Working
Can I work remotely in Japan on a student visa?
A Student can do limited remote paid work only with outside-activity permission and within the same hour/industry restrictions that apply to other student jobs.
VerifiedPrimary topic verifiedLast checked: 18 Aug 2026
What you need to know
Requirements & exceptions
- Ordinary cap: 28 hours per week during term.
- Official long vacations allow up to 8 hours per day under the standard permission.
- Foreign clients or online payment do not remove the immigration limits.
Documents
- Government-issued ID or provider-required identity documents
Likely cost
No separate government fee merely for having this employment arrangement. If immigration permission/status change is required, the applicable ISA procedure fee applies; tax/social-insurance contributions are separate.
Where to act
Employer/contracting client plus the Regional Immigration Services Bureau if immigration authorization or notification is required.
Official sources
Immigration Services Agency — Permission to Engage in Activity Outside StatusImmigration Services Agency / Ministry of Justice · Official sourceImmigration Services Agency — Student Outside-Activity PermissionImmigration Services Agency / Ministry of Justice · Official sourceImmigration Services Agency — Dependent Outside-Activity PermissionImmigration Services Agency / Ministry of Justice · Official sourceMHLW — For Foreign Workers in Japan / Labour StandardsMinistry of Health, Labour and Welfare · Official source