A practical guide for foreign residents in Japan on how to change full-time jobs legally, avoid immigration issues, and manage visas, notifications, and employment documents smoothly.

 

How Foreign Residents Can Change Full-Time Jobs in Japan Legally and Safely

Changing jobs in Japan as a foreign resident is not just about finding a new employer. Even if you are hired as a full-time employee, immigration compliance plays a crucial role in whether the transition is smooth or becomes a serious problem.
Many issues arise not from the job change itself, but from misunderstanding visa requirements and administrative obligations. By following the correct steps, foreign residents can change jobs legally and continue building their careers in Japan without risk.

 

Confirm Whether Your Visa Matches the New Job

The most important step is confirming whether your current residence status allows you to perform the duties of your new position.
If the job content remains essentially the same—such as moving from one IT engineering role to another—you can usually continue working under the same visa status, for example, Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services. In these cases, applying for a Certificate of Authorized Employment is not mandatory, but highly recommended. This document officially confirms that your new job is permitted under your current visa and can prevent problems during future visa renewals.
However, if the job content changes significantly—such as switching from language teaching to programming or from restaurant service to an office-based role—you may not be authorized to work under your current status. In such cases, you must apply for Permission to Change Status of Residence before starting the new job. Beginning work without approval may be considered illegal employment and can lead to serious immigration consequences.
For holders of status-based visas such as Permanent Resident, Long-Term Resident, or Spouse of a Japanese National, there are no restrictions on job content, including manual labor. These residents can change jobs freely, just like Japanese nationals.

 

Mandatory Immigration Notifications After Changing Jobs

After resigning from your previous employer or joining a new company, you are legally required to submit a notification to the Immigration Services Agency.
This notification must be filed within 14 days of leaving your previous company and again within 14 days of starting your new job. The procedure can be completed at an immigration office, by mail, or online through the official electronic notification system. Failure to submit these notifications may negatively affect future visa applications.

 

Employment Documents, Taxes, and Social Insurance

When changing jobs, certain documents must be transferred between employers to ensure there are no gaps in tax payments or social insurance coverage.
From your previous employer, you should receive documents such as your withholding tax slip and, if applicable, proof of loss of social insurance qualification. These documents are required by your new employer for payroll, year-end tax adjustment, and pension enrollment.

 

Key Points to Check Before Signing a Full-Time Contract

Before signing your employment contract, always confirm that you receive written employment conditions. For full-time employees, the contract is typically an indefinite-term agreement. It is also critical that the actual job duties match what was declared in your visa application, as discrepancies may be interpreted as false declarations.

 

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Remaining unemployed for more than three months without a valid reason may result in visa cancellation. Additionally, you must ensure your period of stay does not expire during job hunting. If your visa expiration date is approaching, renewal should take priority.
For work visas such as Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services, engaging primarily in simple manual labor is prohibited and may lead to visa violations.

 

Conclusion

A safe and legal job change in Japan generally follows this flow: receiving a job offer, confirming visa compatibility, resigning from your current employer and submitting notifications, joining the new company and filing the required reports, and finally renewing your visa when the time comes.
By following this process, foreign residents can change jobs with confidence and continue developing their careers in Japan without immigration concerns.

 

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