“No Work Permitted” on a Dependent Visa: Part-Time Work and the 28-Hour Permit

“My Status of Residence is Dependent, and my Residence Card says ‘No Work Permitted.’ Does this mean I can’t even work a part-time job?” — This question frequently reaches our office, both from individuals and from store managers of potential part-time employers. The conclusion is that the “No Work Permitted” display means that the Status of Residence itself, Dependent, does not include work activities, not that you cannot work at all. If you obtain Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence in advance, you can generally work part-time within 28 hours per week. Conversely, if you start working without obtaining permission, even for a short period, it will be a violation for the individual, and the employer will also bear responsibility. This article will explain where on the Residence Card to check if you can work (including the new format Residence Card and Specific Residence Card issued from June 2026), how to count 28 hours per week, the application procedures, and the steps HR personnel and store managers should confirm when hiring, all based on primary information from the Immigration Services Agency and the provisions of the Immigration Control Act.

---

1. Conclusion: “No Work Permitted” indicates the nature of the Status of Residence. You can work within 28 hours per week if you obtain permission.

First, here are the key points:

• The “No Work Permitted” display in the “Restrictions on Work” field on the front of the Residence Card is because Dependent is a Status of Residence listed in Appended Table I (4) of the Immigration Control Act, and its activity is defined as “daily activities as a spouse or child supported by a person residing in Japan.” This display is not a “penalty” prohibiting work itself, but rather an indication of the nature of the Status of Residence.
• Article 19, Paragraph 1 of the Immigration Control Act stipulates that persons residing under a Status of Residence in this table shall not engage in activities to operate a business involving income or activities to receive remuneration, “except in cases where permission is obtained” under Paragraph 2. Conversely, if you obtain the permission under Article 19, Paragraph 2 (Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence), you can work. The Immigration Services Agency states that “you must obtain permission to engage in activity other than that permitted under the Status of Residence in advance.”
• For those with Dependent Status of Residence, the usual permission is “comprehensive permission,” covering activities involving income within 28 hours per week. The only required document is the application form, and there is no fee.
• Upon obtaining permission, the “Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence” field on the back of the Residence Card will state something to the effect of “Permitted: Generally within 28 hours per week, excluding engagement in adult entertainment businesses.” The “No Work Permitted” display on the front will not change. The first key point for both the individual and the employer is not to conclude “cannot work” by looking only at the front.
• The “40 hours per week” standard does not appear in the Immigration Services Agency’s guidance. The treatment allowing up to “8 hours per day” during long holiday periods is only for those with the Student Status of Residence; those with Dependent Status of Residence are limited to 28 hours per week throughout the year.

2. Why “No Work Permitted” is printed — The content of the Dependent Status of Residence

“Dependent” is a Status of Residence for spouses and children supported by individuals residing in Japan under work-related Status of Residence (such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Specified Skilled Worker (ii), Business Manager) or Student. Appended Table I (4) of the Immigration Control Act defines its activities as “daily activities as a spouse or child supported by a person residing in Japan with a Status of Residence in the upper column of Appended Table I (1), (2), or (3) (excluding Diplomat, Official, Specified Skilled Worker (limited to those pertaining to item (i) of the lower column of the Specified Skilled Worker section of Appended Table I (2)), Technical Intern Training, and Temporary Visitor) or with the Student Status of Residence in this table.”

In other words, the “original activity” for Dependent is daily life, and working is not included. The “Restrictions on Work” field on the Residence Card merely displays the nature of this Status of Residence. The same field shows “No Restrictions on Work” for those with Status of Residence in Appended Table II, such as Permanent Resident, Spouse or Child of Japanese National, Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident, and Long-Term Resident, who do not require Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence (the Immigration Services Agency explains that those with Status of Residence in Appended Table II “are not subject to Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence because there are no restrictions on their work activities”).

The entire Dependent system (requirements, necessary documents, differences from spouse visas, and post-high school paths) is explained in “Requirements for Dependent Visa and Work Restrictions,” so this article will focus on “how to read the card” and “steps to start working.”

“No Work Permitted” is not a sign of “working is a violation” but rather “work after obtaining permission.” Even with permission, the display on the front does not change; a summary of the permission is added to the back.

3. Where on the Residence Card to check if you can work

The Immigration Services Agency requests that when confirming Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence, you also check the back of the Residence Card, in addition to the endorsement sticker (affixed to the passport) or the Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence document. This is because the back of the Residence Card issued to mid- to long-term residents will contain a summary of the permission if it has been granted, and this information will also be written into the IC chip embedded in the card.

