Many foreign residents in Japan consider taking a side job to increase income or gain new experience.
However, in Japan, whether you can legally have a side job depends strictly on your visa type and the content of the work.
A misunderstanding in this area can easily lead to unauthorized work and serious immigration consequences.

 

Cases Where Side Jobs Are Freely Allowed

 

Foreign residents holding status-based visas, such as Permanent Resident, Spouse of a Japanese National, Spouse of a Permanent Resident, or Long-Term Resident, face no employment restrictions under immigration law.
These residents may engage in side jobs or even run businesses, as long as the activity itself does not violate other laws or public order.

 

Cases Where Side Jobs May Be Allowed Depending on the Content

 

For holders of professional work visas, such as Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services, side jobs are not automatically prohibited.
The key question is whether the side job falls within the scope of the current visa.
For example, an IT engineer taking freelance system development work, or a translator accepting additional translation projects, is usually considered acceptable without additional permission.
If the side job involves a different professional field, immigration may require individual permission to engage in activities outside the visa status. Approval is not guaranteed and is reviewed case by case.

 

Side Jobs for Students and Dependents

 

Students and dependents are not allowed to work by default.
However, with blanket permission for activities outside the visa status, part-time work is allowed within strict limits.
The most important rule is the 28-hour-per-week limit, and employment in adult entertainment-related businesses is strictly prohibited, regardless of job duties.

 

Cases Where Side Jobs Are Not Allowed

 

Some side jobs are clearly problematic and often result in immigration violations.
For professional work visa holders, engaging in simple labor such as food delivery, convenience store work, or manual labor is almost always rejected in practice, even if permission is requested.
Exceeding the 28-hour limit or working in adult entertainment-related businesses can lead to visa renewal refusal or deportation.

 

Practical Advice for 2026 and Beyond

 

From an immigration perspective, the biggest risk is not the side job itself, but how it looks at renewal or permanent residence review.
Even legal side jobs can raise questions if income appears excessive or job duties are unclear.
In my view, if there is any doubt about whether a side job is allowed, not doing it is often the safest decision.
Foreign residents should also remember that tax filing obligations apply to side income, and failure to file can seriously affect future immigration applications.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Side jobs in Japan are not simply a matter of personal choice.
They are closely tied to your visa purpose and long-term stay.
Understanding the rules—and acting conservatively—will help protect your future in Japan.

 

If you are thinking about obtaining, changing, or renewing your residence status (VISA), please consult our office.
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日本で暮らす外国人の中には、収入を増やしたり経験を積むために副業を考える方も多いでしょう。
しかし日本では、副業ができるかどうかは在留資格の種類と副業の内容によって厳格に判断されます。

 

自由に副業ができるケース

 

永住者、日本人の配偶者等、永住者の配偶者等、定住者といった身分に基づく在留資格を持つ方には、就労制限がありません。
これらの方は、副業や事業活動を行うことができます（ただし他の法律や公序良俗を守る必要はあります）。

 

内容次第で可能なケース（就労ビザ）

 

技術・人文知識・国際業務などの就労ビザでは、副業が現在の在留資格の範囲内かどうかが判断基準になります。
同じ専門分野でのフリーランス業務などは、追加の許可なく認められるケースが多いです。
一方、異なる分野の場合は、資格外活動許可（個別）を求められることがあります。

 

留学生・家族滞在の副業

 

留学生や家族滞在の方は、包括的な資格外活動許可を得ることでアルバイトが可能です。
ただし、週28時間以内という制限と、風俗営業関連業務の全面禁止は絶対条件です。

 

副業ができないケース

 

就労ビザの方が、Uber Eats 配達やコンビニ勤務などの単純労働を副業とすることは、実務上ほぼ認められていません。
また、28時間超過や風俗関連業務は、更新不許可や退去強制につながる重大な違反です。

 

実務家としてのアドバイス（私見）

 

入管の審査では、「副業でいくら稼いだか」より「在留資格と矛盾していないか」が重視されます。合法でも説明が難しい副業は、将来の更新や永住申請でリスクになります。
迷う場合は「やらない」という判断が、最も安全な選択になることも少なくありません。

 

まとめ

 

副業は、日本での生活を豊かにする一方、在留資格リスクと常に隣り合わせです。
ルールを正しく理解し、長期的な在留を第一に考えること