Finding a Part-Time Job (Arubaito) in Japan as an International Student

Arubaito: part-time work as a student

"Arubaito" (from the German Arbeit) is the everyday word for a part-time job. Many international students take one to help cover living costs and practise Japanese. This guide is about how to find and land a job; the separate rules on how many hours you may work are covered in our work-rules guide.

Before you earn any money, a "Student" status holder must obtain official permission to work — you cannot legally start a part-time job on a Student status without it.

This is general information, not immigration advice; always confirm the current procedure on the Immigration Services Agency site before you rely on it.

Step 1 — permission to work

To work part-time, a Student must apply for "Permission to Engage in an Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence" at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau, or at the airport on arrival at major international airports.

Once granted, a weekly hour limit applies during term (commonly cited as 28 hours) with different rules in long university holidays, and certain workplaces are excluded. Confirm the current limit, application form and required documents on the Immigration Services Agency site.

This is a neutral procedural fact only — general information, not immigration advice; verify on the official government source before acting.

Where students find part-time jobs

Roles near campus that fit a student timetable — convenience stores, food service, kitchen help, cleaning, warehouse and event work — are the most common starting jobs. Teaching, office and specialist roles usually want stronger Japanese or specific skills.

Use several channels at once and compare what each pays and expects before applying.

• Your university's career centre / student affairs office and campus job boards
• Part-time-job websites and apps (many have English or "no-Japanese-OK" filters)
• Convenience stores (konbini), restaurants, cafes and supermarkets near campus
• English-conversation teaching, tutoring and hotel/tourism roles
• Hello Work — the government's free public employment service

How much Japanese do you need?

Most everyday arubaito — konbini, restaurants, kitchens — expect conversational Japanese so you can serve customers and follow instructions, and many listings state a required level. Some international-facing roles (English teaching, certain tech or hotel work) accept English-first applicants.

Improving your Japanese widens your choices and your pay options. Your language level, not your nationality, is usually the deciding factor.

Resume (rirekisho) and interview basics

Japanese part-time applications usually use a standard resume format called a rirekisho, often filled into a set template with a photo. Complete it neatly, list your school, and give reliable contact details.

At the interview (mensetsu) be punctual, dress tidily, bring your resume and residence card, and be ready to state your available days and hours and your work-permission status. Politeness and reliability matter a great deal to employers.

• Prepare a rirekisho (standard template)
• Know your available hours and your work-permission status
• Arrive early, dress neatly, be polite

Stay safe — and realistic

No service, agent or website can guarantee you a job. Treat any offer that "guarantees" work for a fee, asks for payment to be hired, or wants your bank or personal details up front as a likely scam.

Keep your studies first: your Student status exists to study, and working beyond the permitted hours can affect your visa. Track your hours, keep your pay slips, and ask your university's student office if anything about a job feels wrong.

Always confirm pay, hours and conditions in writing before you start, and check your rights on official sources.