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Permission for Activities Outside Status of Residence is a permit that must be obtained in advance to engage in work not permitted under your current Status of Residence. Part-time jobs for international students and part-time work for those with Dependent Status of Residence are only possible with this permission. While the well-known limit is “within 28 hours per week,” there are actually two types: Comprehensive Permission and Individual Permission, and the handling differs depending on the Status of Residence. In this article, an Administrative Scrivener will organize the details of the permission, how to count hours, application procedures, and risks of violation, based on the provisions of the Immigration Control Act and primary information from the Immigration Services Agency, from the perspectives of both foreign nationals and corporate HR professionals.
For the Status of Residence itself for inviting family members, please refer to “Requirements and Work Restrictions for Dependent Visa,” and for the procedure to change to a work-related Status of Residence after graduation, please refer to “Change of Status of Residence from Student to Employment.” Please see both for details.
Foreign nationals residing in Japan hold a Status of Residence as stipulated in Appended Table I or Appended Table II of the Immigration Control Act. Among these, the Status of Residence in Appended Table I is granted according to the “activities to be conducted in Japan,” such as work or study, so the activities that can be performed are determined for each Status of Residence.
Therefore, Article 19, Paragraph 1 of the Immigration Control Act stipulates that foreign nationals shall not engage in activities to operate a business with income or activities to receive remuneration, other than those permitted under their Status of Residence. When one wishes to work beyond this scope, they use the Permission for Activities Outside Status of Residence as per Paragraph 2 of the same article. The Commissioner of the Immigration Services Agency may grant this permission when deemed appropriate, provided it does not hinder the performance of activities corresponding to the Status of Residence, and may also impose necessary conditions.
In other words, Permission for Activities Outside Status of Residence is a system designed to “slightly expand the scope of activities without interfering with one’s primary activity.” If the “primary activity” is Student, then academic pursuits are primary; if it’s Dependent, then living supported by a family member is primary, and work is positioned as merely incidental.
Permission for Activities Outside Status of Residence is not a “permit to work” itself, but an exception allowed to the extent that it does not hinder the performance of activities related to the Status of Residence.
The Immigration Services Agency clearly states that individuals holding a Status of Residence listed in Appended Table II of the Immigration Control Act (such as “Permanent Resident” or “Long-Term Resident”) are not subject to Permission for Activities Outside Status of Residence because there are no restrictions on their work activities. Those with “Permanent Resident,” “Spouse or Child of Japanese National,” “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident,” or “Long-Term Resident” Status of Residence do not need to obtain this permission as they can work without occupational restrictions.
Furthermore, since July 2010, individuals holding the “Student” Status of Residence who engage in activities assisting education or research for which they receive remuneration based on a contract with the university or college of technology (limited to 4th year, 5th year, and advanced courses) where they are enrolled, are not required to obtain Permission for Activities Outside Status of Residence. This applies to some so-called TAs and RAs.
Permission for Activities Outside Status of Residence is broadly divided into two types: Comprehensive Permission and Individual Permission. Without understanding this distinction, incidents can occur where “permission was held, but the work activity was outside the scope of the permission.”
| Type | Content | Designation of Workplace | Main Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Permission | Conditions are generally within 28 hours per week, and that no adult entertainment businesses, etc., are operated at the activity location. | Not designated (can choose workplace freely) | “Student,” “Dependent,” “Designated Activities” for continued job searching, etc. |
| Comprehensive Permission (Local Public Entities, etc.) | Conditions are within 28 hours per week, and based on an employment contract with a local public entity, etc. | Not designated | Individuals employed by local public entities, etc., with “Instructor,” “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services,” or “Skilled Labor (limited to sports instructors)” Status of Residence. |
| Individual Permission | Individually designates the name, location, and job description, etc. of the employer company, etc. | Designated (limited to that specific workplace and job) | Internships exceeding 28 hours per week, work styles where working hours are difficult to objectively confirm, etc. |
In the case of Comprehensive Permission, the “Newly Permitted Activities” on the endorsement sticker or Permission for Activities Outside Status of Residence certificate will state the following, citing the relevant provisions:
📌 Key Point: It is possible to obtain both Comprehensive Permission and Individual Permission. Individuals who already hold one type of permission can apply for the other type in addition.