It is important to note that the format of the Residence Card changed from June 14, 2026. From that date onwards, two types of cards will be issued: the “new format Residence Card” and the “Specific Residence Card” with My Number card functionality. Cards of the previous format remain valid. This means three types of cards coexist currently. Let’s organize where to check for each type.

Card Type	Front “Restrictions on Work”	Description of Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence	Notes
Conventional format (issued before June 13, 2026)	“No Work Permitted”	On the back, in the “Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence” field, a statement to the effect of “Permitted: Generally within 28 hours per week, excluding engagement in adult entertainment businesses” is recorded.	As per the Immigration Services Agency’s sample of the back. Also recorded in the IC chip.
New format Residence Card (issued from June 14, 2026)	“No Work Permitted”	“If Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence has been obtained, that fact” is stated on the card.	Period of Stay, type of permission, date of permission, and date of issue are not on the card but recorded in the IC chip.
Specific Residence Card (My Number Card integrated)	“No Work Permitted”	“If Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence has been obtained, that fact” is stated on the card.	My Number is stated on the back. Card entries are the same as the new format.

The Immigration Services Agency explains that the new format Residence Card and Specific Residence Card will have the following information printed on the card face: “name, date of birth, sex, nationality/region, address, Status of Residence, expiration date of Period of Stay, Residence Card number, expiration date of Residence Card validity, presence/absence of work restrictions, and if Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by Status of Residence has been granted, that fact.” This means that “presence/absence of work restrictions” and “if Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by Status of Residence has been granted, that fact” can still be confirmed on the card face in the new format. On the other hand, “Period of Stay,” “type of permission,” and “date of permission,” which are no longer on the card face, can now be confirmed from the IC chip using the new version of the “Residence Card Reader App” released on August 19, 2026 (the “date of issuance” will not be displayed even after the update). Since the Specific Residence Card has My Number card functionality, the Period of Stay and other information can also be read using the Digital Agency’s “Face-to-Face Verification App” (iOS version only at present).

Cards Before Receiving Permission Only State “Work Not Permitted”

Before receiving permission, the card only states “Work Not Permitted” on the front, with no mention of Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by Status of Residence. If you start working in this state, it will be a violation of Article 19, Paragraph 1 of the Immigration Control Act, regardless of your intention. Please follow the order of “apply for permission and receive it before starting work,” rather than “apply after a part-time job is decided.”

4. How to Count 28 Hours Per Week – Total for Multiple Jobs, Special Exception During Vacations Only for Student Status

The comprehensive permission for Dependent Status of Residence has a limit of “within 28 hours per week.” Let’s clarify some common misunderstandings.

Point	Handling (Guidance from the Immigration Services Agency)
Limit	Within 28 hours per week (comprehensive permission)
Multiple Jobs	If there are multiple part-time jobs, the total must be within 28 hours per week.
During Long Vacations	“Within 8 hours per day during long vacation periods of educational institutions” is the handling for Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by Status of Residence for “Student” status. This special exception is not mentioned in the guidance for Dependent status, and it is within 28 hours per week throughout the year.
“40 hours per week”	This standard does not appear in the Immigration Services Agency’s guidance. It is likely a misunderstanding derived from multiplying the “8 hours per day” for Student status by the number of days.
Permitted Workplaces	Activities conducted at establishments operating adult entertainment businesses, etc., are not subject to permission (the permission section also states “excluding engagement in adult entertainment businesses, etc.”).
Work Style	Jobs with clearly defined working hours under an employment contract, or activities such as receiving delivery orders as a sole proprietor where working hours can be objectively confirmed, fall within the scope of comprehensive permission. If it is difficult to objectively confirm working hours, individual permission is required.

If you wish to work more than 28 hours (e.g., a contract employee working 30 hours per week), comprehensive permission is not sufficient. For individuals with Dependent Status of Residence, individual permission requires compliance with the general principles of Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by Status of Residence, and the condition that “the period of engagement in said activity does not exceed the majority of the Period of Stay related to the determined Status of Residence.” Documents explaining the activity content, working hours, remuneration, etc., are required. Furthermore, if it is determined that the purpose of residence has substantially changed based on the activity content and contract details, it is advised that procedures for Application for Change of Status of Residence are necessary, rather than Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by Status of Residence. If a Spouse genuinely wishes to work full-time, it is a situation where a change to a work-related Status of Residence, such as “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services,” should be considered.

