Pre-application guide: About residence status
This page clearly explains whether you can apply for a job with your residence status. Before applying for a job, first check your residence status and the conditions for working.
First Step: Check Your Residence Status!
If you're not sure of your residence status, please check your Residence Card. On the front of your Residence Card, "Status of Residence" is printed.
Examples
- Student
- Dependent
- Permanent resident
- Engineer/specialist in humanities/international services
- Designated activities
- Specific skills
To start, let's check the name of your residence status.
*People without a residence status cannot apply for jobs on YOLO JAPAN.
Choose a topic to learn more
Can you apply with your residence status?
First, check your status of residence and refer to the table below. *This is only a general guideline for eligibility. Always check the specific application criteria listed in each job posting.
Permanent Resident
- Part-time
- Generally eligible
- Full-time
- Generally eligible
- Short-term JobsOnline surveys/monitors
- Generally eligible
- Remarks
- No work restrictions
Long-Term Resident
- Part-time
- Generally eligible
- Full-time
- Generally eligible
- Short-term JobsOnline surveys/monitors
- Generally eligible
- Remarks
- No work restrictions
Spouse or Child of Japanese National
- Part-time
- Generally eligible
- Full-time
- Generally eligible
- Short-term JobsOnline surveys/monitors
- Generally eligible
- Remarks
- No work restrictions
Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident
- Part-time
- Generally eligible
- Full-time
- Generally eligible
- Short-term JobsOnline surveys/monitors
- Generally eligible
- Remarks
- No work restrictions
Student
- Part-time
- Conditions must be checked
- Full-time
- Conditions must be checked
- Short-term JobsOnline surveys/monitors
- Conditions must be checked
- Remarks
- Part-time worker: you must obtain Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted by the Status of Residence Previously Granted Full-time: Visa change required
Dependent
- Part-time
- Conditions must be checked
- Full-time
- Conditions must be checked
- Short-term JobsOnline surveys/monitors
- Conditions must be checked
- Remarks
- Part-time worker: you must obtain Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted by the Status of Residence Previously Granted Full-time: Visa change required
Designated Activities (Working Holiday)
- Part-time
- Generally eligible
- Full-time
- Generally eligible
- Short-term JobsOnline surveys/monitors
- Generally eligible
- Remarks
- Adult entertainment businesses are prohibited
Designated Activities (Others)
- Part-time
- Conditions must be checked
- Full-time
- Conditions must be checked
- Short-term JobsOnline surveys/monitors
- Conditions must be checked
- Remarks
- Check your Designated Activities Certificate
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
- Part-time
- Conditions must be checked
- Full-time
- Conditions must be checked
- Short-term JobsOnline surveys/monitors
- Conditions must be checked
- Remarks
- Can only work within the scope of your status
Specified Skilled Worker
- Part-time
- Usually not eligible
- Full-time
- Conditions must be checked
- Short-term JobsOnline surveys/monitors
- Conditions must be checked
- Remarks
- Can only work within your designated field
Technical Intern Training
- Part-time
- Usually not eligible
- Full-time
- Usually not eligible
- Short-term JobsOnline surveys/monitors
- Usually not eligible
- Remarks
- Can only work at the designated host company
Temporary Visitor
- Part-time
- Usually not eligible
- Full-time
- Usually not eligible
- Short-term JobsOnline surveys/monitors
- Usually not eligible
- Remarks
- Work is not permitted
Meaning of ○ △ × symbol
○ : Generally Eligible
In most cases, you can apply based on your residence status.
△ : Conditions Apply
Please check the job details and ensure you have the necessary work permit (Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted).
× : Generally Not Eligible
In most cases, your residence status does not allow you to apply for these jobs.
3 Key Points to Check Before Applying
Eligibility to work is determined by the following 3 points.
Employment Type
Even for the same job, the requirements may change depending on your employment type.
Examples
- Part-time
- Full-time
- Freelance / Outsourcing
Check the Employment Type on the job details page.
Job Contents
The type of work you can do is determined by your status of residence. Please be especially careful if you have the following status of residence:
- Engineer/specialist in humanities/international services
- Specific skills
- Designated activities
Make sure that the Main Job Duties of the job offer falls within the scope of your status of residence.
Work Hours
There are limits on the number of hours you can work depending on your residence status.
Student
- Standard: Up to 28 hours per week
- Long Vacations: Up to 40 hours per week
Dependent
- Standard: Up to 28 hours per week
Always check the working hours listed in the job description before applying.
About the Residence Card
This is a card that is issued to medium and long-term foreign residents of Japan. Basic personal information such as the resident's name, residency status and period of stay, as well as the resident's photograph are printed on the card. Please check the following 4 points on your residence card.
Status
This indicates the type of visa you currently hold.
Work restrictions
- "No restrictions" → Any type of work
- "Work permitted only under the status of residence" → Only within your status
- "Work not permitted" → No work in principle
- "Work permitted only as designated" → Check your designation letter
Period of stay
Check to see how long you are permitted to stay in Japan.
Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted by the Status of Residence Previously Granted
"Student" and "Dependent" status holders must have this permission to work part-time.
About the Designated Activities Certificate
This document is issued when residence is permitted under "Specified Skills" or "Specified Activities." It is typically stapled inside your passport.
This certificate specifies what kind of activities (jobs) you are allowed to do. You may only work within the scope described in this document.
*Even if you have a certificate, there are cases where you may not be allowed to work.
Important Points for Each Status of Residence
Student
- Work permit (Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted) is required for part-time work.
- Working hours are limited to 28 hours per week.
- Adult entertainment work is prohibited.
- Full-time work requires a change of visa status.
Dependent
- Work permit (Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted) is required for part-time work.
- Working hours are limited to 28 hours per week.
- Adult entertainment work is prohibited.
- Full-time work requires a change of visa status.
Designated activities
It is important to check whether the activity is within the scope of the "permitted activities" written in the designation document.
The content of "specific activities" varies from person to person, so the designation letter will be used as a basis for making a decision.
Engineer/specialist in humanities/international services
It is important to confirm that the job duties are within the scope of your residence status.
Specific skills
The work must be within your designated field.
When in doubt
We recommend that you consult a professional in the following cases:
I don't know if the job duties fall within the scope of my residence status...
I'm not sure if I need a work permit...
I don't understand the details written on my Designated Activities Certificate...
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan
- Lawyer / Attorney
- Administrative Scrivener
*YOLO JAPAN cannot provide individual assessments regarding your residence status.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- My visa is about to expire. Can I still apply?
Yes, you can apply. However, you should apply to renew your residence status as soon as possible.
- Do I need a work permit/ permission to engage in activities other than those permitted?
If you have a status that restricts employment (such as "Student" or "Dependent"), you must obtain a work permit/permission to engage in activities other than those permitted before starting a part-time job. Please check the back of your Residence Card to see if you have this permission.
- Will I be asked about my residence status during the interview?
Yes, it is very common for companies to ask. Companies need to confirm the following conditions:
- Work scope
- Working hours
- Period of stay
Things to prepare for this:
- Residence card
- Designated Activities Certificate (If you have "Designated Activities" or "Specified Skilled Worker" status)
Last step!
Make sure to check these 3 points before applying:
Your Residence Status
Work permit/permission to engage in activities other than those permitted and Designated Activities Certificate
The job details, employment type, and working hours
All set? Now you're ready to find a job that fits you!