What this document is
If your status does not allow work — for example 家族滞在 (Dependent) or 留学 (Student) — you must get permission from the Immigration Bureau before taking a part-time job. That permission is called 資格外活動許可.
What it must show
- NEEDED: a 家族滞在 (Dependent) holder who wants a part-time job
- NOT needed: a status that already allows work (Engineer, Tokutei Ginou…)
- NOT needed: a residence card marked 就労制限なし (no work restriction)
Where to get it
The Immigration Bureau (入国管理局) for your area — submit it at the same time as your main application, so you only go once.
How to get it
- Tick “I want to apply for permission to work part-time” on this step
- Enter the planned workplace (leave blank if you don't have one yet)
- Download the 資格外活動許可申請書 the app filled in for you
- Submit it TOGETHER with your main application — free of charge
Cost & time
Free. It is reviewed alongside your main application, so the result usually comes at the same time.
Notes
Limits: up to 28 hours a week (students may work up to 8 hours a day during long school holidays). Adult-entertainment work (風俗) is NOT allowed. Working over the limit will hurt your next extension or visa application.