Visa & Work Permissions
Your visa type determines what kind of work you can do in Japan. Getting this wrong can lead to deportation.
Work Visas (Full-Time Employment)
- Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services — the most common work visa for foreigners. Covers IT, engineering, translation, marketing, finance, and similar roles
- Intra-Company Transferee — for employees transferred to a Japanese branch of their company
- Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) — points-based visa with perks like a faster path to permanent residence. Requires a high salary, advanced degree, or specific achievements
- Instructor — for teachers at public and private schools (not eikaiwa/conversation schools)
- Specified Skilled Worker — for designated industries like food service, hospitality, and construction. Requires passing a skills test
Other Visa Types That Permit Work
- Working Holiday Visa (WHV) — full-time work allowed for citizens of 36 partner countries, valid 1 year, no extension. Age limit typically 18–30
- Student Visa — part-time work up to 28 hours/week (40 hours during school breaks), requires a “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted” stamp
- Spouse / Dependent Visa — spouse of Japanese national can work unrestricted. Dependent visa holders need permission and are limited to 28 hours/week
- Permanent Resident / Long-Term Resident — no work restrictions whatsoever
- Tourist Visa — absolutely no work permitted. Not even “volunteer” work that resembles employment
Important
Your employer typically sponsors your work visa. You cannot simply arrive in Japan and start looking for work on a tourist visa. The standard process: get a job offer first, then the company applies for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), then you apply for the visa at a Japanese embassy in your home country. Some people convert from a student or WHV to a work visa while in Japan — this is possible but requires a valid job offer and immigration approval. See our Visa Guide for the full process.
Job Platforms & Where to Search
The best job boards depend on your language ability, industry, and whether you want full-time or part-time work.
Full-Time & Professional Roles
| Platform | Language | Best For | Japanese Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GaijinPot Jobs | English | All industries | Varies | Largest foreigner-focused job board in Japan. Teaching, IT, hospitality, and more |
| Daijob | EN / JP | Bilingual professionals | Usually N2+ | Higher-paying roles at international firms. Bilingual ability is a big advantage |
| LinkedIn Japan | EN / JP | Tech, finance, consulting | Varies | Growing in Japan. Best for tech startups and global companies with Tokyo offices |
| Indeed Japan | JP (some EN) | All industries | Usually yes | Massive volume of listings. Search in Japanese for best results |
| Wantedly | Japanese | Startups, tech | N2+ recommended | Popular with Japanese startups. Culture-fit focused. Mostly Japanese-language |
| TokyoDev | English | Software engineering | Often not required | Curated developer jobs at companies that hire English speakers |
Part-Time & Casual Work
| Platform | Language | Best For | Japanese Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Townwork | Japanese | All part-time jobs | Yes | Japan’s largest part-time job site. Convenience stores, restaurants, retail |
| Baitoru | Japanese | All part-time jobs | Yes | Similar to Townwork. Good search filters by area and job type |
| Hello Work | JP (some EN) | Government job center | Helpful | Free public employment service. Some offices have multilingual staff. Also full-time roles |
| GaijinPot (part-time) | English | Foreigner-friendly part-time | Varies | Fewer listings than Japanese sites but all foreigner-friendly |
English Teaching Positions
| Company / Program | Type | Monthly Salary | Visa Sponsorship | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JET Programme | ALT (public schools) | ¥280,000–¥396,000 | Yes | Government-run, competitive. Best pay and benefits. Apply from your home country only |
| Interac | ALT (dispatch) | ¥215,000–¥260,000 | Yes | Largest ALT dispatch company. Positions throughout Japan. Lower pay than JET |
| AEON | Eikaiwa (conversation) | ¥270,000 | Yes | One of the “Big 4” eikaiwa chains. Structured curriculum. Recruits from overseas |
| ECC | Eikaiwa (conversation) | ¥250,000–¥270,000 | Yes | Large chain with schools across Japan. Mix of kids and adult classes |
| Berlitz Japan | Business English | ¥250,000–¥300,000 | Yes | Focuses on business English. Higher standards, slightly better compensation |
Types of Work for Foreigners in Tokyo
What foreigners actually do for work in Japan — and what each path really looks like.
