Most international students on a 留学 visa want a part-time job — to cover living costs, practise Japanese, and get used to Japanese workplace culture. Japan allows this, but with strict limits. Breaking them = your visa gets cancelled. Here's what you need to know.
The basic rule
With "Permission to engage in Activities other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence" (資格外活動許可), students can work up to 28 hours per week. This is total across all jobs, not per employer.
The 40-hour holiday exception
During school long vacations (summer, winter and spring breaks defined by your school's calendar), you can work up to 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. But: the date range must match your school's official vacation, not Japanese national holidays.
What counts as a week
The clock resets on the day your school defines (usually Monday). If you work 7 days × 4 hours = 28 hours, you're fine. If you work 5 days × 6 hours = 30 hours, you've broken the rule even though it's "only 2 hours over".
What jobs are NOT allowed
- Adult entertainment industry (any role — bars/clubs that serve alcohol with hostess service, etc.). Zero tolerance.
- Pachinko parlours.
- Anything not stated on the 資格外活動 permission.
Consequences of breaking the rule
Immigration audits your hours when you renew your visa. They check tax records and pay slips. If you've clearly exceeded 28 hours per week:
- Visa renewal denied — you have to leave Japan.
- If you're halfway through a degree, this means losing 1–2 years of credits and tuition.
- Future visa applications (work visa, SSW) become much harder.
How to stay safe
- Keep a personal log of weekly hours.
- Tell each employer you have a 28-hour total cap.
- Get pay slips and save them for renewal documents.
- Don't let an employer pay you in cash off the books — it'll still show as missing hours later.
BSSAJ tip
If you're struggling to find part-time work that respects the 28-hour limit, BSSAJ-verified agencies often have relationships with Japanese employers who hire international students fairly. Browse approved agencies.