Guide to "Individual Permission to Engage in Activities Other Than That Permitted by the Status of Residence" to Expand Possibilities for International Students: From Internships to Personal Businesses

March 10, 2026

For international students, part-time work is a familiar part of life in Japan. The rule of "up to 28 hours per week" (blanket permission) is well known, but did you know that there is actually a system called "Individual Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence" that allows you to work beyond that limit?

The structure and specific preparations for individual permits will be explained for those who wish to try an internship for their future career or a private business utilizing their own skills.

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1. know the difference between a "blanket permit" and an "individual permit

There are two main types of permits for international students to work.

classification	Contents	Main target
blanket permission	General part-time work. Limit of 28 hours per week (8 hours per day during long vacations).	Convenience stores, restaurants, office work, etc.
individual permission	Permits received on an individual basis, specifying "where," "what," and "for how long."	Interns over 28 hours per week(e.g., freelance), sole proprietorships, etc.

2. main cases where individual permits are required

Individual permission is required in the following situations when activities go beyond the normal scope of a part-time job.

(i) Long-term internships (more than 28 hours per week)

If you are deeply involved in the business of a company as part of your job search, your activity hours may exceed 28 hours per week. In this case, the applicant must obtain certification from the university or other institution that the activity is "part of the educational program" or "contributes to job hunting activities" before applying.

(ii) Private business and freelance activities

This is the case where an individual performs contract work such as translation, design, programming, and SNS operation on behalf of a company. Since there is no employment relationship, obtaining an individual permit is strongly recommended to clarify the actual status of the activity.

3. list of specific application documents

Application for an individual permit requires more documentation preparation than a regular permit.

Common required documents

Application for permission to engage in an activity other than that permitted under the status of residence
Passport, resident card, student ID(Presentation)
Certificate of enrollment and transcript(Attendance and grades are important.)

[For internship (employment)

Documentation of activities:. A copy of the employment contract or letter of offer (specifying the nature of work, duration, compensation, and hours).
Host Company Overview:. Print out company brochures and official websites.
Opinion letter or statement of reasons by school, etc.:. Documentation that the activity does not interfere with academic work and recognizes the need for the activity.

For sole proprietorships (freelance)

Business Plan:. Project description, income and expenditure plan, and weekly activity timetable (proof of compatibility with schoolwork).
Business contract, etc.: (1) Documents showing the details of the contract with the client.
Proof of Business Status: (1) Web site, portfolio (collection of works), and a copy of the opening certificate.

4. points to be noted in the application

Allow plenty of time for review:.Individual permits require a close examination of the contents, so until the permit is grantedAbout 2 weeks to 2 monthsIt may take time to complete the application. Please apply as early as possible, working backwards from the date of commencement of the activity.
Balancing schoolwork is an absolute must:.The main purpose of the "College Student" visa is to study. If your grades are extremely poor or your attendance rate is low, your activities will be judged to be interfering with your studies and you will be at risk of being denied permission.
Compliance with prohibited operations:.Even if it is an individual permit,Any activities in places related to the adult entertainment business (snack bars, pachinko parlors, game arcades, etc.) are not permitted.

summary

The "Individual Permit" is an important system for foreign students to gain more practical social experience and secure their career steps in Japan. It is especially important for those who are considering activities that make use of their expertise to properly understand the rules and follow the appropriate procedures.

If you have any concerns about your application or if you are unsure about your business plan, we recommend that you consult with an administrative scrivener who is familiar with international affairs.

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