The core of comprehensive permission is the limit of “within 28 hours per week.” This is often misunderstood, so we will clarify by breaking down the elements.
| Point | Treatment |
|---|---|
| General Limit | Within 28 hours per week |
| During Long-Term Breaks (Student) | Up to 8 hours per day during long-term breaks stipulated by school regulations, such as summer vacation |
| Applicability of Long-Term Break Exception | Only for Student. Does not apply to Dependent. |
| In Case of Multiple Jobs | This is understood as a limit on the total activities performed by the individual, not a limit per workplace. Please manage the total hours. |
| Adult Entertainment Businesses, etc. | Condition is that adult entertainment businesses, etc. are not operated at the activity location (for details, see §6) |
The Immigration Services Agency explains in its guidance for newly enrolled international students that “if comprehensive permission for Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence is granted, you may engage in part-time job within 28 hours per week (up to 8 hours per day during long-term breaks stipulated by school regulations, such as summer vacation).”
Regarding Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence for “Student,” the Immigration Services Agency explains that “activities to operate a business” under comprehensive permission refers to activities as a manager or similar, where the hours of engagement are clearly defined by an employment contract or similar document, as well as activities where an individual entrepreneur receives requests for delivery or similar services, earns remuneration based on results, and whose working hours can be objectively verified.
Conversely, work styles where it is difficult to objectively verify working hours are not covered by comprehensive permission. If the standard working hours for activities under a service contract or contract for work are not clear, individual permission for Activities Outside Status of Residence will be required. Those considering food delivery or remote contracted work should confirm this point beforehand for safety.
Even with the same “28 hours per week,” the prerequisites differ depending on the Status of Residence. Please check which one applies to you.
| Status of Residence | Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence | Limit | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student | Comprehensive Permission (Application form only) | Within 28 hours per week / Within 8 hours per day during long-term breaks | No permission required for educational or research assistance under contract with a university or college of technology (4th year, 5th year, and advanced course) |
| Dependent | Comprehensive Permission (Application form only) | Within 28 hours per week | No relaxation during long-term breaks |
| Designated Activities (Continued Job Search) | Comprehensive Permission | Within 28 hours per week | For international students who have graduated from a university or similar institution, and whose recommendation letter from the educational institution includes a statement regarding the Application for Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence, etc. |
| Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services and other Work Statuses of Residence | Individual Permission (Principle) | Individually specified | When engaging in activities corresponding to a different Status of Residence. Comprehensive permission is available in certain cases for those employed by local governments, etc. |
| Permanent Resident, Long-Term Resident, Spouse or Child of Japanese National, etc. (Table II) | Not required | No restrictions | Not applicable as there are no restrictions on work activities |
| Activities corresponding to ‘Specified Skilled Worker’ or ‘Technical Intern Training’ | Not eligible for permission | — | Under the requirements (general principles), ‘Specified Skilled Worker’ and ‘Technical Intern Training’ are excluded from the activities subject to application (§6) |
Regarding individuals with “Dependent” Status of Residence, the Immigration Services Agency states that individual permission is required in cases where it is difficult to objectively verify working hours, such as when engaging in activities as an individual entrepreneur, or when the standard working hours for activities under a service contract or contract for work are not clear. The required documents in such cases, in addition to the application form, include “a document explaining the activity content, working hours, remuneration, etc. (any format).”
The procedures for Application for Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence are relatively straightforward. However, please note that it may take time.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Legal Basis | Immigration Control Act Article 19 (Procedural Basis: Immigration Control Act Article 19, Paragraph 2) |
| Eligible Applicants | Foreign nationals who intend to engage in activities to operate a business with income or receive remuneration that does not fall under their current Status of Residence |
| Application Destination | Regional Immigration Services Bureau with jurisdiction over the applicant’s place of residence |
| Fee | None |
| Standard Processing Time | 2 weeks to 2 months |
| Method of Appeal | None |
| Reception Hours | Weekdays 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM |
If someone other than the applicant files an Application for Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence on behalf of the applicant, it is stipulated that the applicant must carry a copy of their Residence Card, and the person visiting the office must bring the applicant’s Residence Card. Please note that this is not an operation where the applicant keeps the original card and a proxy handles the application.