English Teaching (ALT & Eikaiwa)
- The most accessible entry point for foreigners — no Japanese required, bachelor’s degree usually sufficient
- ALT (Assistant Language Teacher): work in public schools alongside Japanese teachers. JET Programme and dispatch companies like Interac
- Eikaiwa (conversation school): private language schools like AEON, ECC, Berlitz. Evening/weekend hours common
- Private lessons: higher pay (¥3,000–¥6,000/hour) but unstable income. Platforms like Preply, italki, or direct clients
- Honest truth: teaching is a fine starting point, but career growth is limited. Most people transition to other fields after 2–3 years
IT & Software Engineering
- Strongest demand for foreigners outside of teaching. Tokyo’s tech scene is growing rapidly
- Many companies hire English-speaking engineers — check TokyoDev, LinkedIn, and Wantedly
- Web development, mobile apps, cloud infrastructure, and data science are in high demand
- Japanese ability opens significantly more doors and better compensation
- Salaries: ¥4M–¥10M+ per year depending on experience, company size, and Japanese ability
Hospitality & Service Industry
- Hotels, restaurants, bars, and tourism-related businesses often hire foreigners, especially bilingual staff
- Part-time work is common at international restaurants, hostels, and tourist areas
- Pay is generally lower (¥1,150–¥1,500/hour part-time) but good for students or WHV holders
- Conversational Japanese is usually required for customer-facing roles
- Full-time hotel management or tourism roles can pay ¥3M–¥5M per year
Dispatch Work (Haken) & Recruitment
- Haken (dispatch) is a huge part of Japan’s job market — temp agencies place you at client companies
- Common for bilingual admin, translation, customer service, and event staffing
- Pay: ¥1,500–¥3,000/hour depending on skills and language ability
- Can be a good stepping stone to permanent employment — some positions convert to direct hire
- Major dispatch agencies: Pasona, Adecco Japan, Randstad Japan, Robert Half
Realistic Salary Expectations
What you can actually expect to earn in Tokyo by job type. All figures are gross monthly salary in yen.
| Job Type | Monthly Salary (Gross) | Annual (Gross) | Japanese Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Teacher (ALT) | ¥215,000–¥300,000 | ¥2.6M–¥3.6M | No | JET pays the highest. Dispatch companies pay less |
| English Teacher (Eikaiwa) | ¥250,000–¥280,000 | ¥3M–¥3.4M | No | Structured schedule. Limited salary growth |
| IT Engineer (Junior) | ¥280,000–¥400,000 | ¥3.5M–¥5M | Helpful | Higher at foreign-capital companies |
| IT Engineer (Senior) | ¥450,000–¥850,000 | ¥6M–¥12M+ | Varies | Big range depending on company type. FAANG/gaishikei pay top |
| Finance / Consulting | ¥400,000–¥1,000,000+ | ¥5M–¥15M+ | Usually N1 | International firms pay significantly more than Japanese firms |
| Translation / Interpretation | ¥300,000–¥500,000 | ¥3.6M–¥6M | N1 required | Freelance interpreters can earn more per day but inconsistent |
| Hospitality (Full-Time) | ¥220,000–¥350,000 | ¥2.6M–¥4.2M | Usually yes | Hotels, restaurants, tourism. Bilingual staff get premium |
| Part-Time Work | ¥1,150–¥1,500/hr | Varies | Usually yes | Tokyo minimum wage is ¥1,163/hr (2025). Convenience stores, cafes, etc. |
The Japanese Language Reality
Let’s be direct: most well-paying jobs in Tokyo require at least JLPT N2 level Japanese. Without it, you are largely limited to English teaching, some IT roles, and positions at international companies with English-speaking teams. Investing in Japanese study is the single best thing you can do for your career prospects in Japan. Even N3 opens doors that are completely closed to English-only speakers.
Freelancing in Japan
Japan has a growing freelance economy, but the bureaucracy requires some setup. Here’s how it works.
Check your visa allows freelancing
Not all work visas permit freelance/self-employed work. The “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa can cover freelancing if the work matches the visa category. Spouse visas and permanent residency have no restrictions. If unsure, consult immigration before starting.
Register as a sole proprietor (Kojin Jigyo Todoke)
Submit the “Notification of Opening of Individual Business” (個人事業の開業届出) at your local tax office within one month of starting. It is a single-page form. Free to file. This registers you as a self-employed individual with the National Tax Agency.
Apply for Blue Filing (Aoiro Shinkoku)
Submit the “Application for Approval of Filing Blue Return” at the same time as your opening notification. Blue filing gives you a ¥650,000 special deduction (with proper double-entry bookkeeping) and lets you carry forward losses for 3 years. This alone can save you ¥100,000+ per year in taxes.
Handle your own insurance, pension, and taxes
As a freelancer, you pay National Health Insurance (国民健康保険) and National Pension (国民年金) yourself. You must file an annual tax return (確定申告) by March 15 each year. Residence tax is billed separately by your ward. Consider using cloud accounting software like freee or MoneyForward (both have English interfaces).
Invoice and get paid
Japan introduced the Invoice System (インボイス制度) in October 2023. If your annual revenue exceeds ¥10M, you must register as a qualified invoice issuer and charge consumption tax (10%). Below ¥10M, you can choose to remain tax-exempt but some corporate clients may prefer invoice-registered freelancers.
