Japan offers one of the most generous part-time work allowances for international students: 28 hours per week during academic sessions and 40 hours per week during school vacations. At Japanese minimum wage rates, this means you can earn ¥80,000-120,000 per month (NPR 75,000-1,12,000) — enough to cover most of your living expenses.
After graduation, Japan provides clear pathways to stay and work through the Designated Activities visa and Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa. This guide covers everything you need to know about working in Japan as a Nepali student.
Part-Time Work Rules During Studies
Student visa holders can work part-time in Japan, but you must follow specific rules to maintain your visa status.
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| During term | Maximum 28 hours per week |
| During vacations | Maximum 40 hours per week (summer/winter breaks) |
| Permission required | Resource Activity Permission — apply at airport upon arrival or at immigration office |
| Attendance requirement | Must maintain 80%+ attendance at school |
| Prohibited jobs | Entertainment/nightlife industry (bars, nightclubs, pachinko parlors) |
Important: The 28-hour limit is strictly enforced. Immigration authorities can check your work records during visa renewal. Working more than 28 hours during the academic term can result in visa cancellation and deportation. This is one of the most common ways Nepali students lose their visa status in Japan.
How to Get Work Permission
You cannot work on a student visa without the Resource Activity Permission (shikakugai katsudo kyoka). Here is how to get it:
- At the airport: When you arrive in Japan, you can apply for this permission at the immigration counter. Bring your passport and student visa. This is the easiest option.
- After arrival: Visit your local Immigration Bureau office with your passport, residence card, and a simple application form.
The permission is usually granted within 1-2 weeks if you apply after arrival, or immediately if you apply at the airport. It is free of charge.
Earnings Potential
Japan's minimum wage varies by prefecture but is approximately ¥1,000-1,100 per hour in most areas. Tokyo has the highest minimum wage at over ¥1,100/hour.
| Scenario | Hours/Week | Monthly Earnings (JPY) | Monthly (NPR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| During term (minimum wage) | 28 | ~¥112,000-123,200 | ~NPR 1,05,000-1,16,000 |
| During vacation | 40 | ~¥160,000-176,000 | ~NPR 1,50,000-1,65,000 |
| Night shift (25% premium) | 28 | ~¥140,000-154,000 | ~NPR 1,32,000-1,45,000 |
Night shifts (after 10 PM) pay a 25% premium over the regular wage. Many Nepali students work late-night convenience store shifts for this reason.
Common Part-Time Jobs for Nepali Students
- Convenience stores (konbini): 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson — the most common job for international students. Night shifts pay more.
- Restaurants and food service: Kitchen work, serving, dishwashing. Japanese restaurants, curry shops, and fast food chains.
- Factory and warehouse work: Packing, sorting, assembly line. Often pays slightly above minimum wage.
- Delivery services: Newspaper delivery, food delivery (Uber Eats, Wolt).
- Cleaning services: Hotel cleaning, office cleaning — often early morning shifts.
- Supermarket work: Stocking shelves, cashier — especially in areas with less Japanese required.
Your Japanese language ability directly affects your job options. With N3 or higher, you can access customer-facing jobs that typically pay better and provide more valuable experience. With only N5-N4, you are limited to jobs requiring minimal Japanese communication.
Post-Study Work Options
Japan provides clear pathways for international students to remain and work after graduation.
1. Designated Activities Visa (Job Hunting)
After graduating from a Japanese institution, you can apply for the Designated Activities visa to search for employment.
- Duration: 6 months, renewable once for a total of 12 months
- Requires a recommendation letter from your graduating school
- You can work part-time (28 hours/week) during the job search period to support yourself
- Must actively seek employment related to your field of study
2. Work Visa (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services)
Once you secure a job offer from a Japanese company, you convert your student visa to a work visa. The most common category is the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa.
- Requires a job offer from a Japanese employer
- Your job must be related to your field of study — immigration assesses this connection
- Valid for 1, 3, or 5 years depending on the company and position
- Full-time employment with no hour restrictions
3. Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa
The SSW visa is designed for workers in industries facing labor shortages. It is particularly relevant for vocational school graduates.
- SSW Type 1: Up to 5 years, covers 14 sectors including food service, manufacturing, agriculture, and nursing care
- SSW Type 2: Renewable indefinitely, allows family reunion, covers construction and shipbuilding (expanding to other sectors)
- Requires passing a skills test and Japanese language test (JLPT N4 or equivalent)
4. Highly Skilled Professional Visa
For graduates who score 70+ points in Japan's point-based system (education, work experience, salary, age, Japanese language ability). This visa offers fast-track permanent residency — possible within 1-3 years.
Tips for Nepali Students Working in Japan
- Never exceed 28 hours during the term. Immigration checks are real and consequences are severe — visa cancellation and potential ban from re-entry.
- Keep your attendance above 80%. Schools report attendance to immigration. Below 80% puts your visa renewal at risk.
- Improve your Japanese. Better Japanese means better jobs, higher pay, and more career options after graduation.
- Track your hours carefully. If you work multiple jobs, the 28-hour limit applies to the total across all jobs combined.
- File your taxes. You are required to file Japanese income tax returns. Students earning below certain thresholds may be eligible for tax benefits.
- Start job hunting early. Begin looking for full-time employment 6-12 months before graduation. Japanese companies recruit on a specific cycle.
Japanese Recruitment Cycle
Japanese companies follow a unique recruitment cycle that is very different from other countries:
- Job hunting starts: March of your penultimate year (about 12-15 months before graduation)
- Company information sessions: March-May
- Applications and interviews: June-October
- Job offers (naitei): October onwards
- Start work: April after graduation
If you miss this cycle, you can still find jobs through mid-career hiring, but the traditional cycle offers the most opportunities for new graduates.
How Study Abroad from Nepal Helps
We provide pre-departure orientation covering work rules, rights, and expectations in Japan. We also help you choose schools and programs that offer strong job placement support after graduation. Book Your Free Guidance Session to discuss your study and career goals in Japan.