For details on the difference between comprehensive and individual permission, specifics on how to count 28 hours, and the handling of food delivery and outsourcing, please refer to “What is Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by Status of Residence? | How to Count 28 Hours and Application Procedures.”

5. Application Procedures – Free, One Application Form, 2 Weeks to 2 Months

Applying for comprehensive permission for Dependent status is considered a relatively simple procedure. However, it can take time, so please act early, calculating backward from when you wish to start working.

Item	Content (Guidance from the Immigration Services Agency as of September 2026)
Basis	Immigration Control Act, Article 19, Paragraph 2
Application Office	Regional Immigration Services Bureau with jurisdiction over your place of residence (For those in Miyazaki Prefecture, Fukuoka Regional Immigration Services Bureau Miyazaki Branch Office)
Required Documents (Comprehensive Permission)	Only one Application for Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by Status of Residence (present Residence Card and passport)
Application Fee	Not required
Standard Processing Period	2 weeks to 2 months
Method of Appeal	None
Online Application	Possible. However, only when submitted concurrently with an Application for Change of Status of Residence, Application for Extension of Period of Stay, or Application for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence.
Both Comprehensive and Individual	It is possible to obtain both types of permission, or for someone who already has one to apply for the other in addition.

Timing of Application – Submitting it with an Extension is Standard Practice

When submitting an Application for Extension of Period of Stay for Dependent status, if you also submit an Application for Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by Status of Residence concurrently, you can use the online application system and receive Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by Status of Residence at the same time as the extension permission. At our office, there are many cases where we arrange for the family’s Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by Status of Residence concurrently with the supporter’s Status of Residence application. Even if you “don’t plan to work now but might take a part-time job later,” applying during the extension period allows you to act immediately when you wish to work.

The Same Applies to Family Members Supported Under “Designated Activities”

It is advised that individuals residing under “Designated Activities” who are designated for “daily activities conducted as a Spouse or Child supported by a foreign national, or a person equivalent thereto,” such as the Spouse of a Highly Skilled Professional, are generally treated in the same way as those with Dependent status. The approach is the same when “Work Not Permitted” is stated on the card face.

6. Confirmation Flow for Part-time Employers and HR Professionals – “I didn’t know” is not a defense

Employers who hire individuals with Dependent status for part-time jobs have a practical responsibility akin to verification. Article 73-2 of the Immigration Control Act stipulates that those who cause a foreign national to engage in illegal work activities in connection with their business activities shall be punished with imprisonment for not more than 3 years or a fine of not more than 3 million yen (or both). Paragraph 2 of the same article states that such persons cannot be exempted from punishment on the grounds of not knowing that the foreign national did not have Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by Status of Residence, etc. However, the proviso states, “This shall not apply if there is no negligence,” so whether both sides of the Residence Card were properly confirmed becomes the deciding factor. While this article is not intended to be threatening, incorporating confirmation into the hiring process protects both the employer and the individual.

The confirmation procedures at the time of hiring are as follows:

1. 🪪 Confirm on the front that the Status of Residence is “Dependent” and that the Period of Stay expiration date has not passed (the expiration date is also stated on the card face for new format and Specific Residence Cards).
2. 🔍 Check if the “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by Status of Residence field” on the back (or the corresponding section on the card face for new format and Specific Residence Cards) contains wording to the effect of “Permission: Generally within 28 hours per week, excluding engagement in adult entertainment businesses, etc.” If there is no such entry, have them start work after obtaining permission.
3. 📋 If the entry is an individual permission, such as “Permission (activities within the scope stated in the Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by Status of Residence document),” ask to see the Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by Status of Residence document and confirm if your company is the designated employer.
4. ⏱ Have them declare whether they are working for other companies concurrently, and arrange shifts so that the total work hours do not exceed 28 hours per week (28 hours per week even during holidays. The special exception of 8 hours per day applies only to international students).
5. 💻 If possible, read the IC chip with the “Residence Card Reader App” to confirm consistency with the card face (authenticity) and validity through an expiration information inquiry. This confirmation, like with other identification documents, must be done with the individual’s consent.
6. 📝 Internally record the date of confirmation, the confirmer, and copies of both sides, and implement a system to check for renewal before the Period of Stay expiration date.

