Part-Time Jobs in Japan for Nepali Students
International students need a 資格外活動許可 (permission to engage in activity other than that permitted) before working at all. The limit is 28 hours/week on a rolling 7-day basis, rising to 40 hours/week during officially-designated long vacations like summer break.
Work Hour Rules — 28 Hours, Rolling Weekly
Before working any part-time job (arubaito) in Japan, you need permission — 資格外活動許可 (Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted). This is usually issued automatically at the airport when you enter on a student visa if you request it, or afterward at your local immigration office. It gets stamped on your residence card.
The standard limit is 28 hours per week, checked on a rolling 7-day basis — meaning any consecutive 7-day period, not a fixed Monday-Sunday week, must not exceed 28 hours total across all jobs combined. During officially-designated long vacations on your school's academic calendar (typically summer break), the limit rises to 40 hours per week (8 hours/day). This exception only applies to vacations formally listed in your institution's calendar — an unofficial school closure does not qualify, and the 28-hour limit still applies.
Minimum Wage and Realistic Earnings
Minimum wage in Japan varies significantly by region. Tokyo's rate is ¥1,226/hour (October 2025), and typical part-time jobs at convenience stores, restaurants, or hotels in Tokyo pay ¥1,300-1,600/hour. Regional cities have lower minimums (¥950-1,100/hour), which also means lower typical pay for the same job types.
Working 28 hours/week at ¥1,300/hour earns approximately ¥145,600/month (roughly NPR 137,700 at current rates) — enough to cover most monthly living costs outside Tokyo, and a substantial contribution even in Tokyo. During the 40-hour summer exception at the same rate, monthly earnings can reach ¥208,000 (roughly NPR 196,800).
Realistic Job Types
| Job type | Typical pay (Tokyo) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience store (konbini) staff | ¥1,300-1,500/hr | The classic first job — structured training, common entry point for international students |
| Restaurant/izakaya staff | ¥1,300-1,600/hr | Requires conversational Japanese for most front-of-house roles |
| Hotel housekeeping/front desk | ¥1,300-1,700/hr | Growing demand with tourism recovery, some English-speaking-friendly roles |
| English/foreign language tutoring | ¥2,000-3,500/hr | Highest-paying accessible option, especially for native or near-native English speakers |
| Factory/warehouse work | ¥1,200-1,500/hr | Lower Japanese-language requirement, good for concentrating hours during the summer exception |
Common Mistakes That Risk Your Residence Status
Working before obtaining the 資格外活動許可 permission stamp is a serious mistake — even one shift without it is unauthorized work. Always confirm the stamp is on your residence card before your first shift, not just that you've submitted an application.
A second mistake is exceeding 28 hours by combining multiple part-time jobs without tracking the rolling 7-day total — Japanese immigration checks this via employer reporting, and it's stricter than many students expect. A third is working in jobs from the explicitly prohibited list — adult entertainment and gambling-adjacent businesses (pachinko parlors, for example) are barred for anyone on the 資格外活動許可, regardless of how the job is otherwise legal for Japanese workers.
Popular fields of study in Japan
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need permission before working part-time in Japan?
Yes — 資格外活動許可 (Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted), usually issued automatically at the airport on entry if you request it, or afterward at your local immigration office. It's stamped on your residence card and must be obtained before your first shift, not just applied for.
How many hours can international students work in Japan?
28 hours per week on a rolling 7-day basis (not a fixed Monday-Sunday week) during regular school terms. This rises to 40 hours per week (8 hours/day) during officially-designated long vacations listed in your school's academic calendar, such as summer break.
Why is Tokyo's minimum wage different from other cities?
Japan sets minimum wage regionally, not nationally. Tokyo's rate (¥1,226/hour, October 2025) is among the highest in the country; regional cities can be ¥150-300/hour lower. This also means typical part-time job pay is correspondingly lower outside major cities.
Can I work in a bar or nightlife job as a student in Japan?
No — adult entertainment and certain nightlife/gambling-adjacent businesses (including pachinko parlors) are explicitly prohibited for anyone working under the 資格外活動許可 permission, regardless of the specific role or how legitimate the business otherwise is.
Does the 40-hour summer exception apply automatically?
Only during vacation periods officially listed on your school's academic calendar. If your school closes temporarily for another reason (not a scheduled break), the standard 28-hour weekly limit still applies — check your school's official calendar before assuming the exception applies.
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