Japan offers many job opportunities, but its labor laws and visa rules are very strict.
Many problems faced by foreign workers start with the same phrase: “This is not what I was told.”
To avoid trouble and protect your status of residence, there are several points you must carefully check before signing an employment contract.

 

Job Duties and Visa Compatibility

 

This is the most important point of all.
Your actual job duties must match what is allowed under your visa status.
Immigration authorities look not at job titles, but at what you really do every day.
For example, if you hold an Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services visa, your work should mainly involve professional or intellectual tasks.
If most of your work consists of simple labor such as cashier work or cleaning, you may face serious problems at visa renewal.

 

Understanding Your Salary and Deductions

 

In Japan, there is a big difference between gross salary and take-home pay.
Check whether your base salary is reasonable or whether it is artificially lowered and compensated with allowances.
This matters because bonuses and overtime pay are often calculated based on base salary.
If your contract includes fixed overtime pay, confirm how many hours are included and whether extra overtime will be paid separately.
Also remember that taxes and social insurance are deducted.
As a rough guide, take-home pay is often about 75–80% of gross salary.

 

Contract Period and Renewal Rules

 

Confirm whether your position is permanent (open-ended) or fixed-term.
If it is a fixed-term contract, check how long it lasts and whether renewal is automatic or based on performance.
Probation periods are common, but even during probation, enrollment in social insurance is generally required.
Unclear renewal rules can create serious problems at visa renewal time.

 

Working Hours, Holidays, and Leave

 

Work-life balance is not just personal comfort—it affects long-term stability.
Japanese law requires rest breaks depending on daily working hours.
Annual holidays of around 120 days are common; significantly fewer days may indicate a demanding work environment.
Paid leave is legally granted after six months of continuous employment, usually starting with ten days.

 

Resignation and Dismissal Rules

 

You should also understand the rules for leaving a job or being dismissed.
Most companies require notice, often one month, for resignation.
While Japanese law makes dismissal difficult for employers, you should know under what circumstances it might occur and where the company’s rules are written.

 

One More Important Document

 

In Japan, employers are legally required to provide a Written Notice of Working Conditions.
This document explains salary, working hours, holidays, and other key terms.
Even if you also receive an employment contract, keep this notice carefully—it is strong evidence if problems arise.

 

Practical Advice

 

If something feels unclear, you do not need to sign immediately.
Saying “I would like to take time to review this carefully” is not rude in Japan.
In many cases, it shows that you are a serious and responsible professional.

 

 

 

 

 

A job offer is not only about salary or job title.
For foreign residents, it directly affects your legal status and future in Japan.
Taking time to check these points before signing can prevent years of trouble later.

 

If you are thinking about obtaining, changing, or renewing your residence status (VISA), please consult our office.
⇒inquiry

 

 

日本には多くの仕事のチャンスがありますが、労働法と在留資格のルールは非常に厳格です。外国人の労働トラブルの多くは、「聞いていた話と違う」というところから始まります。

 

職務内容と在留資格の一致

 

最も重要なのは、実際の仕事内容が在留資格で認められている内容と一致しているかです。入管は職名ではなく、日々の業務内容の実態を見ています。

 

給与と控除の理解

 

日本では、額面給与と手取り額に大きな差があります。基本給が不自然に低くないか、固定残業代の扱いはどうなっているかを確認しましょう。
手取りは、おおよそ額面の75〜80％と考えると現実的です。

 

契約期間と更新ルール

 

無期雇用か有期雇用か、有期の場合は更新条件が明確かを確認します。試用期間中でも、社会保険への加入は原則必要です。

 

労働時間・休日・休暇

 

休憩時間、年間休日、有給休暇は、法律で守られた基本的な権利です。休日が極端に少ない職場は、慎重に検討したほうがよいでしょう。

 

退職・解雇のルール

 

退職の申し出期限や、解雇の基準は事前に把握しておくべきです。

 

労働条件通知書の重要性

 

会社は、労働条件を書面で明示する義務があります。この書類は、万が一のときに自分を守る重要な証拠になります。

 

実務的なアドバイス

 

少しでも不安があれば、その場でサインせず、持ち帰って確認して問題ありません。
それは失礼ではなく、契約を大切にする姿勢として評価されることもあります。

 

まとめ

 

就職は、在留外国人にとって生活と在留資格の基盤です。事前に確認するかどうかで、将来の安定が大きく変わります。