An Application for Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence can also be filed online. However, please note that this is only possible when filed concurrently with an Application for Change of Status of Residence, an Application for Extension of Period of Stay, or an Application for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence. The overall process for online procedures is explained in “How to Use and Points to Note for the Online Residence Application System“.
✈️ New international students arriving in Japan can obtain it at the airport: If a new Permission for Landing is granted with a Status of Residence of “Student”, “Instructor”, “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services”, or “Skilled Labor” (excluding cases where a Period of Stay of “3 months” is granted), it is possible to file an application immediately following the Permission for Landing and receive Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence at the port of entry/departure where the Permission for Landing was granted. This is the fastest method.
Furthermore, for online applications for Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence, it became possible to receive the permit by mail starting in January 2024 (Reiwa 6). In this case, a Permission for Activities Outside Status of Residence will be issued instead of an endorsement sticker.
The Immigration Services Agency lists the following seven points as requirements (general principles) for Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence, stating that if all of them are met, the appropriateness of engaging in activities outside the Status of Residence will be recognized, and permission will be granted.
Requirement 2 is often overlooked. If an applicant is not enrolled in school or has been absent for a long period, it cannot be said that they are “currently engaged in activities related to the Status of Residence held” in the first place, making permission difficult.
The activities excluded under Requirement 4 are specifically as follows:
⚠️ This is a pitfall: Not only “activities performed in engagement” are excluded, but also “activities performed at business establishments where such businesses are operated” are included. Even if the work involves dishwashing or cleaning, it is subject to this rule if adult entertainment businesses, etc., are operated at that establishment. The understanding that “it’s fine because I’m not directly serving customers” is incorrect.
If one works without obtaining Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence, or works beyond the conditions of the permission, multiple risks will arise simultaneously.
The Immigration Services Agency explicitly states in its guidance for international students that “if you violate the Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence, there is a possibility that your Application for Extension of Period of Stay may be denied.” In practice, this disadvantage is the first to materialize.
Article 19, Paragraph 3 of the Immigration Control Act stipulates that if a person violates the conditions attached to the permission, or if it is deemed inappropriate to continue granting the said permission to that person for any other reason, the Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence may be revoked.
Article 22-4, Paragraph 1, Item 5 of the Immigration Control Act stipulates that if a person residing with a Status of Residence listed in Table I is not engaged in activities corresponding to that Status of Residence, and is residing in Japan while engaging in or intending to engage in other activities (excluding cases with legitimate reasons), this constitutes a ground for revocation of the Status of Residence. Cases such as those where a person hardly engages in academic activities and primarily focuses on part-time jobs could fall under this.
| Article | Subject | Statutory Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Immigration Control Act, Article 73 | Persons who have engaged in activities involving the operation of a business with income or activities receiving remuneration in violation of Article 19, Paragraph 1 (excluding those falling under the following) | Imprisonment for not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than 2 million yen (May be imposed concurrently) |
| Immigration Control Act, Article 70, Paragraph 1, Item 4 | Persons who are clearly recognized as exclusively engaging in such activities in violation of Article 19, Paragraph 1 | Imprisonment for not more than 3 years or a fine of not more than 3 million yen (May be imposed concurrently) |
If Article 70 applies, the individual may also be subject to deportation. Please understand that there is a significant legal difference between “just slightly exceeding the limit” and “exclusively working.”
Companies that hire foreign nationals for part-time jobs also have practical responsibilities akin to a duty of confirmation.
The Immigration Services Agency explains that the back side of the Residence Card issued to mid- to long-term residents will contain an outline of the Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence if it has been granted, and this information will also be written to the IC chip embedded in the Residence Card. Furthermore, when confirming that Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence has been granted, they request that you also check the back side of the Residence Card, in addition to confirming the endorsement sticker (affixed to the passport) or the Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence document.
Key checkpoints during hiring are as follows:
Additionally, there is a method to confirm the activities a person can engage in by using the Certificate of Authorization for Employment under Article 19-2 of the Immigration Control Act. However, Paragraph 2 of the same article stipulates that no disadvantageous treatment shall be imposed for not presenting or submitting this document when the activities that can be engaged in are clear. Therefore, please avoid making its submission a condition for employment.
