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summary

This article explains the possibility of working in Japan for foreigners visiting Japan on a tourist visa.

Basically, working is not permitted with a tourist visa. If you wish to work, you must obtain a work visa. However, in principle, you must return to your home country and apply for a work visa. For students with a college student visa or a family visitor visa, part-time work is permitted on a conditional basis. Please note that you are limited to working up to 28 hours per week.

In cases where the new coronavirus has made it difficult to return home, we recommend that you consult with the Immigration and Immigration Control Agency. The Immigration and Residency Management Agency can take action according to the situation by renewing the period of stay or changing the status of residence.

It is important for foreign nationals who wish to work in Japan to carefully check their status of residence and follow the appropriate procedures. If you have any questions, it is a good idea to consult with a specialist.

Those who wish to take their stay in Japan one step beyond sightseeing should consider using the working holiday system.
▶︎ What is Japan's Working Holiday Program? A detailed explanation including recommended jobs!