How to Change Jobs on a Work Visa in Japan

Changing jobs in Japan while holding a work visa is legal and relatively common, but it must be done carefully to comply with immigration rules. Unlike some countries, your visa in Japan is tied to your status of residence (在留資格 – zairyū shikaku) rather than a specific employer. Still, proper notifications and documentation are mandatory.

This guide explains when you can change jobs, the procedures, notifications, required documents, and common mistakes to avoid.

1. Can You Change Jobs on a Work Visa?

Yes. If your new job falls under the same visa category, you can switch employers without applying for a new visa.

Visa categories eligible for simple job changes include:

• Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
  (技術・人文知識・国際業務 – Gijutsusha / Jinbun Chishiki / Kokusai Gyōmu)

• Instructor (教員 – Kyōin)

• Skilled Labor (技能 – Ginō)

• Intra-Company Transferee (企業内転勤 – Kigyōnai Tenkin)

As long as your new role aligns with your visa type, no formal status change is required.

2. When You Must Apply for a Visa Change

A Change of Status of Residence (在留資格変更 – zairyū shikaku henkō) is required if:

• Your job duties change significantly

• You switch industries (e.g., IT → restaurant)

• You transition from employee to business owner

• Your new role doesn’t match your current visa category

Example:

• English teacher → Software engineer ❌ Requires visa change

3. Timing: How to Change Jobs Safely

• You can switch jobs anytime during your visa validity

• Notify immigration within 14 days of leaving or starting a company

• Avoid long unemployment (typically over 3 months), which may trigger extra review

4. Required Notifications

A. Leaving Your Employer

• Submit a Notification of the Contracting Organization (契約機関届出 – keiyaku kikan todokede)

• Deadline: Within 14 days of leaving

B. Joining a New Employer

• Submit the same notification for your new company

• Methods: Online, mail, or in-person at your regional immigration office

Consequences of not notifying:

• Warnings from immigration

• Problems during visa renewal

• Potential status revocation

5. Documents Needed When Changing Jobs

• Passport (パスポート – Pasupōto)

• Residence Card (在留カード – Zairyū Kādo)

• Employment contract (雇用契約書 – Koyō Keiyaku-sho)

• Job description (職務内容 – Shokumu Naiyō)

• Company information

• Notification form (契約機関届出 – Keiyaku Kikan Todokede)

6. Certificate of Authorized Employment (Optional but Recommended)

Certificate of Authorized Employment (就業資格証明書 – Shūgyō Shikaku Shōmeisho) can:

• Confirm your new job complies with your visa

• Reduce risks during renewal

• Help clarify unclear duties, especially for startups or new industries

Not mandatory, but strongly recommended.

7. What Happens to Your Residence Card

• Your Residence Card remains valid

• Employer name is not printed on the card

• Period of stay does not change

• Updated information only appears at renewal

8. Changing Jobs Around Visa Renewal

• You can change jobs before or after renewal

• Immigration may request:

  • Proof of stable employment

  • Updated income information

• Prepare:

  • Tax documents (源泉徴収票 – Gensen Chōshūhyō)

  • Income certificates (所得証明書 – Shotoku Shōmeisho)

9. Risks and Common Mistakes

❌ Common errors to avoid:

• Working before contract start date

• Job duties outside visa scope

• Missing 14-day notification

• Long unemployment without explanation

• Freelancing without permission

Unauthorized work (資格外活動 – Shikaku Gai Katsudō) can result in visa cancellation.

10. What If You Are Unemployed?

• You may stay in Japan legally while searching for a new job within a reasonable period

• Recommended actions:

  • Actively apply for jobs

  • Keep records of applications

  • Notify immigration if required

• Consulting an immigration officer for guidance is advisable

Official References

• Immigration Services Agency of Japan – 出入国在留管理庁

• Notification of Contracting Organization – 契約機関届出

✅ Tip: Always notify immigration promptly and keep complete records. Even small lapses can affect visa renewal or future status changes.