Employment Types in Japan That Foreigners Should Know

Japan has various types of employment. To avoid confusion after starting a job, it's important to understand the differences between each employment type.

Types of Employment in Japan

In Japan, the following employment types are common:

• Permanent employee
• Contract employee
• Dispatched employee
• Part-time/Arubaito
• Freelance/Contract work

Permanent Employee

Employment Contract: Direct contract with the company
Employment Period: Indefinite
Salary: Usually monthly

Permanent employees benefit from long-term employment at the same workplace and opportunities for promotion. Additionally, being a permanent employee often makes it easier to pass screenings for renting a house or getting a loan in Japan.

Contract Employee

Employment Contract: Direct contract with the company
Employment Period: Fixed term
Salary: Usually monthly

Contract employees have fixed employment periods, often 6 months to 1 year. The maximum period is usually 3 years, so those seeking long-term employment might prefer permanent positions. Sometimes, contract employees may be offered permanent positions based on their performance.

Dispatched Employee

Employment Contract: Contract with a dispatch company
Employment Period: Fixed term
Salary: Often hourly

Dispatched employees work at companies different from their contract company. The dispatch company handles job searching and provides support during employment.

Learn more: About Working as a Dispatched Employee

Part-time/Arubaito

Employment Contract: Direct contract with the company
Employment Period: Fixed term
Salary: Often hourly

Part-time and arubaito positions vary in working hours, from 3-4 hours a day to full-time. While Student residence status generally prohibits working, students can work part-time up to 28 hours a week with permission.

Freelance/Contract Work

Recently, more people are working as freelancers under contract agreements. Freelance work involves contracting with companies to complete specific tasks without an employment contract. This allows for flexible work in areas of expertise but can lead to reduced income if work decreases.

Unique Employment Concepts in Japan

In Japan, it was common for employees to work at a company until retirement (called lifetime employment). This made job changes rare and challenging. While job changes are more common now, new graduate recruitment still exists. This process allows high school and university graduates to be hired as permanent employees even without experience.

Learn more: Job Hunting for International Students: How to Find a Job in Japan

Important Points for Foreigners Working in Japan

Restrictions on Job Types

Foreigners need a valid residence status to work in Japan. Types of work-eligible residence statuses include Highly Skilled Professional (HSP), Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI), Medical, Research, Specified Skilled Worker (SSW), etc.

Each status has specific job restrictions. For example, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI) allows work as an interpreter, translator, engineer, or in clerical jobs, but not other types of work.

Part-time Work for Students

Students generally cannot work but can apply for permission to work part-time up to 28 hours a week. However, there are restrictions on job types, such as not being allowed to work in industries like pachinko parlors or lounges.

Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan "List of Residence Statuses" ,Tokyo Labour Bureau "Q&A on Foreign Employment"

How Foreigners Can Find a Job in Japan

• Use Hello Work
• Use job search websites
• Search on SNS like Facebook and LinkedIn
• Check company websites for recruitment information
• Attend joint information sessions and job fairs
• Use Foreign Employment Service Centers

Hello Work is a public institution providing job consultation, employment support, unemployment insurance consultation, and job introductions. Facilities are available nationwide, with some offering multilingual consultations. Services are also accessible online.
Foreign Employment Service Centers in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka are operated by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. They support foreign employment, including job search support for international students and new graduates, both online and in-person.

Using job search websites is common in Japan. Some sites offer multilingual support for foreigners, allowing job searches by occupation and location. Many job listings are not available on Hello Work.

Conclusion

In Japan, there are various employment types such as permanent employee, contract employee, and dispatched employee. Regardless of the employment type, labor laws protect workers' rights. Sudden termination or significantly lower pay compared to Japanese employees is illegal.
Consider which employment type aligns with your career goals before starting your job search.