Questions Answered! Can technically qualified nationals work part-time?
More and more Japanese companies are asking for side jobs with conditions. On the other hand, what about foreigners working for companies in Japan? Let us take the example of “Gi-Jin-Koku,” a typical status of residence, and explain.
What is a “Gi-Jin-Koku”?
”Gi-Jin-Koku“ is an abbreviation for ”Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/Int’l Services," one of the statuses of residence. This status of residence applies to approximately 90% of foreign nationals working for companies, etc. in Japan. In other words, it is the most popular visa status among work-related visas.
The “Technical Visa” is a combination of the original two statuses of residence of ‘Engineer’ and “Specialist in Humanities/Int’l Services,”. Previously, science-related work was classified as “technology” and humanities-related work (Specialist in Humanities/Int’l Services,), but as industrial structures and operations have become more complex and mixed, it has become difficult to divide them into two categories: science and humanities.
As a result, the two categories were integrated into the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/Int’l Services” status of residence through a revision of the law.
Can I work part-time?
Can a foreigner with “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/Int’l Services” status of residence and working for a company in Japan have a side job or part-time job in addition to his/her main job?
As a conclusion, they can have a side job or a part-time job. However, if you wish to work outside of your main job, you must apply for and obtain “permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under the status of residence” from the Immigration and Residence Management Bureau.
If you want to do something other than what is permitted under your current status of residence, you will need to obtain permission to engage in an activity other than that permitted under your current status of residence.
For example, if a foreigner with “technical” status of residence works for a company as a mechanical engineer, he/she does not need permission to engage in “activities other than that permitted under the status of residence” even if he/she performs the work of a mechanical engineer outside the company (outside his/her main job).
However, if a foreigner with “technical” status of residence wishes to work in a different field, for example, as an interpreter, he/she needs to obtain a “permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence”. However, if the work as an interpreter is done merely as a volunteer and does not receive remuneration, it is not necessary to obtain a “Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence”.
Note
If you are required to obtain a “Permit to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence” and you perform work other than your primary job for remuneration, even if you “did not know” that you were required to obtain a permit, the result is that you are illegally employed.
If the person is found to be working illegally, there is a possibility that he/she will be deported from Japan. If you are deported, you will literally be forced to leave Japan. Even if this is your first offense, you will not be allowed to re-enter Japan for the next five years.
In addition, many companies in Japan have “work rules” that prohibit side jobs. In particular, most companies specifically prohibit side jobs at the same company where you currently work, as it can lead to the leakage of confidential company information.
Even if a company allows side jobs, there are many companies that require prior notification and permission from the company. Therefore, if you are going to have a side job or a part-time job, you must check the company’s regulations beforehand.
Summary
If a foreigner with “Gi-Jin-Koku” status wishes to engage in a side job or part-time job outside of the permitted business category, he/she must obtain a “Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence”. In addition, some companies have a “side job prohibition” in their rules and regulations, so please check in advance.
