What is permission for activities outside the scope of your status of residence?

What is permission to engage in activities other than those permitted by the status of residence granted under the visa?

Permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under the status of residence granted under the visa is a permission system that foreigners staying in Japan can obtain in order to engage in activities not permitted under their current status of residence (such as part-time work). For example, international students and foreigners staying with family members need this permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under the visa of residence granted.

Reasons for needing permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under the status of residence and benefits of obtaining it

In Japan, as a rule, you can only engage in activities within the scope of your status of residence. For example, if a foreigner with a non-employment status of residence works, they will be punished for “illegal employment.”

By obtaining permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under the status of residence, foreign students and their dependents can earn an income, which can be useful as a means of supplementing living expenses and tuition fees in Japan. This system not only improves the stability of your life, but also has the benefit of enriching your experience of living in Japan.

Requirements for permission to engage in activities other than those permitted by the status of residence (general principles)

The following conditions must be met to obtain permission to engage in activities other than those permitted by the status of residence.

The applicant’s engagement in the activity for which he/she is applying will not prevent the performance of activities related to his/her current status of residence.

The applicant is currently engaged in activities related to his/her current status of residence.

The activity for which the application is applied falls under the activities listed in the lower column of the status of residence in Table 1 or Table 2 of the Act (excluding “specified skills” and “technical intern training”).
(Note) This requirement is not required for the blanket permission in 2(1) below.

The activity for which the application is applied does not fall under any of the following activities.
A. Activities that are deemed to violate laws and regulations (both criminal and civil).
B. Activities conducted at a business establishment where adult entertainment business, store-based sexual entertainment business, or specified entertainment and restaurant business is conducted, or activities conducted while engaged in non-store-based sexual entertainment business, video transmission type sexual entertainment business, store-based telephone dating business, or non-store-based telephone dating business.

The applicant has not been issued a detention order or received or been notified of a notice of hearing.

The individual has a good conduct.

If the individual is engaged in activities that fall under the status of residence based on a contract with a public or private organization in Japan, the organization must agree to the individual engaging in activities outside the scope of the status of residence.

Quoted from the Immigration Services Agency website “Permission to Engage in Activities Other Than Those Permitted by the Status of Residence“

To summarize the above, it is as follows.

Does not interfere with activities under the current status of residence.
Even if you engage in activities outside of your status of residence, activities that are in line with the original purpose of your status of residence (such as your studies or main job) should not be neglected.
Engages in activities based on your current status of residence.
You are required to be firmly engaged in activities based on your current status of residence (study abroad, family stay, etc.).
Folds into the activities specified by law.
The activities you are applying for must fall under the activities of your Japanese status of residence (excluding “specific skills” and “technical intern training”). In other words, they must be occupations or activities that are generally recognized in Japan.
This requirement does not apply to “blanket permission”.
Does not pose legal problems.
You are required to not engage in activities that are illegal. In addition, work in the adult entertainment business or sex-related industries is not permitted.
You have not been subjected to deportation or other dispositions by the Immigration Bureau.
You have not received any notice from the Immigration Bureau (such as a deportation order or a notice of hearing).
Be of good conduct
There must be no problems with your conduct while living in Japan. For example, you must follow the rules and not engage in problematic behavior.
You must have consent from your current contracting party (if necessary)
If you are working based on your status of residence, the company or organization you work for must agree to your activities outside of your status of residence.

Types and contents of permission to engage in activities other than those permitted by status of residence

There are two types of permission to engage in activities other than those permitted by status of residence: “general permission” and “individual permission.” They are used according to the conditions of each permission. The contents are as follows:

1. General permission

Purpose: Permission to mainly earn income through part-time work.
Content: Permission to engage in activities that generate income for up to 28 hours per week. This is based on the premise that it does not interfere with the original purpose of the residence status, such as “study” or “staying as a family.”
Examples of those eligible:

International students
Family residents (spouse or children of foreigners, etc.)
People with a specific activity residence status who are job hunting or waiting to start work after receiving a job offer
People with a residence status of “instructor,” “engineer/specialist in humanities/international services,” or “skilled worker (sports instructor, etc.)” who work under contract with local governments, etc.

2. Individual Permission

Purpose: This is a special case that does not fall under the blanket permission, or permission for more than 28 hours per week.
Content: This is permission to do specific activities individually, and the application requires detailed information about the place of employment and the activities. It is used when there is a special reason that goes beyond the scope of the normal “Bulk Permission”.
Examples of those who are eligible:

When an international student works more than 28 hours per week as an intern
When a person working at a university with a “professor” visa works as a language instructor at a private company
When working as a self-employed person, or when it is difficult to clearly manage working hours

Immigration Services Agency “About Permission to Engage in Activities Other Than Those Permitted“

List of documents required for permission to engage in activities other than those permitted by status of residence

The following documents are required to apply for permission to engage in activities other than those permitted by status of residence.

Passport: Required to verify your identity and status of residence.
Residence card: Required to verify your current status of residence.
Application form: Use the one provided at the Immigration Bureau.
Activity certificate: Issued by your employer to certify the content of your activities.

Additional documents may be required, so prepare them according to the instructions of the Immigration Bureau.

Review period and points to note for permission to engage in activities other than those permitted by status of residence

The review period for permission to engage in activities other than those permitted by status of residence is usually about 2 weeks to 2 months. However, if there are any errors in the application content or submitted documents, additional questions may be asked. Check the latest information from the Immigration Bureau to make sure there are no mistakes when applying.

How to renew and reapply for permission

The validity period of permission for non-qualified activities is the expiration date of the current residence status. Even if you renew your residence status, the permission for non-qualified activities will not be automatically renewed, so if you want to continue working part-time, you will need to reapply in advance.

Summary

Permission for non-qualified activities is an effective way for foreigners living in Japan to earn additional income and stabilize their lives. Although there are conditions and restrictions for application, if you follow the correct procedure and use it appropriately, you can live a more fulfilling life.