Article 73-2 of the Immigration Control Act stipulates that those who have caused foreign nationals to engage in illegal employment activities in connection with 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.
Furthermore, Paragraph 2 of the same article stipulates that those who have committed these acts 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 under the Status of Residence. However, the proviso states, “This shall not apply if there is no negligence,” so if the confirmation of the Residence Card was neglected, it cannot be said that there was no negligence, and responsibility may be pursued.
📢 Summary for Businesses: “The individual said it was okay” is not a defense. Incorporating confirmation of both sides of the Residence Card and recording working hours into the hiring process is the most reliable measure.
Q1. Is there a fee for applying for Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence?
A. The Immigration Services Agency explicitly states, “There is no fee.” The application itself is free. However, since the standard processing time is said to be 2 weeks to 2 months, please apply early, counting back from when you wish to start working.
Q2. Can I obtain permission after starting a part-time job?
A. Immigration Control Act, Article 19, Paragraph 1, is structured such that “Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence must be obtained in advance.” Starting work before permission is granted is a violation in itself. Please begin work only after confirming the permission document or the entry on the back of your Residence Card.
Q3. Is the 28-hour per week limit counted in total across all workplaces?
A. “Within 28 hours per week” is understood as the total limit for all activities the individual engages in, not a limit per workplace. If you work multiple part-time jobs, please manage the total hours.
Q4. Can I work 8 hours a day during summer vacation even with a Dependent Status of Residence?
A. No. The allowance of up to 8 hours per day during long holiday periods applies only to those with the “Student” Status of Residence. For those with a Dependent Status of Residence, the limit remains 28 hours per week, even during vacation periods.
Q5. I want to participate in an internship that exceeds 28 hours per week.
A. This may be subject to individual permission. The Immigration Services Agency states that Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence exceeding 28 hours per week may be granted in cases such as practical training necessary for obtaining credits or when there is a close relationship with the major subject. In addition to the application form, documents certifying the activities outside the Status of Residence prepared by the prospective activity organization, or a contract with the prospective activity organization (stating specific activity details, activity period and hours, activity location, and remuneration, etc.) are required.
Q6. Can food delivery be done with a general permission?
A. The Immigration Services Agency states that even activities where an individual receives requests for delivery as a sole proprietor and earns remuneration based on results are within the scope of general permission if the working hours can be objectively confirmed. Conversely, if it is difficult to objectively confirm working hours, individual permission is required. Please confirm the contract type and method of recording working hours in advance.
Q7. I am a Permanent Resident, do I need Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence to start a side job?
A. No, it is not required. The Immigration Services Agency states that individuals with a Status of Residence listed in Schedule II of the Immigration Control Act (such as “Permanent Resident” or “Long-Term Resident”) 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.
Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence is a relatively simple procedure, requiring no fee and, for a general permission, only one application form. However, its effect is conditional, limited to “within 28 hours per week” and “locations where adult entertainment businesses are not operated.” The moment these conditions are violated, it can lead to severe consequences such as Denial of Extension of Period of Stay, revocation of permission, revocation of Status of Residence, and penalties.
Foreign nationals themselves should confirm these three points before starting work: ① whether their permission is a general permission or an individual permission, ② whether the limit is 28 hours per week or if the special exception for long holiday periods can be applied, and ③ whether the work they are about to undertake is one where working hours can be objectively confirmed. For HR professionals at companies, incorporating Residence Card back-side verification and work hour recording into the hiring process is the shortest path to avoiding the risk of the Crime of facilitating illegal employment.
The standard processing time is 2 weeks to 2 months. To avoid rushing just before the new semester or the start of a shift, please proceed with preparations well in advance.
Our office provides consultations regarding Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence, as well as other matters, for both foreign nationals and accepting companies.
Please feel free to use our free consultation service first.
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・If we find that a document contains information that is not true, or that the application is not your own (or a family member’s), we will decline the check.
This article is written based on publicly available information as of July 2026. Details and operation of the system may change in the future. For actual applications, please confirm with official information from the Immigration Services Agency or our office.
Author of this article: Administrative Scrivener Satoshi Nakayama
Representative, Administrative Scrivener Corporation Miyazaki International Legal Office
Location: Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture
