If you’re a foreigner looking to work part-time in Japan, you’ve come to the right place. Japan’s booming economy and vibrant culture make it an attractive destination for job seekers from around the world. However, finding a part-time job in Japan can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with the country’s job market and culture. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about finding part-time jobs in Japan as a foreigner. From where to look for job listings to how to write a Japanese-style resume, we’ll provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to successfully land a part-time job in Japan. So, let’s get started and explore the exciting opportunities waiting for you in Japan’s job market!
Jump to:
- Understanding Part-time Job Market in Japan for Foreigners
- Working Restriction for Student Visa Holders in Japan
- Prohibited Part-time Jobs in Japan for Foreigners and International Students
- Types of part-time jobs available for foreigners in Japan
- Requirements for getting a Part-Time Job in Japan
- Necessary documents for part-time work in Japan
- Salary: How Much You Make From Part-time job as a foreigner in japan
- Best Websites to Find Part-Time Jobs in Japan
- Tips for Applying and Interviewing for Part-Time Jobs in Japan
Understanding Part-time Job Market in Japan for Foreigners
A lot of foreigners think that living in Japan is expensive, but if you’re an international student, having one or two part-time jobs in Japan is a great way to make a decent income. By all means, it’s impossible to cover both the cost of living and school tuition with just your salary from part-time work, but it’s a great way to support your life outside your studies.
Part-time jobs, or arubaito (アルバイト), also allows you to immerse yourself in the Japanese language and culture. Most positions require some level of Japanese, and practicing your Japanese outside the classroom is usually the quickest way to improve your communication ability. Being in industries like fast food, cafés, teaching and tourism in Japan will also help foreign students get acquainted with the working culture in Japan, as well as open doors to make Japanese friends.
Now, more than 70% of foreign students in Japan are working part-time. Most Japanese language schools are divided into morning or afternoon classes, and a lot of them take advantage of free periods and off-days by clocking into their baito (バイト).
Of course, there’s no set timeline for when you need to get a part-time job in Japan. It’s not mandatory, after all. But if there comes a point where you want to start looking for the right job, you’re not going to have a problem navigating the legal (and insider) nooks and crannies of arubaito.
If you would like to learn more, check out our full guide on how to study in Japan.
Applying for the part-time job Permit as a foreigner
Before you can legally work in Japan as a foreign student, you must get permission from the immigration office to “engage in activities other than status qualification”. This is because you come to Japan under a student visa, and not a working visa (like a technical intern or humanities visa).
You will need to apply for permission before you start looking and accepting jobs. Immigration generally always grants this special working permit. You don’t need to apply for this permission if you are planning to never do part-time work in Japan as a ryuugakusei (留学生), but the application is easy and fast. You can even have it done on the day you arrive in Japan.
There are two ways to apply for the “permission to engage in activity other than that permitted in the status of residence previously granted”.
- As a new resident and upon your arrival in Japan, submit this filled form to immigration at the airport
- If you are planning to apply for the permit when you are already in Japan, you’ll need to bring your passport, application form and residence card to your immigration bureau. Head to the full official guide here.
We recommend filling out the form and finishing the application by the time you arrive in Japan because you will be able to get the permit right away — the same time they issued your residence card. The immigration staff will stamp the bottom side of the back of your zairyuu kaado (residence card) with a black stamp. They’ll also put a sticker on your passport.
If you choose to head to the immigration bureau instead, prepare for a longer waiting time. If you’ve ever been to a place in Japan, you’ll know how busy and crammed it can get. You may also need to wait for a month before they finally issue your special part-time working permit.
However, there will come a time when you need to extend your period of stay as a student living in Japan. When that happens, you also need to re-apply for the same permission by filling out the application form.
Working Restriction for Student Visa Holders in Japan
Japan does not want their students to have their part-time jobs affect their studies and academic performance. Your income from the job is meant to support your day-to-day cost of living, and not for saving and remittance.
This is why you can only work up to 28 hours a week during the school semester. This is the total time, regardless if you have one or multiple part-time jobs. For example, if you have two jobs, the working hours in total must be 28 hours — not 28 hours for each job.
However, during long periods of school breaks like the winter or summer vacation, which can last as long as 3 months, you are eligible to work up to 40 hours in total for a week — or 8 hours a day. Your employer may request some sort of proof of the duration of your school break. Your Japanese language school, vocational school, or university should be able to issue a specific notice for that.
Keep in mind that this “part-time work privilege” only exists when you retain your student status in an educational institution. The moment you drop out or graduate without a valid student visa or working permit (like Humanities or Job Hunting visa), you will technically engage in illegal activity.

Prohibited part-time Jobs in japan for foreigners and International Students
You are also not allowed to do part-time work in the adult entertainment industry even if you are legally an adult (20 years old or above in Japan). This doesn’t just mean that you are not allowed to partake in specific adult activities. Even if you are not involved in any inappropriate acts, such as becoming a host or working as a call girl, just working as a staff is strictly prohibited.
