A must-read for foreign students! What you can and cannot do with "College Student" status, and barriers to starting a business

To all foreign students studying in Japan, your status of residence as a "College Student" stipulates clear rules regarding the scope of activities you are allowed to engage in. In particular, it is essential to correctly understand and comply with the law when engaging in income-generating activities such as "part-time work" and "company management.

If you unknowingly break the rules, not only your own studies, but also your status of residence in Japan itself may be in jeopardy. Here we will explain some points that you should pay special attention to during your stay in Japan.

1. the original purpose and scope of activities of the "Study Abroad" status

First of all, the basic premise is that the status of residence "College Student" means "to receive education at a Japanese educational institution.Academic ActivitiesThis qualification is recognized for dedication to the "Mere Old Man".

Therefore, as a general rule, foreigners with this status are not allowed to **operate a business that brings in income or engage in activities that receive remuneration (work)**. It is important to understand that study is the main purpose of this status, and activities to earn a living are only permitted "exceptionally".

2. exceptionally permitted "activities other than those permitted under the status of residence (part-time work)" rule

Some students may wish to work part-time to supplement their tuition and living expenses during their study abroad experience. In order to do a part-time job,in advanceThe Immigration Bureau has issued a "Permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the current status of residenceYou need to get a "+".

📌 Restrictions on part-time work (simple labor)

Even with a Permit to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence, the following strict restrictions apply to the nature of the activity.

• Time Limitations: Usually, the "ALess than 28 hours per weekThe number of hours is limited to "1" (up to 8 hours per day during long holidays). (not more than 8 hours per day during long vacations)
• Limitations on activities: Part-time work is only for academic purposes.Unobstructed range(at sentence-end, falling tone) indicates a confident conclusionSimple laborThis is limited to

Working beyond this time limit (overwork) is,illegal work activitiesand are subject to severe penalties.

3.[Most important] "Management of a company" is not covered by the Permit to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence.

Some international students may be interested in starting or establishing a company in Japan. However, a person with a college student visa may establish a company andTo carry out management activities as a representativeis not permitted in principle.

🚫 Reasons why company management is not allowed

1. Nature of Activity: Company management is "aActivities to operate and manage the businessThis is a "work for hire" program. This is unlike simple labor such as part-time work,Not covered by the comprehensive out-of-status activity permit.
2. Interference with schoolwork: Company management is difficult to balance with academics, and "studying abroad"interfere with the performance of their primary activities.It is extremely likely that the decision will be made.

For this reason, the Permit to Engage in Activity outside of the Status of Residence for the Management of a Company isBasically not allowedThe first two are the following.

4. risk of violation of out-of-status activities and illegal work activities

If you run a company without a permit or work beyond the limits of a part-time job (e.g., the 28-hour rule), it is a "illegal work activitiesThe "A" is considered to be a "B".

Type of risk	Contents
criminal penalty	In accordance with the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act,Up to 1 year imprisonment or imprisonment without work or a fine of up to 2 million yenmay be imposed.
Revocation of Status of Residence	If the student is found to be working illegally, or if he/she is judged to be in poor academic standing, his/her status of residence "College Student" will be revoked,Deportation to home countryThis could be the case.

5. steps to legally manage the company [effective October 16, 2025, new standard].

If you wish to legally start a business in Japan and act as the manager of a company, you must change your status of residence from "College Student" to "Business Administration".

However,October 16, 2025The new requirements for obtaining a new "Management/Administration" visa have been greatly tightened and the hurdles have become much higher due to the revision of the law that will come into effect on April 1, 2012.

⚠️ Main Stricter Requirements for New Acquisitions (when changing from Study Abroad)

If you wish to change from "Study Abroad" to "Business and Administration" and obtain a new certificate, you must meet the following requirements, among others

Item	Old requirement (until October 15, 2025)	New requirement (after October 16, 2025)
Business size (capital, etc.)	5 million yen or more, or at least 2 full-time employees	30 million yen or more
employment obligation	No obligation (may be hired in lieu of capital)	Employment of at least one full-time Japanese or other full-time staff member is required.
Management Qualities	none in particular	Any of the followingis required: 1) At least 3 years of management/administrative experience (ii) Master's degree or higher in a related field
Japanese Language Proficiency	none in particular	Either the applicant or a full-time employeeN2 equivalent or higherJapanese language proficiency of
business plan	Self-created is acceptable.	Evaluation by a professional (e.g., accountant)Required to submit a plan that has received

Thus, the application for a change to a "Management/Administration" visa is a change from the previous requirement to aSubstantial funds (30 million yen),Experience and education of management,Japanese Language ProficiencyandEvaluation of business plans by expertsMany aspects of the program will be strictly scrutinized, including

To protect your own future, do not start a business as a "study abroad" easily,alwaysConsult a specialist (e.g., administrative scrivener) and take the appropriate change of status of residence procedures.maximum priorityto do so.

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Please use this column as reference information to help international students lead a life in Japan with peace of mind.