How To Side Hustle in Japan As A Foreigner: A Simple Guide

A little extra income doesn't hurt anyone. Plus, having that little extra income from a side hustle in Japan can help you find new hobbies or even start a business passion.

And you're not the only one. Whether you are looking for a weekend side job from home, passive income in Japan, or extra freelance work after your regular job, you've come to the right place.

This guide explains everything you need to know about side hustling in Japan.

Can you have a side hustle in Japan?

Having a side hustle in Japan is a great way to earn money online or in person. Side hustling in Japan is very much possible for most people living there, though there are a few precautions to consider before jumping right in. 

Precaution 1: Checking your visa status

If you have the following visa status, you have no limitations as to the type of side hustle in Japan you can have:

• Dependent

• Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident

• Spouse or Child of Japanese National

• Long Term Resident

• Permanent Resident

If you do not have the following, then there are a couple of options you can consider.

Option 1: Permission to engage in other activities other than that permitted under the status of residence

Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted (資格外活動許可) (PDF )

Since your visa status restricts the type of job you can legally engage with, you will need to apply for "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted" (資格外活動許可). 

This permission allows you to take on side hustles in Japan that fall outside the original range of your primary visa status. However, you should check whether your side hustle could conflict with your working hours.

Bring this permission to your local immigration office. The immigration officer may request additional supporting documents. Afterward, you will receive a stamp residence card, allowing you to have a side hustle in Japan.

Option 2: Engage in a side hustle that is within your visa category

Another approach to consider is to find a side hustle in Japan that aligns with similar activities that are within your visa category.

For example, those with an "Engineer/Humanities" visa can engage with work that falls under translation, business management, or sales—as long as these activities are consistent with the requirements of your visa. So you can take on freelance work, consulting projects, and part-time jobs within your area. 

The key here is to ensure that any side hustle you undertake is closely related to your main job and duties specified in your visa. 

Precaution 2: Declaring your earnings

You will need to complete a final tax return on your own if you:

• Exceeds 200,000 yen per year

• Have more than one employer

If so, you must declare your total earnings from 1 January to 31 December of the previous year and your calculations for the amount of tax payable on the tax form kakutei shinkoku (確定申告).

Of course, if you do not earn over 200,000 yen per year from your side hustle in Japan, you do not need to declare that income. 

However, keeping your HR department informed about any extra income is still wise, especially if your current employer has specific rules about additional employment or income sources. This note is particularly relevant in Japanese companies, where transparency with your main employer can help avoid potential conflicts.

5 best side hustles in Japan to do as a foreigner

As a foreigner, finding a side hustle in Japan can be difficult. So we curated a list of side hustle jobs to consider for that little extra cash separate from your day job.

1. English tutoring

Teaching English is the most common job for a foreigner in Japan.

As such, it's easy to find part-time English tutoring jobs as a side hustle in Japan. Look at your local English class, Eikaiwa cafe, or even online events for opportunities.

Being an ALT or having an English teaching certificate can help you secure an English tutoring job; however, it is not required.

Depending on your students, you could help with their English pronunciation and grammar or help them gain confidence in their English speaking abilities. 

2. Interpreter or translator

If you lived in Japan long enough and picked up the language, consider becoming an interpreter or a translator.

It's best to have a JLPT certificate to demonstrate your Japanese level, but there are plenty of other foreigners who can demonstrate their bilingual skills by doing interpretation or translation tests.

As you continue establishing yourself as an interpreter or translator, you can network and build connections to reach more clients, making it a great part-time job.

3. Online teaching

You can teach anything online, from languages such as English, Spanish, German, and Chinese, to teaching various subjects like math, science, history, and art.

Since you're in charge, you can create a flexible schedule that accommodates both your and your potential students' schedules. 

Additionally, home tutoring should be considered instead of online teaching as online learning, especially for younger students. It may not be easy to keep their attention. Thus, offering home tutoring can also help you stand out amongst other tutors.

4. Babysitter

Getting a babysitter gig is a great side hustle in Japan, especially if you enjoy working with children. 

If you are bilingual, that is a plus, as many expatriate families prefer a sitter who can communicate in both English and Japanese.

Your responsibilities will include looking after the children, helping with homework, preparing simple meals, and engaging the children in educational or fun activities.

5. Freelancer

Being a freelancer as a side hustle in Japan is a great option if you have a specific skill that can be used flexibly and is project-based.

You can take freelance work from writing, graphic design, web development, or consulting. The best part? You can work from anywhere, whether in the comfort of your home or a cozy cafe.

Frequently asked questions

How do you earn money in Japan?

To earn money in Japan as a side hustle, you can explore various options depending on your visa status. Common side hustle jobs include English, hospitality work, or freelance work like translation, graphic design, or consulting.

What jobs can foreigners get in Japan as a side hustle?

Foreigners in Japan can take different types of side hustle jobs, ranging from English tutoring to freelance writing or design, online teaching, translation services, or babysitting. However, the type of side hustle depends on your visa status. 

Do I have to tell my employer if I have a second job in Japan?

If there is a "'non-compete clause" in your work contract, then any work outside the company is not allowed. But, it's not completely enforced as it contradicts Article 22 of the Constitution of Japan , where a person can choose and change their residence and occupation as long as it does not interfere with the public welfare. But it would help if you talked with your human resources department to ensure your interests and the company's business don't conflict.

Do I have to get permission from Immigration to get a side hustle in Japan?

If your current visa status restricts you from working outside a specific job category, you must obtain permission from Immigration to take on additional work by filling out the "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted" form with supporting documents to your local Immigration Services Bureau.

In closing

Having a side hustle in Japan is a viable way to increase your income and new interests and even build a business.

With the right visa status or permission to engage in other activities, you can take advantage of a wide range of opportunities in the side hustle business in Japan.