Changing Jobs in Japan: Immigration Status Checks for Foreign Workers
更新日：2 日前
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Target readers
This guide is for foreign residents changing jobs in Japan and employers hiring foreign workers.
Conclusion
Before changing jobs, confirm that the new duties are permitted under your current status of residence. A change of company does not always require a change of status, but a material change in duties may require immigration procedures before the new work begins. Relevant work-status holders must also check the required affiliation notifications.
1. Check your current status and expiry date
Review your residence card for your status of residence, period of stay and work restrictions. A work status is connected to the activity performed in Japan, not simply the employer's name. Even within the same industry, a new role can require a different assessment.
2. Confirm the actual job duties
Do not rely only on the job title. Confirm the daily duties, workplace, employment type, contract period and compensation. If the description is unclear, ask the employer for a detailed written job description.
3. Review the employment conditions
Check salary, working hours, days off, workplace, contract term, probation and resignation rules. Compensation and working conditions should be consistent across the job advertisement, offer and signed agreement.
4. Check whether notifications are required
For Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services and certain other statuses, leaving and joining a contracting organization must generally be notified within 14 days of each event. A notification reports the changed facts; it does not approve the new duties.
5. Determine whether a change of status is needed
If the main duties fall outside the activities permitted under the current status, apply for a change of status before starting that work. Filing an application does not itself authorize an activity outside the present status.
6. Consider a Certificate of Authorized Employment
This certificate can clarify the permitted paid activities after a job change. It is not mandatory for every transfer and does not guarantee a future extension, but it may be useful where the duties require an individual assessment.
7. Plan for your next extension
Keep the employment agreement, detailed job description, employer materials, payslips, tax records and notification receipts. If the period of stay expires soon, coordinate the job-change schedule and extension documents early.
Quick checklist
Confirm the current status and expiry date, new duties, salary, contract terms, notification deadlines, need for a change of status, and documents for the next extension.
Related recruitment service
Factory Job Folder may include vacancies open to foreign applicants. Eligibility, location, experience and immigration-status conditions vary by vacancy. Recruitment and immigration procedures are separate.
Suitable and unsuitable cases
Recruitment services suit applicants who already understand the occupations permitted under their status. If the relationship between the new duties and the current status is unclear, obtain professional advice before accepting the position.
Consult our office
Contact our office about changes or extensions of status, affiliation notifications and Certificates of Authorized Employment. The contact form is in Japanese. Please include the procedure you need help with and your planned timing.
FAQ
Q. Does changing companies always require a change of status?
A. No. The actual duties and current status determine the procedure.
Q. Does filing a notification approve the new job?
A. No. It only reports the changed facts.
Q. Is the certificate mandatory?
A. Not in every case.
Written and Reviewed by
Mitsunobu Administrative Scrivener Office
Mitsunobu Matsuda, Administrative Scrivener / Licensed Real Estate Transaction Agent
Disclaimer
This article provides general information. It does not guarantee job placement, eligibility for a particular status of residence, or approval of an immigration application. The requirements and outcome depend on the individual circumstances and the relevant authorities.