Common Freelance Fields for Foreigners
- Translation & interpretation — JP/EN is the most in-demand pair. Rates: ¥8–¥15 per source word
- Web development & design — remote-friendly, can work with international or Japanese clients
- Content writing & copywriting — English content for Japanese companies going global
- Private English tutoring — ¥3,000–¥6,000/hour for private lessons, ¥8,000+ for corporate training
- Video production & photography — growing demand from companies and content creators
Watch Out For
- Visa renewal: immigration may scrutinize freelancers more carefully. Keep contracts and income records organized
- Health insurance costs: NHI premiums are based on your previous year’s income and can be expensive (¥40,000–¥80,000+/month for higher earners)
- No paid leave: no vacation days, no sick leave, no bonuses. Factor this into your rates
- Isolation: consider coworking spaces. Tokyo has many foreigner-friendly options
- Late payment: Japanese companies typically pay 30–60 days after invoice date, not immediately
Tips for Job Hunting in Japan
Japanese job hunting culture is very different from the West. These tips will save you time and embarrassment.
The Japanese Resume (Rirekisho)
- Japanese companies expect a rirekisho (履歴書) — a standardized resume format, not a Western-style CV
- Includes your photo (formal, white background), personal details, education, and work history in chronological order
- Available at convenience stores (Lawson, 7-Eleven) or download the template online
- For international companies, a Western-style resume/CV is usually fine
- Some companies want both — a rirekisho plus a shokumu keirekisho (職務経歴書, a detailed work history document)
Interview Etiquette
- Punctuality: arrive 5–10 minutes early. Being late is a serious offense, even by one minute
- Dress code: dark suit, white shirt, conservative tie for men. Dark suit or business attire for women. No exceptions, even at “casual” companies
- Business cards (meishi): exchange with both hands, read it carefully, never write on it or put it in your back pocket
- Bowing: a slight bow (15 degrees) when greeting and leaving is expected
- Prepare for group interviews: Japanese companies sometimes interview multiple candidates simultaneously
What Japanese Employers Value
- Stability: frequent job-hopping is viewed negatively. Explain any short tenures carefully
- Team fit: “will this person work well with the group?” matters more than individual brilliance
- Commitment to Japan: they want to know you plan to stay, not leave after a year
- Japanese ability: even basic effort is appreciated and sets you apart from other foreign candidates
- Humility: downplay personal achievements slightly. Emphasize team contributions
Practical Job Search Tips
- Apply to many positions — response rates for foreigners are lower than for Japanese applicants
- Use recruiters — Robert Walters, Michael Page, Hays Japan, and en world specialize in placing foreigners
- Network at meetups — Tokyo Meetup groups, tech events, and industry gatherings lead to real opportunities
- Start job hunting 3–6 months before your desired start date. Japanese hiring processes are slow
- If you are already in Japan on a different visa, converting is much easier than applying from abroad
Salary Negotiation in Japan
Unlike many Western countries, aggressive salary negotiation is uncommon in Japan. Many companies have fixed pay scales. At international firms, there is more room to negotiate. If you do negotiate, be respectful and frame it as a discussion, not a demand. Bonus (賞与, shoyo) of 2–4 months’ salary is standard at Japanese companies and is a significant part of total compensation — always ask about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Tourist visas (visa waiver) do not permit any form of paid work in Japan. Working illegally can result in deportation, a ban on re-entry, and criminal charges. You need a valid work visa, working holiday visa, or a residence status that permits employment (such as spouse of Japanese national or permanent resident).
It depends on the job. English teaching, some IT and engineering roles, and international company positions can be done with minimal Japanese. However, most jobs that pay well require at least JLPT N2 level Japanese. The higher your Japanese ability, the more doors open and the better your salary prospects.
Salaries vary widely by industry. English teachers typically earn ¥250,000–¥300,000 per month. IT engineers earn ¥350,000–¥600,000 per month. Finance and consulting professionals at international firms can earn ¥500,000–¥1,000,000+ per month. Part-time work pays roughly ¥1,150–¥1,500 per hour in Tokyo.
Yes, if your visa permits it. You need to register as a sole proprietor (kojin jigyo todoke) at your local tax office. Filing a blue tax return (aoiro shinkoku) gives you a ¥650,000 deduction. You must handle your own health insurance, pension, and residence tax. Some visa types require permission from immigration to freelance.
International students with a “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted” stamp can work up to 28 hours per week during school terms and up to 40 hours per week during official school holidays. Exceeding these limits can result in visa revocation and deportation.
GaijinPot Jobs is the most popular platform specifically for foreigners, with English-language listings across industries. For professional and tech roles, LinkedIn Japan and Daijob are strong. For English teaching, the JET Programme and direct applications to companies like Interac, AEON, and ECC are the main routes. For part-time work, Townwork and Baitoru have the most listings but are mostly in Japanese.