The jobs and workplaces included in this definition are:
- Hostess bars or host clubs
- Pachinko parlors
- Love hotels
- Adult stores
- Massage parlors
You shouldn’t be involved in anything remotely related to the sex trade, gambling industry the yakuza or criminal activities. A lot of these places will usually offer a higher wage, but you are at immediate risk of problems in renewing your visa and possible deportation.
Types of part-time jobs available for foreigners in Japan
Whether you’re a student, expat, or simply looking for additional income, there are many types of part-time jobs available for foreigners in Japan, ranging from teaching English to working in hospitality. Some of the most popular part-time jobs for foreigners in Japan include:
Konbini Staff
Working as a konbini (convenience store) staff member is a popular part-time job for foreigners in Japan. You’ll be responsible for tasks such as stocking shelves, cashier duties, and assisting customers. Konbini jobs often offer flexible working hours and are a great way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture while earning income.
Working in Hospitality
The hospitality industry is another popular option for part-time work in Japan. Many hotels, restaurants, and cafes hire foreign staff to cater to the needs of international guests. If you have experience in the service industry, you can earn up to ¥1,500 per hour working in a restaurant or café. Hotel staff can earn up to ¥2,000 per hour.
English Teaching
Teaching English is one of the most popular part-time jobs for foreigners in Japan. English language tutors are in high demand, especially in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Many language schools and private tutoring companies offer part-time positions for non-native speakers. English conversation lessons, test preparation, and assisting as an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) in schools are common roles for foreigners interested in sharing their language skills. With a degree and a teaching certification like TESOL or TEFL, you can earn up to ¥3,000 per hour.

Uber Delivery Driver
Uber Eats and other food delivery services offer part-time job opportunities for foreigners. If you don’t have a bicycle, you can rent one in available spots in Tokyo. As an Uber delivery driver, you’ll deliver food orders to customers, following designated routes. This job allows for flexible working hours and the chance to explore different areas of Japan.
Retail and Sales
Retail and sales positions are also available for foreigners in Japan. Many multinational companies and department stores have part-time positions for non-native speakers. If you’re good at sales, you can earn up to ¥2,500 per hour working in a retail store.
Modeling
For those interested in the fashion and entertainment industry, part-time modeling can be an exciting opportunity in Japan. This job involves modeling for photo shoots, fashion shows, or promotional events. While it requires a certain look and may have specific requirements, modeling can offer a unique experience and potential networking opportunities.
Requirements for getting a Part-Time Job in Japan
To work part-time in Japan, you’ll need a valid visa that allows you to work. Depending on your visa status, you may be able to work up to 28 hours per week. Some of the most common visa types for foreigners in Japan include:
– Student visa: If you’re a student studying in Japan, you can work part-time up to 28 hours per week. You’ll need to obtain a work permit from your school and the immigration office.
– Working holiday visa: If you’re between 18 and 30 years old and from a country that has a working holiday agreement with Japan, you can work part-time up to 28 hours per week.
– Spouse visa: If you’re married to a Japanese citizen or a permanent resident of Japan, you can work part-time up to 28 hours per week.
In addition to a valid visa, you’ll need to have basic Japanese language skills. Most part-time jobs in Japan require some level of Japanese proficiency, especially if you’re working in the service industry.
Necessary documents for part-time work in Japan
You have your special permit, the right visa, and enough will to finally find a part-time job in Japan. You’re all set, right? Wrong.
While it’s possible to work as soon as you get the permission — which is to say it’s possible to work as soon as you land in Japan — that’s not always the case. Most employers require at least these things before they can officially welcome you as part of the team.
1. Your Individual Number (My Number)
Remember the 28-hour working limit that we mentioned earlier? How does the Japanese government actually track this?
The answer is through a small plastic card (or letter) known as My Number (マイナンバーカード), which contains your unique 12-digit number that will be your social security and tax number.
If you reside in Japan under a mid or long-term visa and have your address listed, they will send you a letter called “Individual Number Notice” (個人番号通知書). My Number integrates data dispersed across different agencies in one system. This means your salary, working hours and tax records are all transparent
2. Japanese Phone Number
Your Japanese phone number will be your primary contact information. While there are some workplaces in Japan that reach back to you via email, most of them tend to opt for the good ol’ traditional phone call.
3. Japanese Bank Book
Unfortunately, employers in Japan require your Japanese bank book as direct deposits of paychecks are made entirely through your bank account. While your boss may offer the option to give your salary via cash, or tewatashi (手渡し), you don’t really see a lot of workplaces (actually, we don’t see any) that offer overseas remittances.
The most common bank books that foreigners make are Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ).
4. Residence Card and/or Passport
Your workplace usually requires you to submit proof of residence to make sure that you are not staying in Japan illegally. They will also need to confirm your 28-hour permit through your residence card. Most of the time, you will need to bring your zairyuu to they can make a copy of them — although we’d argue you need to bring your Japanese ID anywhere and anytime.
5. Japanese Resume or Rirekisho (履歴書)
When applying for a job in Japan, you will generally need a Japanese resume. A Japanese resume or rirekisho (履歴書) serves a similar purpose to an English resume: to inform your prospective employers of your educational background, work experience and basic information (name, date of birth, contact information, etc.).
