Finding a Job in Japan

When looking for a job in Japan, first check what kind of work you can do under your residence status.

What kind of work and working arrangements you can have differs depending on your residence status.

Ways to look for a job

You can look for a job through methods such as:

• Hello Work (the public employment security office)
• Job listing websites
• Recruitment agencies
• Career support at your school
• Employment Service Centers for Foreigners, and similar

At Hello Work, you can receive career counseling and job referrals for free.

Some Hello Work offices have counselors or interpreters for foreign nationals.

When you go to Hello Work

Bring something that shows your residence status and that you are allowed to work, such as your Residence Card.

Organizing your preferred job, workplace, and working hours in advance also makes it easier to consult.

When looking at job listings

Check the following items:

• Job description
• Workplace
• Salary
• Working hours
• Days off
• Employment period
• Social insurance
• Probationary period
• Commuting allowance, etc.

Check not only the job advertisement, but also the working conditions shown to you when you are hired.

If you're not sure whether a job matches your residence status

Check with the Immigration Services Agency and similar before starting the job.

Depending on your residence status, you may need to file a notification when you change jobs.

If you have trouble while job hunting

If it's difficult to consult in Japanese, check for a Hello Work office with an interpreter, or a consultation counter for foreign residents.

What you can check next

• Basics of residence status and Residence Cards
• Employment contracts and pay slips
• Wages, working hours, holidays, and paid leave
• Leaving a job, changing jobs, or becoming unemployed

Main places to check

• Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
• Hello Work
• Immigration Services Agency

Last checked: August 2026