While there is also a method to confirm the scope of activity with a Certificate of Authorization for Employment under Article 19-2 of the Immigration Control Act, Paragraph 2 of the same article stipulates that if the activities that can be performed are clear, disadvantageous treatment must not be imposed for not presenting or submitting this document. If permission can be confirmed on the back of the Residence Card, do not make its submission a condition for employment.

For details on notifications to Hello Work when employing foreign nationals (Notification of Foreign Employment Status) and the overall picture of Residence Card confirmation that SMEs should prepare, please refer to “Precautions for Foreign Employment | Notifications for SMEs and Residence Cards.”

7. What Happens in Case of Violation — To Both the Individual and the Employer

We will organize the risks of working without permission or exceeding the scope of permission, in accordance with the articles of law. There is a significant legal difference between “just slightly over” and “primarily working.”

To Whom	Article	Content
The Individual	Immigration Control Act, Article 19, Paragraph 3	If the conditions attached to the permission are violated, etc., the Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence can be revoked.
The Individual	Immigration Control Act, Article 22-4, Paragraph 1, Item 5	If the individual is not engaging in activities corresponding to their Status of Residence and is engaging in other activities (except when there is a legitimate reason), they are subject to revocation of their Status of Residence.
The Individual	Immigration Control Act, Article 73	An individual who has engaged in remunerated activities in violation of Article 19, Paragraph 1 shall be subject to imprisonment for not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than 2 million yen (or both).
The Individual	Immigration Control Act, Article 70, Paragraph 1, Item 4	An individual who is clearly recognized as primarily engaging in remunerated activities in violation of Article 19, Paragraph 1 shall be subject to imprisonment for not more than 3 years or a fine of not more than 3 million yen (or both). They may also be subject to deportation.
The Employer	Immigration Control Act, Article 73-2	An individual who has caused a foreign national to engage in illegal work activities in connection with their business activities shall be subject to imprisonment for not more than 3 years or a fine of not more than 3 million yen (or both). Ignorance is not a valid defense, but this shall not apply if there is no negligence.

In practice, what is most likely to materialize first is not criminal penalties, but rather being unfavorably treated at the next Application for Extension of Period of Stay. Since the renewal for those with Dependent Status of Residence is linked to the residence of the primary visa holder, it can affect the residence of the entire family. This is why the two points “work after obtaining permission” and “observe the 28-hour total” are crucial.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. My Residence Card states “No Work Permitted.” Does this mean I cannot work part-time at all?
A. No. “No Work Permitted” indicates that work activities are not included in the Dependent Status of Residence. If you obtain Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by Status of Residence (comprehensive permission) in advance, you can work part-time or a Part-time Job within 28 hours per week. Even after obtaining permission, the display on the front will not change; the gist of the permission will be stated on the back (or the corresponding section on the card face for new formats).

Q2. Is there a fee for applying for permission? What documents do I need to prepare?
A. The Immigration Services Agency clearly states, “No fee is required.” For comprehensive permission for Dependent Status of Residence, only one application form is required, and you will present your Residence Card and passport. The standard processing period is 2 weeks to 2 months.

Q3. Can I work 8 hours a day even with Dependent Status of Residence during long holidays like summer vacation?
A. No. The special treatment allowing up to 8 hours per day during long holiday periods applies only to those with a Student Status of Residence. For those with Dependent Status of Residence, the limit is within 28 hours per week, even during holiday periods.

Q4. I work part-time at two places. Can I work up to 28 hours at each?
A. No. The Immigration Services Agency advises that if you have multiple Part-time Job workplaces, the total hours must not exceed 28 hours per week. Please manage the total hours, not per workplace.

Q5. My child with Dependent Status of Residence is a high school student. Can they work a Part-time Job?
A. Yes, it is possible within 28 hours per week if they obtain Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by Status of Residence. If they wish to work full-time in Japan after graduating from high school, Dependent Status of Residence alone is not sufficient, and there are options to change to “Long-Term Resident” or “Designated Activities.” This is explained in §6 of “Requirements and Work Restrictions for Dependent Visa.”

Q6. My spouse says they want to work 40 hours a week as a full-time employee. Can this be handled with individual permission?
A. Individual permission requires that “the period of engagement in activities does not exceed half of the Period of Stay,” and if it is determined that the purpose of residence has substantially changed, procedures for Permission for Change of Status of Residence are required. If working full-time continuously, it is a situation where a change to a work-related Status of Residence (such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services) should be considered. Since academic background and job content correspondence are requirements, please consult us early.