However, whereas a regular resume allows room for you to customize the template and format, rirekisho pretty much follows a rigid format.
You will need at least enough Japanese writing ability to input all the necessary information. Thankfully, the internet, although a rabbit hole, provides many pre-made templates that you can easily download.
There are some companies that do not need you to bring a Japanese resume because they’re more laidback and less formal, but it’s always good to be prepared when you start job hunting. You can download a Japanese rirekisho template here.

Salary: How Much You Make From Part-time job as a foreigner in japan
Part-time jobs typically have hourly rates and are usually around (but needs to be at least) the minimum wage set by the regional government.
That’s right: the minimum wage in Japan varies from prefecture to prefecture. This is because each place takes into account the cost of living and the tax system. For example, the Tokyo metropolitan area, which boasts some of the highest living expenses, has a higher hourly rate than rural areas like Saitama.
Japanese Prefecture | Minimum Wage |
---|---|
Tokyo | 1,041 JPY |
Kanagawa | 1,041 JPY |
Saitama | 956 JPY |
Hokkaido | 889 JPY |
Osaka | 992 JPY |
Kyoto | 937 JPY |
Chiba | 953 JPY |
Shizuoka | 913 JPY |
Hyogo | 928 JPY |
Chiba | 953 JPY |
Mie | 902 JPY |
Hiroshima | 899 JPY |
Aomori | 822 JPY |
Fukushima | 828 JPY |
Ibaraki | 879 JPY |
Tochigi | 882 JPY |
Gunma | 865 JPY |
Niigata | 859 JPY |
Nagano | 877 JPY |
Your hourly rate will also tend to be higher if you work during odd hours. You will notice Japanese part-time job advertisements, usually with the headline アルバイト募集中 (arubaito boshuuchuu), breaking down the salary.
In konbini, for example, staff who work late night and early morning shifts will earn a higher salary than those who work during “normal hours” (usually 9 AM to 22 PM).
The industry and what type of part-time job you have will also affect the rate. For example, employers can offer a higher salary for language instructors or research assistants, but positions like kitchen staff and convenience store clerk tend to stay around the minimum hourly rate range.
On average, an international student earns 57,000 JPY a month, but depending on your work and hours, you may receive more or less.
Let’s say you work as a konbini clerk in Tokyo, earning 1,041 JPY an hour. You work every day, Monday to Sunday, for four hours, which means you’re maximizing your time availability. A month, or 30 days, will get you 124,920 JPY (amount not yet deducted with tax).
Let’s try to switch the scenario a bit. You decide to only work on the weekends for four hours. You will only earn 33,312 JPY a month.

Best Websites to Find Part-Time Jobs in Japan
1. Job Listing Websites
Thankfully, because Japan has approximately 2.89 million foreigners as of 2020, more job boards are specifically made for ryuugakusei and gaikokujin. A lot of them are even run by international companies, so it’s pretty easy for you to filter them based on location, working conditions and types of job you want (waiter, kitchen staff, driver).
Here are some of the best websites for foreigners looking for part-time jobs in Japan.
2. Company Website
Big companies and franchises like Family Mart, Seven Eleven, Mcdonald’s and Starbucks typically have a specific page dedicated to recruitment. You can usually navigate it at the bottom of the homepage with the label 採用 (saiyou) or 募集 (boshuu).
3. In-person Job Advertisement
If you’re already in Japan, there’s a big likelihood you go to a nearby shop or restaurant with a massive poster for part-time recruiters. In fact, most places with part-timers are usually understaffed because there are some days and shifts that aren’t just popular among workers date.
Balancing work and study as a foreigner in Japan
First and foremost, it is crucial to communicate and coordinate with your employer and educational institution to ensure they understand your commitments (Japanese language school are most likely more involved in this). Many universities and colleges in Japan provide support services for international students seeking part-time employment. They may offer resources such as job boards, career counseling, or flexible class schedules to accommodate work hours.
Effective time management is key to successfully juggling work and study responsibilities. Prioritize tasks, create a schedule, and set realistic goals to ensure you allocate sufficient time for both work and academic pursuits. Make use of productivity tools, such as calendars or task management apps, to stay organized and avoid unnecessary stress.
Additionally, it is important to take care of yourself and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Find time for self-care, relaxation, and social activities to avoid burnout. Joining student organizations or engaging in cultural activities can help you connect with others and make the most of your time in Japan.
Tips for Applying and Interviewing for Part-Time Jobs in Japan
When applying for part-time jobs in Japan, it’s important to present yourself as a professional and reliable candidate. Here are some tips for applying and interviewing for part-time jobs in Japan:
- Have a well-organized and professional resume that highlights your skills and experience.
- Dress appropriately for the interview, even if it’s a part-time position.
- Be punctual and arrive early for the interview.
- Be prepared to answer questions about your Japanese language skills and work experience.
- Be respectful and courteous during the interview, and thank the interviewer for their time.
Want to live and study in Japan? Contact us for free support!
Whether you’re looking to find a job in Japan, go to university, or just want to enjoy Japan, you can do so by enrolling at a Japanese language school first. Find the perfect program that matches your goals and needs and get free support by contacting our team!
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