Freelancing allows you flexibility and freedom, but could also mean a fluctuating income. Having more than one consistent gig can help you stay afloat. In this article, we’re going to look at how to have 2 jobs at once in Japan, and answer questions like:

1. Can you have two jobs at once in Japan?
2. Do I need permission from my company?
3. How does it affect my residency status?
4. How do I apply for permission to engage in other activities?

1. Can You Have Two Jobs at Once in Japan?

In short, yes.

It is possible to have multiple jobs in Japan, as long as they all align with the type of visa you are on. For example, if you are currently on an Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa (arguably the most common and the broadest category), you can work as an interpreter, copywriter, designer, language instructor, or engineer. You cannot, however, work as an accountant or ALT (assistant language teacher in a public school), as these jobs fall under different visa categories. The ministry of foreign affairs has a comprehensive list of which professions fall under which categories.

2. Do I Need Permission From My Company?

No, not according to the Japanese constitution.

Many companies have a non-compete clause in their contracts. They will not contractually allow you to work for other companies, specifically competitors. Doing so may result in termination. However, this contradicts the Japanese constitution, specifically article 22, which states that “Every person shall have the freedom to choose and change his residence and to choose his occupation to the extent that it does not interfere with the public welfare.”

3. How Does It Affect My Residency Status?

As we mentioned earlier, as long as you’re working within the perimeters of your designated visa type, you have no need to worry. If you are, for example, on an entertainer visa working as a musician, you can’t work as a designer or interpreter (Designated under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International visa). However, if you decide that you would like to make this career switch, you can apply for special permission to do work outside your visa category.

4. How Do I Apply for Permission to Engage in Other Activities?

To start with, the application’s full name is permission to engage in an activity other than those permitted by the status of residence previously granted – quite a mouthful. Luckily, the process itself is more straightforward:

1. Download the Application Form

Both the PDF and Microsoft Excel versions of the application form are available for download on the immigration services agency of Japan website.

2. Fill in the Application Form

You can either fill in the form digitally and then print the completed copy, or print off a blank copy and fill it in by hand. You can complete the form in either Japanese or English.

3. Print the Application Form

Make sure you print the application form on A4-size paper only. Other sizes will not be accepted.

4. Gather the Following Documents:

• Completed application form
• Proof of intended activity as written on the application form (for example, an official job offer)
• Your residence card (Zairyū kādo 在留カード)
• Your passport

5. Submit Your Documents at Your Nearest Immigration Services Bureau.

Once submitted, it can take up to two months to receive your results. During this time, you cannot yet start your new job. The result of your application is also, unfortunately, final. That means that if it is rejected, you can’t start a new career in Japan.

Need More Help?

Inbound Technology matches foreign talent with Japanese tech companies. Talk to one of our helpful career advisors here or on LinkedIn.