Activities Beyond Qualification

1) What is Permission for Activities Beyond Qualification?

Permission to Engage in Activities other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence refers to the authorization required when engaging in activities that involve income not permitted by your current residence status in Japan. Activities that exceed the scope of your residence status are generally prohibited, and working without the appropriate employment permission can result in penalties for 'illegal employment.' Therefore, Permission for Activities Beyond Qualification is necessary to engage in income-generating activities.

Certain residence statuses in Japan, such as Permanent Resident, Spouse of a Japanese National, Spouse of a Permanent Resident, and Long-Term Resident, have no expiration date and no activity restrictions. This means that individuals with these statuses can work in Japan without obtaining Permission for Activities Beyond Qualification.

2)  Requirements for Permission to Engage in Activities other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted

To obtain Permission for Activities Beyond Qualification, you generally need to meet the following requirements:

(1) Your current residence status should not be hindered by the activities for which you are seeking permission.

(2) You must currently engage in activities related to your residence status.

(3) The activities you are applying for should align with those listed in the lower section of the tables in Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (excluding 'Specified Skilled Workers' and 'Technical Intern Training Program'). Comprehensive permission does not require these criteria.

(4) Your intended activities should not fall under any of the following categories:

A. Activities that violate laws (criminal or civil).

B. Activities conducted at establishments where adult entertainment businesses or store-based special sex industry businesses operate, or activities in non-store-based special sex industry businesses, video transmission-type special sex industry businesses, store-based telephone dating businesses, or non-store-based telephone dating businesses.

(5) You must not have received a removal order or a notice for an opinion hearing.

(6) You should have good conduct.

(7) If you are engaging in activities based on a residence status resulting from contracts with public or private institutions in Japan, the institution must consent to your Permission for Activities Beyond Qualification.

In summary, these requirements include:

Ensuring that your activities do not conflict with your current residence status.

Example: Full-time work is generally not allowed for students.

Properly carrying out activities related to your current residence status.

Example: Students should attend school regularly and engage in their studies.

Avoiding illegal activities or work related to adult entertainment.

Maintaining good conduct, including a clean criminal record and fulfilling tax obligations.

Permission for Activities Beyond Qualification comes in two main types: 'Comprehensive Permission' and 'Individual Permission.' It is possible to hold both types of permission simultaneously, but permission is granted only when it is determined that the activities do not interfere with your existing residence status.

〈Comprehensive Permission〉

Comprehensive Permission is required when engaging in income-generating activities, such as operating businesses or receiving compensation, within the scope of 28 hours per week (or 8 hours per day during long-term school holidays), as stipulated in the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.

Examples of individuals eligible for Comprehensive Permission include:

• Those with a residence status for 'study.'

• Those with a residence status for 'family stay.'

• Those staying in Japan as spouses or children receiving support from foreigners engaged in day-to-day activities specified by the 'Specific Activities' residence status.

〈Individual Permission〉

Individual Permission is granted for specific cases when the following conditions are met: the name and details of the institution engaged in the activities, and other necessary information are specified individually.

Examples of individuals eligible for Individual Permission include:

• Students engaged in activities exceeding 28 hours per week for internships for work experience.

• University professors with a residence status for 'professor' working as language instructors in private companies (for activities under the residence status for 'Engineer/Specialist in humanities/International services' that apply to specific activities).

• Those engaged in activities that are difficult to confirm objectively, such as working as sole proprietors.

In the case of Individual Permission, specific employment locations and job descriptions are designated. If you want to change your part-time job, be aware that the permission for your previous job will become invalid, and you must reapply for permission for the new part-time job. Additionally, simple labor is not permitted.

To apply for Permission for Activities Beyond Qualification, gather the required documents and submit your application to the local immigration office responsible for your place of residence.

〈For Comprehensive Permission〉

• Application form (PDF or Excel format)

• Residence Card

• Passeport

〈For Individual Permission〉

• Application form (PDF or Excel format)

• Document proving the activities for which permission is sought or a contract with the institution regarding the activities (including details of the activities, duration, location, compensation, working hours, etc.)

• For university students or graduate students, a certificate of enrollment from the university

• For university students, documents confirming the number of credits required for graduation and their status of completion (e.g., academic transcript)

• Passeport

• Residence Card

The validity period of Permission for Activities Beyond Qualification extends until the expiration date of your current residence status.

Check the back of your residence card: Permission for Activities Beyond Qualification is indicated on the back of the residence card, specifying details such as 'Permission: Up to 28 hours per week, except for engaging in adult entertainment, etc.'

Ensure that you do not exceed the permitted working hours: As mentioned earlier, the labor hours are limited to 28 hours per week (8 hours per day during long-term school holidays). If you have multiple part-time jobs, consider the total hours worked, including all jobs. Even if you wish to work more hours, it is crucial to adhere to the restrictions. Exceeding the allowed hours may lead to charges of illegal employment and potential deportation.