Among the residency statuses, there are six types of statuses known as “non-employment statuses” which do not permit employment in Japan. They include “Cultural Activities,” “Short-term Stay,” “Student,” “Trainee,” “Dependent,” and “Designated Activity.”

However, it should be noted that within the “Designated Activities” category, there are cases where employment is permitted. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully examine the specifics of each activity.
Residency statuses listed as “Non-Employment Eligibility” in the list of residency statuses indicate that the individual is not allowed to work. However, even in the status of residence where employment is not permitted, individuals can work up to 28 hours per week if they obtain “permission to engage in activity other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted”. Typical examples include part-time jobs for international students and family members residing in Japan under family stay visas.
Among the residency statuses that do not permit employment, the most typical one is “Short-Term Stay.” This refers to the visa commonly known as a “tourist visa” until the current law is revised.
As the name suggests, the majority of these visas were originally granted to foreign individuals visiting Japan for tourism. Nowadays, this residency status is used for various purposes beyond tourism. For example. invite family members, relatives, friends, or fiancés, as well as employees of overseas trading companies visit Japan for negotiations, contracts, and other business matters. Also, it can be used for short-term visits to advanced medical institutions in Japan for medical examinations and diagnoses.