For anyone that wants to have a side job that does not fall under the umbrella of their current work visa, you are going to want to read this! The name is super long, so please bear with me, it is called Application for Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted . Just to keep it short and sweet, I usually just call it a Side Job Visa. However, before you go rushing off to immigration, please be sure to check your current contract to ensure that there is no clause stating that you may not engage in other activites with renumeration.
Who Can Apply[]
One thing to take note of is that not everyone can apply for this! If you hold one of the following work visas, you are all good. However, please keep in mind that your new work activity must be a side job. The permit only allows you to work up to 28 hours a week.
- Instructor
- Engineer
- Specialist in Humanities
- International Services
- Skilled Labor
The following people can not apply for the permit.
- Anyone staying in Japan for 3 months or less
- Anyone with a Temporary Visitor, Diplomat or Official status
- Those with an equivalent position to above 3
- Special Permanent Residents
- Anyone with no resident status
Necessary Documents[]
- Application form (1 copy)
- A document that explains the intended activity. (1 copy)
- Passport and Residence Card (在留カード zairyū kādo)
- If a third party submits the application form, a document that proves that. (1 copy)
Application Forms[]
The links to the application forms on the Immigration site seem to be broken, so here are two links that are working from the Ministry of Justice site.
Taxes[]
Another thing to take note of is your taxes. Should you decide to do additional part-time work through another institution, you would most likely then be responsible for your own tax paperwork. If you are employed at one location, chances are your employer handles your paperwork for taxes. Once you throw another income into the mix, it becomes your obligation to ensure that tax forms are done correctly. However, if you are on good terms with the office staff of your main job, you could ask if they could handle the additional paperwork. They most likely don't want to do it, but that doesn't mean that they can't.
Permission Granted[]
Application for the side job visa is FREE and the processing period can take from 2 weeks to 2 months. If your request is approved, you will receive a seal in your passport and the back of your residence card (在留カード zairyū kādo) will be updated.