Can I work on a 家族滞在 visa? What are the requirements for 資格外活動許可?

This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails. Read the Japanese original（日本語版を読む）

What is this enquiry about?

An enquiry from someone who will start living in Japan next year, asking whether she can work.

What kind of status of residence is 家族滞在?

It is a status of residence for accepting the dependent family members of people who hold certain statuses of residence.

在留資格「家族滞在」 was created to accept the dependent family members of foreign nationals living in Japan who hold certain statuses of residence, such as 「技術・人文知識・国際業務」 (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services) and 「留学」 (Student). While staying in Japan, they are not in principle allowed to work.

How can you work?

With 資格外活動許可, you can work up to 28 hours per week.

By obtaining 資格外活動許可, you can work within a certain range. Once you have the permission, you can take jobs other than those connected with 風俗営業等, as long as you work up to 28 hours per week.

What are the requirements for 資格外活動許可?

To obtain blanket permission, you need to meet the following 6 requirements.

1. That taking part in the activity you are applying for will not hinder the activity of the status of residence you currently hold
2. That you are actually carrying out the activity of the status of residence you currently hold
3. That the activity you are applying for is not an activity found to breach the law, and is not an activity connected with 風俗営業等
4. That no written detention order has been issued against you, and that you have not been served with or given notice of a hearing
5. That your conduct is not poor
6. That, where you are active on a status of residence based on a contract with a public or private organisation in Japan, that organisation consents to your engaging in 資格外活動

What documents are needed for the application?

The application form, your passport, your 在留カード (Residence Card), and material about your workplace. You apply at the 地方出入国在留管理局 (Regional Immigration Services Bureau) that covers where you live.

• 資格外活動許可申請書 (application form)
• Passport
• 在留カード (if you are already living in Japan)
• Material about your workplace (company outline, employment contract, and so on, as needed)

Please note that if you work without obtaining 資格外活動許可, that is 不法就労 and you may be punished.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Articles

• What is the 家族滞在 visa? The requirements and how to apply
• How much part-time work is allowed on a 家族滞在 visa?
• What happens to a 「家族滞在」 visa if the person supporting me changes jobs?
• What tends to lead to denial when renewing a 家族滞在 visa?

This article provides general information. Immigration rules change, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Please check the Immigration Services Agency website or consult a qualified specialist.
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.