Q&A ① (When Hiring)
General Matters on Hiring Foreign Nationals
This page outlines common questions and points for business owners to keep in mind when hiring foreign nationals.
Q1: What should I be aware of when hiring a foreign national living in Japan?
A1:
- First, use their Residence Card or other documents to confirm their status of residence, period of stay, and any work restrictions.
- If the foreign national holds a “Permanent Resident,” “Spouse or Child of Japanese National,” “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident,” or “Long-Term Resident” status of residence, there are no restrictions on their work type under the Immigration Control Act.
- If they hold a work-related status of residence (see below), they can work as long as the job duties match their visa’s permitted activities. (For how to confirm if the job duties are appropriate, please refer to Q3.)
- For a “Designated Activities” visa, the work authorization varies by individual. You must check the “Designation” document attached to the person’s passport, which outlines the specific activities approved by the Minister of Justice.
- Work-related visas include: “Professor,” “Artist,” “Religious Activities,” “Journalist,” “Highly Skilled Professional,” “Business Manager,” “Legal/Accounting Services,” “Medical Services,” “Researcher,” “Instructor,” “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services,” “Intra-Company Transferee,” “Nursing Care,” “Entertainer,” “Skilled Labor,” “Specified Skilled Work1er,” and “Technical Intern Training.”
- If the foreign national holds a “Student” or “Dependent” visa and has obtained “Permission to Engage in Other Activities,” they can work within the scope of that permission. You can check for this permission in the “Permission to Engage in Other Activities” section on the back of their Residence Card.
- Typical Restrictions:
- In principle, they cannot work more than 28 hours per week. This limit applies regardless of which day the week begins. However, “Student” visa holders can work up to 8 hours per day during long school holidays.
- Activities in businesses that operate in the adult entertainment industry are not permitted.
- For “Student” visa holders, work is only allowed while they are enrolled in a school.
- Typical Restrictions:
Q2: I want to hire a new foreign national. What procedures are required with the Immigration Services Agency?
A2:
- At the time of hiring:
- If hiring a foreign national from overseas: You must apply for a Certificate of Eligibility. This application can be made by the foreign national themselves or by a proxy (e.g., an employee of your company). The Certificate of Eligibility simplifies the visa application process at Japanese embassies/consulates abroad and the landing examination upon arrival in Japan.
- If hiring a foreign national already in Japan who does not have a work visa (e.g., a student):You must apply for a Change of Status of Residence.
- If hiring a foreign national who already has a work visa and will continue to engage in activities related to that visa: A “Change of Status of Residence” is not required. However, the foreign national must separately submit a “Notification Concerning a Contract with an Organization” or a “Notification Concerning an Affiliated Organization.” (Which one is needed depends on their visa type.)
- Note: A “Permission for Extension of Period of Stay” is required if their visa is nearing its expiration date.
- When you hire a foreign national (see below):
- As an employer, you should make an effort to submit a “Notification Regarding the Acceptance of a Mid- to Long-Term Resident.”
- This applies to foreign nationals with most work-related visas (excluding “Artist,” “Religious Activities,” “Journalist,” “Technical Intern Training,” and “Specified Skilled Worker”).
Q3: I want to hire a person with a work-related visa (such as ‘Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services’). How can I confirm that the job I want them to do is permitted under their visa?
A3: The foreign national can apply for a Certificate of Authorized Employment at the regional immigration office that has jurisdiction over their residence. This certificate will confirm whether the job duties you want them to perform are suitable for their status of residence.
Q4: When a foreign national’s employment ends, are there any procedures the company must perform with the Immigration Services Agency?
A4: When a foreign national’s employment ends, employers are required to make an effort to submit a “Notification Regarding the Acceptance of a Mid- to Long-Term Resident.“
- This applies to foreign nationals with most work-related visas (excluding “Artist,” “Religious Activities,” “Journalist,” “Technical Intern Training,” and “Specified Skilled Worker“).
(Source: Immigration Services Agency Website, February 2025)
Q&A ② (How to Apply for a Visa) – Yokoyama Daisuke Gyoseishoshi Office (Tokyo/Shinjuku)
Q&A ③ (About Required Documents) – Yokoyama Daisuke Gyoseishoshi Office (Tokyo/Shinjuku)
◆ If your company falls into any of the following categories, please feel free to contact us! (Free consultation) ◆
- You are new to hiring foreign nationals and are worried about successfully handling the visa application.
- You are unable to properly create the “Statement of Reasons for Hiring.”
- You are unsure if you meet the visa requirements (for the individual, your company, and the job duties).
- You want to outsource the visa application process to reduce the risk of denial and improve work efficiency.
160-0023 Annex Kobayashi Bldg. 523, 8-19-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Yokoyama Daisuke Gyoseishoshi Office
Chief Administrative Scrivener Daisuke Yokoyama [Japan Federation of Administrative Scriveners Association Registration No. 23080943]
- A former Tokyo Metropolitan Government employee and current visa-specialist administrative scrivener will provide careful and responsible support.
◎ Visa Certificate of Eligibility/Change of Status Application Package (from ¥118,000)
◎ Visa Renewal Application Package (from ¥49,000)
◎ Creation of “Statement of Reasons for Hiring” only (from ¥28,000)
◎ Consultation on Foreigner Employment (First consultation is free)
Email: info@daisukeoffice.com
Official LINE ID: @615wivml
Phone: 03(6824)5009 / 090(1275)1188 FAX: 03(6824)5012
Free Consultation Application – Yokoyama Daisuke Gyoseishoshi Office (Tokyo/Shinjuku)
Fee Schedule (Foreigner Visas) – Yokoyama Daisuke Gyoseishoshi Office (Tokyo/Shinjuku)