Work Regulations by Visa Type
Work hours and job types vary by visa type. Please check carefully.
Student Visa
⏰ Work Hour Limits
During semester: up to 28h/week / During vacation: up to 8h/day, 40h/week
📋 Work Permit Required
Apply at airport upon entry or at immigration office. Working without permit is illegal
🚫 Prohibited Jobs
Entertainment establishments (bars, clubs, cabarets), pachinko, gambling, adult entertainment
Working Holiday Visa
✅ Free Employment
No restrictions on work hours or job types. Full-time and part-time both allowed
🚫 But entertainment jobs prohibited
Cannot work at bars, clubs, adult entertainment facilities
📝 No work permit needed
Can start working immediately without additional permit
Dependent Visa
⏰ Work Hour Limits
Limited to 28 hours per week (same as student visa)
📋 Work Permit Required
Must obtain permission from immigration office to work
🚫 Prohibited Jobs
Prohibited from working at entertainment and adult facilities
Permanent Residence / Spouse Visa
✅ Complete Employment Freedom
Can work freely without any restrictions, same as Japanese nationals
💼 All Job Types Allowed
All forms of employment allowed: full-time, contract, part-time, freelance
📝 No Permission Needed
Can start working without any work permits or notifications
⚠️ Penalties for Violations
• Working without permit or exceeding hour limits:
- Visa cancellation and deportation
- Re-entry ban (up to 10 years)
- Employer also penalized (fine up to ¥3 million)
📚 Official Sources
Immigration Services Agency of Japan
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/* Last updated: September 2025