How Foreign Nationals Can Work Part-Time as Interpreters or Guides in Japan | Status of Residence and Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted
Key Points of This Article
- Whether foreign nationals living in Japan can receive compensation for side jobs depends on their status of residence.
- Holders of the “Permanent Resident,” “Spouse, etc. of a Japanese National,” “Spouse, etc. of a Permanent Resident,” and “Long-Term Resident” statuses face no restrictions on the nature of their work.
- Holders of other residence statuses must obtain a “Permit for Activities Outside the Scope of Status of Residence” in advance in order to receive compensation for activities other than those permitted under their status.
- For international students and others holding a comprehensive permit, the limit is 28 hours per week. If you accept work as an individual and it is difficult to objectively verify the hours worked, you may need to obtain an individual permit.
First, verify your status of residence
For foreign nationals living in Japan, the activities they are permitted to engage in are determined by their specific status of residence. To engage in income-generating business activities or receive remuneration for work outside the scope of activities permitted under your current status of residence, you must obtain a “Permit for Activities Outside the Scope of Your Status of Residence” in advance (Immigration Services Agency of Japan: Permit for Activities Outside the Scope of Your Status of Residence).
Work as an interpreter or guide utilizing your native language or English is a job that allows foreign nationals living in Japan to leverage their strengths. Before you begin, check your status of residence on your Residence Card.
Residence Statuses with No Restrictions on Work Activities
“Permanent Resident,” “Spouse, etc. of a Japanese National,” “Spouse, etc. of a Permanent Resident,” and “Long-Term Resident” are status-of-residence categories based on personal status or position, and there are no restrictions on activities in Japan (Immigration Services Agency of Japan: List of Status of Residence).Holders of these statuses can work part-time as interpreters or tour guides without obtaining a permit for activities outside the scope of their status of residence.
International Students and Family Stay Holders: Comprehensive Permission is Limited to 28 Hours Per Week
Holders of “Student” or “Family Stay” status may engage in paid activities for up to 28 hours per week if they obtain a permit for activities outside their status of residence.This permission is called a “comprehensive permit” because it does not require specifying each individual employer. Activities at establishments engaged in adult entertainment or similar businesses are not permitted (Japan Immigration Services Agency: Permission for Activities Outside the Scope of Status of Residence).
If you accept work as an individual, you may need to obtain a separate permit
When accepting requests for work as an interpreter or guide in exchange for compensation, you may be working as an independent contractor rather than being employed by a company.The Japan Immigration Services Agency states that if you are working as a self-employed individual or engaging in activities where it is difficult to objectively verify the hours worked, you will need an “individual permit”—a permit that specifies the details of your work—rather than a comprehensive permit (Japan Immigration Services Agency: Regarding Permits for Activities Outside the Scope of Status of Residence).
Please check with the regional Immigration Bureau office in your area to determine which category your work falls under before you begin.
People Employed by a Company (Holders of a “Work” Status of Residence)
Even if you are employed by a company under a work-based status of residence, such as “Engineer, Specialist in Humanities, or International Services,” you may need a permit for activities outside your status of residence if you engage in work other than that permitted under your current status (Japan Immigration Services Agency: About Permits for Activities Outside the Scope of Status of Residence).Whether interpreting or guiding is included in the activities permitted under your current status of residence depends on the nature of the work; if you are unsure, please check with the Immigration Services Agency.
Do Not Accept Remuneration Without Permission
If you engage in activities for which a Permission for Activities Outside the Scope of Your Status of Residence is required but receive compensation without obtaining the necessary permission, you will be in violation of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. This applies even if the compensation is small or the work is limited to just a few hours a week. Once you have obtained permission, be sure to conduct your activities in accordance with the terms of the permission (such as the permitted hours and scope of activities).
Don’t Forget Your Tax Obligations
If you live in Japan and receive compensation, you are subject to Japanese tax procedures regardless of your nationality. The conditions under which salaried employees with side jobs are required to file a tax return are summarized in “The ‘200,000 yen’ Threshold for Filing Tax Returns on Side Jobs.”
Put Your Native Language and Knowledge of Japan to Work at jpwork hub
jpwork hub is a service that connects international visitors to Japan with people living in Japan who want to use their skills in English or other foreign languages. When you register as a partner, you can list services such as interpretation, personal assistance, sightseeing tours, and dining recommendations at rates you set yourself.You can decide for yourself whether to accept a request based on your schedule and the details of the job, so you can even do this as a side job just on weekends.
Registration is free, and fees are charged only when a request is confirmed and payment is processed. Since we’ve just launched the service, we can’t guarantee a specific number of requests, but we welcome those who’d like to help us grow the service as our first partners.
In addition to English, we welcome plans in various languages, including Chinese, Korean, and Spanish. Please make the most of your language skills and your experience living in Japan, within the scope permitted by your residence status.
View Details on Partner Recruitment
Frequently Asked Questions
I am a permanent resident. Can I work as an interpreter on the side without obtaining permission?
Yes. Since “Permanent Residents” face no restrictions on their activities in Japan, you do not need a permit for activities outside the scope of your status of residence.
I’m an international student. Can I work as a tour guide only on weekends and receive compensation?
If you have a Permission for Activities Outside the Scope of Your Status of Residence (comprehensive permission), you may engage in paid activities for up to 28 hours per week. However, if you accept work as an individual and it is difficult to objectively verify the hours worked, you may need to obtain individual permission. Please check with the Japan Immigration Services Agency before starting.
I work as a company employee. How can I take on a side job as an interpreter on my days off?
If the activity is not included in the permitted activities under your current status of residence, you will need a permit for activities outside your status of residence. Please also check whether your employer’s work rules permit side jobs.