Q7. Will the new Residence Card issued after June 2026 have a permission field on the back?
A. The Immigration Services Agency explains that the new format Residence Card and Specific Residence Card will have “presence/absence of work restrictions” and “if Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by Status of Residence has been granted, that fact” stated on the card face. While the location may differ from the conventional format, it will be verifiable on the card face. The Period of Stay, type of permission, and date of permission, which will no longer be on the card face, can be checked using the Residence Card Reader App from the August 19, 2026, version onwards. For details, please refer to “How to Check Period of Stay on New Format Residence Cards” and “Differences Between Specific Residence Card and Second Generation Residence Card.”

9. Summary: Don’t stop at “No Work Permitted” on the front; check the permission field on the back and the 28-hour limit.

The “No Work Permitted” on a Dependent Residence Card indicates the nature of the Status of Residence and does not close off the path to work. If Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by Status of Residence (comprehensive permission) is obtained in advance, part-time jobs andアルバイト are permitted for up to 28 hours per week, and the gist of the permission will be stated in the “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by Status of Residence field” on the back (or the relevant section on the card face for new format/Specific Residence Cards). The application is free, requires one application form, and the standard processing period is 2 weeks to 2 months. It is standard practice to submit it concurrently with an Application for Extension of Period of Stay. The 28 hours are counted as the total for all jobs, and the special exception of 8 hours per day during long holidays applies only to Students. Employers should confirm and record the Status of Residence and expiration date on the front, the presence or absence of permission on the back, and the total hours for all jobs at the time of hiring. “I didn’t know” is not a defense, but by incorporating a two-sided check and time management into your workflow, both the individual and the store will be protected.

Based in Miyazaki City, our office assists both individuals with Dependent Status of Residence with their Application for Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by Status of Residence (including concurrent applications with Application for Extension of Period of Stay), Status of Residence applications for their dependents, and consultations for changing to work-related Status of Residence, as well as assisting companies employing part-time workers andアルバイト in establishing Residence Card verification systems.

💴 Estimated Fee: Support fees for Dependent Status of Residence (Application for Certificate of Eligibility, change, and extension) are listed in the “Fee Schedule” (the first consultation is free for up to 60 minutes online). There is no Immigration Services Agency fee for the Application for Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by Status of Residence itself. Also, whether your family can work part-time orアルバイト and stay within the 28-hour weekly limit can be estimated by simply selecting the Status of Residence and work style using our free tool, “Work Permission Navigator.”

---

---

This article was written based on publicly available information as of September 2026. The requirements, necessary documents, standard processing period for Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by Status of Residence, as well as the information stated on the Residence Card face and the specifications of the Residence Card Reader App, are subject to future changes. For actual applications, please confirm with official information from the Immigration Services Agency or contact our office.

Author of this article: Administrative Scrivener Authorized to File Applications, Satoshi Nakayama
Representative, Administrative Scrivener Corporation Miyazaki International Legal Office
Location: Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture

Sources (Primary Information)

• Immigration Services Agency “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by Status of Residence (Immigration Control Act Article 19)” https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/shikakugai_00001.html
• Immigration Services Agency “Regarding Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by Status of Residence for ‘Dependent’ Status of Residence” https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/nyuukokukanri07_00004.html
• Immigration Services Agency “Regarding Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by Status of Residence for ‘Student’ Status of Residence” https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/nyuukokukanri07_00003.html
• Immigration Services Agency “Application for Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by Status of Residence” (Fees, Standard Processing Period, Required Documents) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-8.html
• Immigration Services Agency “Sample of Residence Card Back” (PDF) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/930002417.pdf
• Immigration Services Agency “To Business Owners Employing Foreign Nationals” (Residence Card Verification Points・PDF) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/930004269.pdf
• Immigration Services Agency “What is a Residence Card?” (New Format Card Face Information・Reader App) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/whatzairyu_00001.html
• Immigration Services Agency “About Specific Residence Cards, etc.” (Q3-1・Q4-5) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/tokutei.html
• Immigration Services Agency “Residence Card Reader Application / Expiration Information Inquiry Support Page” https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/rcc-support.html
• e-Gov Law Search “Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act” (Articles 19, 19-2, 22-4, 70, 73, 73-2, Appended Table 1) https://laws.e-gov.go.jp/law/326CO0000000319