Is Job Hopping Allowed on a Work Visa in Japan?

Job hopping is common in many countries—but Japan has a reputation for lifetime employment. This creates confusion for foreigners working in Japan on a work visa.

So the big question is:

Is job hopping allowed on a work visa in Japan?

The short answer is yes—but with important conditions. Understanding these rules is essential to protect your visa, future renewals, and Permanent Residency (PR) eligibility.

Short Answer: Yes, Job Hopping Is Legal

Japan does not limit how many times you can change jobs.

What Immigration cares about is:

• Your Status of Residence

• Whether your new job matches your visa category

• Whether you remain financially stable

As long as those conditions are met, job hopping is allowed.

What Immigration Actually Checks

1. Visa Category Must Match the Job

Your new role must fall under the same Status of Residence, such as:

• Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services

• Instructor

• Highly Skilled Professional (HSP)

• Research / Professor

Changing from one IT job to another IT job is usually fine.
Switching from IT to restaurant work is not.

2. You Must Notify Immigration

After changing jobs, you must submit a:
Notification of the Contracting Organization

• Deadline: Within 14 days

• Can be submitted online or by mail

• Required even if the visa category stays the same

Failing to notify Immigration can affect future renewals.

3. Avoid Long Unemployment Gaps

Immigration may question your status if you:

• Are unemployed for more than 3 months

• Cannot prove active job searching

• Have no income or savings

Short gaps between jobs are generally acceptable.

How Job Hopping Affects Visa Renewal

One or two job changes are normal. Frequent changes with no clear career progression can raise concerns.

Job Hopping and Permanent Residency (PR)

Does Job Hopping Delay PR?

Not automatically—but it can.

Immigration looks for:

• Stability

• Income growth

• Tax and pension compliance

• Continuous legal residence

Frequent job hopping without salary progression can weaken your PR application.

HSP Visa Holders

HSP holders must be extra careful:

• Job changes may require recalculation of points

• Dropping below required points can risk status

• New employer must meet HSP criteria

Always check points before switching jobs.

When Job Hopping Is Actually Beneficial

Job hopping can help when:

• Increasing salary (important for PR & HSP)

• Moving to a more stable company

• Improving work-life balance

• Transitioning to a visa-friendly employer

Many foreigners increase income faster by switching jobs every 2–3 years.

Common Mistakes Foreigners Make

• Changing to a job outside visa scope

• Forgetting to notify Immigration

• Accepting short-term contracts repeatedly

• Job hopping during PR application period

Best Practices for Safe Job Hopping

• Stay within your visa category

• Secure a new job before quitting

• Notify Immigration on time

• Keep salary progression clear

• Avoid gaps longer than 3 months

Final Answer

Yes, job hopping is allowed on a work visa in Japan—but how you do it matters.

Strategic job changes can improve your career and PR chances. Careless job hopping can put your visa at risk.

Related Posts:

• How to Renew a Work Visa in Japan (2026 Guide)

• What to Do If Your Visa Renewal Is Rejected in Japan (2026 Guide)

• Can Foreigners Work Freelance in Japan?

• How to Change Jobs on a Work Visa in Japan

• Can You Change Employers Without Changing Your Visa in Japan?

Tools you can use for check:

• Do I Risk Visa Rejection?

• Can I Change Jobs on My Visa?

• Am I Close to Permanent Residency?

• Can I Apply for a Japanese Visa?

• Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Points Calculator

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