The 28-Hour Work Rule in Japan (2026): Part-Time Work for Student and Dependent Visa Holders

Quick answer (30 seconds): If you're in Japan on a Student (留学) or Dependent / Family Stay (家族滞在) status, you can do part-time work only after you have the right permission — the 資格外活動許可 (permission to engage in activity other than that permitted) — and you're then capped at 28 hours per week. Students get one important bonus: during your school's official long vacations (summer, winter, spring breaks), the limit rises to up to 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week. Dependent (家族滞在) holders do NOT get that vacation bump — it stays 28 hours a week all year. The 28 hours is counted across all your jobs combined, and certain work (the adult-entertainment industry) is prohibited even within your allowed hours. From 2026, enforcement is tighter: schools check your hours quarterly, employers report, and exceeding the cap can block your visa renewal or your future switch to a work visa.

ℹ️ The exact conditions depend on the permission stamped on your residence card and your status. Confirm yours with the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) and your school's international office.

First: the permission itself (資格外活動許可)

Your Student or Dependent status is, on paper, for studying or living with family — not for working. To work part-time legally, you need the permission to engage in activity other than that permitted under your status (資格外活動許可).

• Many students receive this permission automatically at the airport when their residence card is issued (look for the part-time-work permission stamp), or apply for it at a regional Immigration office.
• Dependent (家族滞在) holders generally apply for it at Immigration after arriving.
• Once granted, the permission stays valid even if you change jobs, and it can be renewed together with your status of residence.

Working without this permission is a violation regardless of how many hours you work. So step one is always: