What procedures are needed when you change jobs on a work visa?
Foreigners Employment Support Organization (FESO) ／ Published ／ Last updated
This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.
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Answer
The procedure you need falls into 3 kinds, according to the work at your new employer. ① Where you keep the same status of residence and the contents of the work do not change a great deal, a notification alone is enough. ② Where the contents of the work change a great deal, you apply for a 就労資格証明書 (Certificate of Authorized Employment). ③ Where a different status of residence is needed, you make an 在留資格変更許可申請 (Application for Change of Status of Residence). In every case, a notification within 14 days of the job change is required.
Which procedure do I need?
It is decided by the combination of the status of residence you hold now and the work at your new employer.
Same status of residence, and the contents of the work do not change a great deal As a rule you can start work straight away. You do, however, still need to make the 所属機関等に関する届出 (Notification of the Accepting Organization).
Same status of residence, but the contents of the work change a great deal We recommend applying for a 就労資格証明書 and confirming that the work at your new employer falls within the scope permitted under your current status of residence.
A different status of residence is needed You need an 在留資格変更許可申請 that fits the new contents of your work.
If you do not follow the right procedure, there is a risk that your work will be illegal work. If you are unsure how to judge your case, please talk to us.
What is the process?
It falls into 7 stages, from concluding the employment contract to the notification after the job change.
Deciding on the new employer and concluding the employment contract It is important to check carefully with the company what status of residence is involved and what the contents of the work will be.
(Where it applies) Applying for a 就労資格証明書 You apply to the 地方出入国在留管理局 (Regional Immigration Services Bureau) with jurisdiction. The 就労資格証明書交付申請書 (application form for a Certificate of Authorized Employment), passport, 在留カード (Residence Card), documents about the company you have left and the company you are joining, the employment contract and so on.
(Where it applies) Making an 在留資格変更許可申請 You apply to the 地方出入国在留管理局 with jurisdiction. The application form, passport, 在留カード, documents about the company you have left and the company you are joining, the employment contract, documents proving your education and career history, documents about the contents of the work at the new employer and so on.
Screening You may be asked to submit further documents or to answer questions.
Notice of the result You receive it by post or at the counter.
Receiving your new 在留カード If the change is granted, you go to collect it by the date you are given.
The 所属機関等に関する届出 Within 14 days of the job change, you notify the information about your new accepting organisation (online or by post).
What should I check before changing jobs?
4 things: the expiration date of your period of stay, how well the work fits, your employment conditions, and the stability of the company.
Check the expiration date of your period of stay Looking for a job when the expiration date is close can overlap with the extension and make the procedures complicated
How well the work fits Whether the work at the new employer falls within the scope of activities of your current status of residence, or of the one you are about to apply for. This is the most important point
Employment conditions Depending on the status of residence, you may be required to be paid at least the same as a Japanese national
The stability of the company The new employer's business results and the stability of its business may also affect screening
What should I watch out for after changing jobs?
Make sure you file the notification within 14 days. If you fail to, you may be subject to a penalty.
Do not skip the notification After changing jobs, please be sure to make the 所属機関等に関する届出 within 14 days. If you fail to, you may be subject to a penalty
Keep a good residence record Please take care to keep a good residence record while you are job-hunting too
If you are denied It is important to analyse the reason and to take steps with a view to applying again
This article is based on information as of April 2025. Please check the latest information on the website of the 出入国在留管理庁 (Immigration Services Agency of Japan).
Do I always have to change my status of residence when I change jobs?
Not necessarily. Where you keep the same status of residence and the contents of the work do not change a great deal, a notification alone is enough.
What is a 就労資格証明書?
It is a document you obtain in order to confirm whether the work at your new employer falls within the scope permitted under the status of residence you hold now. It is not compulsory, but having one gives peace of mind.
What happens if I forget the notification?
You may be subject to a penalty. Please be sure to notify within 14 days of the job change.
Is the situation of the new company examined too?
Yes. Its business results and the stability of its business may affect screening.
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.
