Working in Japan: basics for job seekers
A short guide for people from other countries who want to work in Nagasaki. It is a general summary, not legal advice. Rules change, so please check the official sources at the bottom of this page. Last checked: 2026-09-30.
1. Can I do this job? It depends on your residence status
- Your residence status (visa), shown on your residence card, decides what kind of work you may do.
- Some statuses allow only specific kinds of work, such as jobs that use a specialist skill. Your job has to match your status.
- Permanent residents, spouses of Japanese nationals and long-term residents are generally not limited in the type of work they can do.
- Students need permission for activities outside their status (shikaku-gai katsudou kyoka) before working part-time, and there is a weekly hour limit.
- Temporary visitors (tourists) cannot work.
- If you want to change jobs or the kind of work, ask the Immigration Services Agency whether your status allows it before you start.
On this site, a listing marked "Foreign applicants welcome" means the company is open to hiring people from other countries. It does not guarantee that your residence status fits the job. Always confirm with the company.
2. How to use this site
- Open Foreigner-friendly jobs, or tick "English OK" or "Visa procedure support" on the search page.
- Read the job details. Many listings are in Japanese; use a translation tool if you need one.
- Ask the company about your residence status, the language used at work and the working hours.
- Apply from the job page, or contact the company directly. The application form is in Japanese.
3. Words you will see in job listings
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 正社員 | seishain | Regular full-time employee, usually with no fixed end date |
| 契約社員 | keiyaku shain | Contract employee with a fixed term |
| アルバイト / パート | arubaito / paato | Part-time work, usually paid by the hour |
| 時給 / 月給 | jikyuu / gekkyuu | Hourly wage / monthly salary |
| 交通費支給 | koutsuuhi shikyuu | Commuting cost is paid by the company (sometimes with a limit) |
| 社会保険完備 | shakai hoken kanbi | You can join health insurance, employees' pension and employment insurance |
| 賞与 | shouyo | Bonus |
| 未経験歓迎 | mikeiken kangei | No experience needed |
| 土日祝休み | do-nichi-shuku yasumi | Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays off |
| 履歴書 | rirekisho | Résumé in the Japanese format |
| 面接 | mensetsu | Interview |
| 在留カード | zairyuu kaado | Residence card |
More words are explained (in easy Japanese) in the はたらくことば図鑑.
4. Where to get official help
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan — residence status and permission to work: moj.go.jp/isa
- Hello Work (public employment office) — job consultation, including help for foreign nationals. Ask at the Hello Work office near you, or see: hellowork.mhlw.go.jp
- Your city hall or a local international association can also tell you about consultation services in your language.
Are you a company that welcomes foreign staff? 企業の方へ（日本語）