Types of Office Jobs Where Foreigners in Japan Can Excel and the Required Residence Statuses

Among the foreigners working in Japan, some may want to use their language skills in office jobs. To work as an office worker in a Japanese company, foreigners need to meet certain conditions, including residence statuses. Additionally, since there are various types of office jobs, it is recommended to know the Japanese job titles and their descriptions.

This article explains the types of office jobs where foreigners can work and the required residence statuses.

Note: Information about residence statuses is as of September 2024.

What is an Office Job?

In Japan, the term "office job" includes the following tasks:

• Creating documents and materials
• Filing
• Data entry
• Answering phone calls
• Customer service

Moreover, office jobs can be specialized with titles like "accounting office work" or "human resources office work." There are also roles like "trade office work" for trade-related tasks and "legal office work" for legal-related tasks. Some job listings use the term "assistant" instead of "office work."
Even within the same job category, the required experience and knowledge can vary. Some jobs involve supporting other tasks, while others require specialized knowledge.

Examples of Office Jobs Where Foreigners Can Excel

Accounting Office Work

Accounting office work involves recording the company's financial transactions in accordance with the country's laws. In today's globalized world, accounting tasks are similar across countries. Therefore, those with accounting experience in other countries may find their skills transferable. However, it involves a lot of specialized Japanese jargons, so you need to learn while working.

Human Resources and Labor Office Work

Human resources and labor office work involves tasks related to recruitment, employment contracts, payroll, and in-house training.

In companies with many foreign employees, you may be responsible for tasks like verifying residence statuses and handling employment contracts. There are also job listings where you can use your native language. Additionally, some companies expect you to support staff mentally, utilizing your native language.

Trade Office Work

Trade office work supports smooth transactions with overseas partners. This includes preparing documents for export and import and arranging transportation by ship or airplane. You often communicate with foreign clients via email or phone, so skills in languages like English or Chinese, in addition to Japanese, are beneficial.

Web Site Operations Assistant

This role involves tasks necessary for running a website, such as updating the site, managing social media, email marketing, and data analysis. If you work for a company operating an e-commerce site, you may utilize your language skills as purchases come from all over the world.

The methods for running websites and digital marketing are universal, so if you have experience in this field from another country, you can apply it. You might also be tasked with creating content for foreigners visiting Japan, leveraging your unique characteristics.

Jobs Not Recognized as Main Tasks

Some job listings focus only on "data entry" or "phone answering." Foreigners holding the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI) residence status cannot work if their main tasks are simple ones like data entry or document management. However, data entry as part of accounting, human resources, or other kind pf office works is acceptable.

If you have any concerns, check before applying.

Qualifications Required for Foreigners to Work in Office Jobs

Those with residence statuses based on status or position, such as Permanent Resident (PR), Spouse or Child of Japanese National (SCJN), Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident (SCPR), and Long-Term Resident (LTR), can work in any job. For office jobs, the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI) residence status is often required.

Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan, "List of Residence Statuses" *Japanese

Residence Status

To obtain the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI) residence status, foreigners need to meet the following conditions besides educational background:

• Have an employment or subcontract agreement with the company they are joining
• The company with which they have the agreement must have stable and continuous management
• Receive the same or higher remuneration as Japanese employees doing the same job
• The foreigner applying for the visa must have no criminal record and must comply with residence status regulations

Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan, "Residence Status 'Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services *Japanese

Therefore, when foreigners seek office jobs, they must formally sign an employment contract with the organization (company or school). A verbal promise of employment is not sufficient.

Additionally, foreigners cannot be paid less than Japanese employees due to their foreign status. If joining a newly established company, submitting the business plan of the employer may be required.

If you already have the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI) residence status, you need to submit a "Notification Concerning the Affiliated (Contracting) Organization" to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

For more details: What foreigners should consider when changing jobs in Japan

Educational Background

To obtain the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI) residence status, you need to have a graduation qualification from a university, graduate school, or junior college in Japan or overseas, or a graduation qualification from a vocational school in Japan.

However, for foreign universities, graduate schools, or junior colleges, a certificate proving equivalence to a Japanese university graduation is required.
Overseas vocational schools are not recognized.
If you do not meet the educational background criteria, 3 to 10 years of work experience is required.

Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan, "Residence Status 'Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services'"　*Japanese

How to Find Office Jobs in Japan

Finally, here are ways to find office jobs in Japan. If you are considering employment or changing jobs in Japan, please refer to this information.

Find Jobs at "Hello Work"

"Hello Work" is an agency where you can consult about jobs and get job introductions. Some locations offer multilingual consultations. Check if the Hello Work in your area provides multilingual support.

Link: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: Prefectural Labour Bureau and Hello Work *Japanese

Consult with the Foreign Employment Service Center

The Foreign Employment Service Center offers consultations and job introductions for highly skilled foreign professionals.

Link: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: List of Foreign Employment Service Centers *Japanese

Register with Staffing Agencies

If you are having trouble finding a job or figuring out what kind of work you can do, registering with a staffing agency is one option. A staffing agency can introduce you to jobs that match your experience and skills.

Search on Job Sites

There are many types of job sites in Japan. You can search and apply for jobs by job category or location at any time, making it convenient.

In Conclusion

Transactions with overseas companies and services for overseas markets are increasing. There are companies looking for personnel who can handle foreign languages, so jobs where you can utilize your Japanese, English, or native language skills and experience are available.

On the other hand, various conditions such as residence statuses are required to work. Those with residence statuses based on status or position have no work restrictions, but those with the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI) residence status may not be able to do certain jobs even if they have the status. When applying for a job, check the job description and required conditions.

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