Permitted Activities by Status of Residence in Japan

If you plan to stay in Japan long-term, you must hold a valid Status of Residence (在留資格). Many people loosely call it a “visa,” but strictly speaking, your Status of Residence is what determines what you are permitted to do while living in Japan.

There is an important point to keep in mind: the activities you are allowed to engage in differ depending on your Status of Residence. Even if you are legally residing in Japan, doing something outside the scope of your status can lead to serious problems.

This article summarizes the permitted activities for each major Status of Residence in Japan.

What Is a Status of Residence?

A Status of Residence is a system that defines what purpose a foreign national may stay in Japan for.

Common purposes include:

Staying to work
Staying to study
Staying to live with family
Staying to run a business

In other words, Japan grants residency based on “why you are staying in Japan.”

Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (技術・人文知識・国際業務)

This is the most common work-related Status of Residence in Japan. Permitted activities include:

IT engineering
Systems development
Planning and strategy
Marketing
Accounting
Human resources
Trade operations
Interpreting and translation
International sales

This status generally covers work that is directly related to your university major or specialist knowledge.

Things to Watch Out For

Performing only unskilled labor can be a problem. For example, simple factory work or basic food serving are generally not covered under this status.

Highly Skilled Professional (高度専門職)

This status is designed for highly skilled foreign professionals. It applies to fields such as:

Researchers
Advanced engineers
Specialist professionals

It comes with more benefits than a standard work visa, including:

Priority pathway to Permanent Residence
Expanded work rights for spouses
Partial allowance for inviting parents to Japan

Business Manager (経営・管理)

This status is for people who operate or manage a company in Japan. Permitted activities include:

Establishing a company
Running a corporation
Managing a business
Overseeing business operations

This is different from working as a regular employee.

Skilled Labor (技能)

This status is for people with specific technical skills or craftsmanship. Common occupations include:

Chefs (especially those specializing in foreign cuisine)
Sports instructors
Aircraft maintenance technicians
Precious metal workers

Proven professional experience in the relevant skill is an important requirement.

Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能)

This status was introduced to allow foreign workers into industries facing labor shortages. Target industries include:

Food service
Accommodation / hospitality
Nursing care
Construction
Agriculture
Food manufacturing

Most roles are hands-on, practical positions.

Technical Intern Training (技能実習)

This status is for foreign nationals learning technical skills in Japan.

Its original purpose is technology transfer, but in practice it is widely used in manufacturing, agriculture, and similar industries. There has been ongoing discussion in recent years about reforming the program.

Student (留学)

This status is for foreign nationals enrolled in a school in Japan. It applies to:

Japanese language schools
Vocational schools
Universities
Graduate schools

Can Students Work Part-Time?

The primary purpose of this status is studying. However, students can work part-time within permitted limits if they obtain an Activity Outside the Scope of Status of Residence permit (資格外活動許可).

Dependent (家族滞在)

This status allows family members of work visa holders to reside in Japan. It typically covers spouses and children.

Can Dependents Work?

Unrestricted employment is not permitted. However, dependents can work part-time within limits if they obtain an Activity Outside the Scope permit.

Spouse or Child of Japanese National (日本人の配偶者等)

This is the typical status granted to those who are married to a Japanese national.

Key Features

There are relatively few activity restrictions. Employment is permitted. For example, the following activities are allowed:

Company employment
Self-employment
Freelance work

Permanent Resident (永住者)

This is one of the most unrestricted statuses available in Japan.

Permitted Activities

There are virtually no occupation restrictions. Permitted activities include:

Company employment
Self-employment
Freelance work
Part-time work

Renewal requirements are also much less burdensome. The specific benefits gained when obtaining permanent residence are summarized in Benefits of Obtaining Permanent Residence from a Work Visa in Japan.

Long-Term Resident (定住者)

This status is granted to people who are permitted to reside in Japan for specific reasons, such as:

Japanese descendants (Nikkei)
Special family circumstances

Similar to Permanent Resident, the range of permitted activities is broad.

Cultural Activities (文化活動)

This status is for people engaged in cultural or academic activities in Japan. Common examples include:

Research into traditional Japanese arts
Artistic activities
Academic research

Employment for income is generally not permitted under this status.

Temporary Visitor (短期滞在)

This status covers short-term stays for tourism or business trips. Common purposes include:

Sightseeing
Visiting family or friends
Business trips

Can Temporary Visitors Work?

No. Working on a tourist visa constitutes illegal employment and can result in serious consequences.

Activities Outside Your Status of Residence Can Be Dangerous

Engaging in activities beyond the scope of your Status of Residence in Japan can lead to serious problems. Examples include:

Unauthorized employment while on a Student visa
Working while on a Temporary Visitor (tourist) visa
Performing work that is not permitted under your work visa

In serious cases, this can result in visa cancellation or deportation. What violations actually lead to deportation is summarized in Japan Deportation Cases: What Leads to Forced Removal?.

What Is an Activity Outside the Scope of Status of Residence Permit?

This is a system that allows you to partially engage in activities beyond your original Status of Residence. Common examples include:

Part-time work for international students
Part-time work for Dependents

Working without obtaining this permit can cause significant legal problems.

Which Statuses Permit Employment?

Employment Permitted

Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (技術・人文知識・国際業務)
Highly Skilled Professional (高度専門職)
Business Manager (経営・管理)
Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能)
Permanent Resident (永住者)
Spouse or Child of Japanese National (日本人の配偶者等)
Long-Term Resident (定住者)

Restricted or Generally Not Permitted

Student (留学)
Dependent (家族滞在)
Cultural Activities (文化活動)
Temporary Visitor (短期滞在)

Note: some of these statuses allow limited part-time work with an Activity Outside the Scope permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Japanese visa the same as a Status of Residence?

They are often used interchangeably, but they are technically different. While you are in Japan, your actual permitted activities are governed by your Status of Residence, not the entry visa.

Can international students work part-time?

Yes, if they obtain an Activity Outside the Scope of Status of Residence permit.

Are there work restrictions for a spouse visa?

In general, employment restrictions are relatively few.

Can I work on a tourist visa?

No. Doing so constitutes illegal employment and can lead to serious consequences.

Conclusion

Your Status of Residence in Japan is not simply permission to stay in the country — it is the framework that determines what activities you are legally allowed to carry out.

Even among foreign nationals, the permitted activities vary greatly depending on whether you hold a work visa, student visa, spouse visa, or Permanent Residence.

In particular, engaging in activities outside the scope of your Status of Residence can lead to immigration violations, so it is essential to clearly understand what your current status permits.

For a stable life in Japan, managing not just your period of stay but also staying within the permitted scope of your Status of Residence is a critically important point.