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17 June 2026
Finding a part-time job, or arubaito (アルバイト), is a great way for international students to support their living expenses and practice their Japanese. However, Japan has strict rules regarding student employment. Navigating job boards, legal permissions, and Japanese interview etiquette can be daunting. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to landing a part-time job in Japan safely and legally.
Before you start applying, make sure you understand the basic legal framework for working as a student:
| Requirement | Details | Who Issues It? |
|---|---|---|
| Work Permit | Shikakugai Katsudo Kyoka (Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted) | Immigration Services Agency (ISA) |
| Weekly Hour Limit | Maximum 28 hours per week (up to 8 hours per day during long school holidays) | Immigration Law Regulation |
| Average Hourly Wage | 1,100 JPY to 1,300 JPY (varies by region and industry) | Employers (subject to regional minimums) |
| Prohibited Work | Adult entertainment industries, nightclubs, gambling halls (pachinko) | Strictly banned for all student visas |
You cannot legally work in Japan on a student visa without official permission. This is called the Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted (資格外活動許可 - Shikakugai Katsudō Kyoka).
You can apply for this permit at the airport immigration counter when you first arrive in Japan with your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). If you did not do it at the airport, you must apply through your local branch of the Immigration Services Agency (ISA). Once approved, you will receive a stamp on the back of your Residence Card.
Warning: Exceeding the 28-hour weekly work limit is a serious violation of Japanese immigration law. It can result in heavy fines, visa renewal denial, or even deportation. Always track your hours across all jobs combined.
Depending on your Japanese level, you can find jobs through several specialized platforms:
In Japan, part-time job applications require a standard Japanese resume format, known as a rirekisho (履歴書). You will need to write it carefully in Japanese, attach a professional photo, and sometimes sign it using your personal seal, or Hanko, though digital applications and signatures are becoming more common.
To make this process easier, you can use our interactive yuzu.help Student CV Builder. This tool guides you step-by-step to generate a clean, professionally formatted Japanese resume ready for print or email.
Japanese companies value punctuality, politeness, and proper grooming. Here are the golden rules for a successful interview:
Having a few key phrases ready will show the interviewer that you are polite and eager to learn. Brush up on your interview communication skills with our yuzu.help Japanese Survival Phrases Guide.
Q: Can I work full-time on a student visa in Japan?
No. On a student visa, you are legally restricted to a maximum of 28 hours per week. During official school holidays (like summer or winter breaks), you are allowed to work up to 40 hours per week (8 hours per day), provided you have school authorization.
Q: What happens if I work without a Work Permission?
Working without the official stamp on the back of your Residence Card is considered illegal employment. It can lead to the cancellation of your student visa and deportation from Japan.
Q: Can I get a part-time job if my Japanese level is very low?
Yes. Many international students work in roles that require minimal Japanese, such as kitchen staff, dishwashing, hotel cleaning, warehouse sorting, or teaching English.
Q: What is the average minimum wage for part-time jobs in Tokyo?
As of recent revisions, the minimum wage in Tokyo is over 1,113 JPY per hour. Wages are generally higher for late-night shifts (after 10:00 PM), which receive a legally mandated 25% premium.
Q: Do I need a Hanko to sign my employment contract?
While many modern companies accept handwritten signatures, some traditional employers may still ask you to stamp your contract using a personal Hanko seal.
Q: Can students work at restaurants that serve alcohol?
Yes, students can work in standard family restaurants, izakayas, and cafes that serve alcohol. However, you are strictly prohibited from working at adult entertainment establishments, host clubs, cabarets, or pachinko parlors.
Q: How do I get paid for my part-time job in Japan?
Most employers pay monthly wages via direct bank transfer. You will need to open a bank account (e.g., at Japan Post Bank) and provide your account details to your employer.
Q: Are part-time earnings taxed in Japan?
Yes. Income tax (typically around 10% for part-time workers) may be automatically withheld from your monthly paycheck. Depending on your annual income, you may be eligible for a tax refund by filing a tax return.