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

If you're a foreigner living in Japan and want to earn extra income outside your main job, this guide is for you.

It covers everything you need to know to get started legally: which visa types allow side work, when you need immigration permission, how Japan's tax rules apply to side income over ¥200,000 per year, and the five most accessible side hustles for foreigners—with realistic earning ranges for each.

Whether you're looking for flexible freelance work, a way to use your bilingual skills, or a part-time gig that fits around your schedule, the options below are practical starting points based on what's actually available to foreign residents 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).

Note: According to Japan's National Tax Agency (NTA), 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.

Precaution 3: The 28-hour weekly work limit for most visa holders

Most foreign nationals in Japan who hold a work visa (including Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services and Skilled Labor visas) are limited to 28 hours of side work per week under the Permission to Engage in Other Activities. During university holidays, students may work up to 40 hours per week. Exceeding this limit is a violation of your visa status and can affect your residency eligibility. Always confirm your specific cap with the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

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. Private English tutors in Japan typically charge ¥2,500–¥5,000 per hour, with experienced tutors in Tokyo commanding rates at the higher end. 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. Freelance interpreters typically earn ¥3,000–¥8,000 per hour, depending on the language pair, specialization (legal, medical, and technical work pays more), and whether the work is in-person or remote.

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.

On platforms like iTalki, tutors typically earn ¥1,500–¥4,000 per lesson depending on the subject and session length, with community tutors (no formal qualification required) starting at the lower end and professional teachers earning more.

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.

The average babysitting rate in Tokyo runs ¥1,500–¥2,500 per hour for independent arrangements, with agency-placed sitters earning toward the higher end.

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. Rates vary widely by skill and experience, but mid-level freelance web developers typically earn ¥3,000–¥6,000 per hour on Japanese platforms, while copywriters and designers generally start around ¥1,500–¥3,000 per hour and scale with their portfolio.

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.

Can I do freelance work in Japan on a work visa?

Freelance work in Japan is possible on a work visa, but the type of freelance activity must fall within the scope of your current visa category. For example, someone on an Engineer/Specialist in Humanities visa can generally take on freelance work in areas like translation, web development, or consulting, as these align with the permitted activities under that status. If the freelance work falls outside your visa category, you will need to apply for Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted at your local immigration office before you start. Exceeding the permitted working hours or engaging in unauthorized activity can put your visa status at risk.

Can I have a side hustle in Japan on a spouse visa?

Yes, a spouse visa (Spouse or Child of Japanese National, or Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident) is one of the most flexible visa statuses in Japan. Holders of a spouse visa are not restricted to a specific job category, meaning you can take on virtually any type of side job, part-time work, or freelance work without needing special permission from the immigration office. This makes the spouse visa one of the best visa statuses for foreigners who want to pursue side hustles or part-time jobs in Japan alongside their day job or family responsibilities.

How many hours can I work at a side job in Japan?

For most work visa holders who have obtained Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted, the standard limit is 28 hours of side work per week. This cap applies on top of your main job's working hours and covers all additional employment combined—not per employer. Exceeding this limit is a violation of your residence status and can have serious consequences at your next visa renewal. Permanent residents, long-term residents, and spouse visa holders are not subject to this restriction and can work part-time or take on side jobs freely.

Do Japanese people also do side hustles?

Yes, and the number is growing. An increasing number of Japanese employees now take on side jobs or part-time work outside their full-time job, driven by rising living costs and a gradual shift in how Japanese companies approach secondary employment. Historically, many employers in Japan prohibited outside work entirely, but since the Japanese government began encouraging work-style reform (hataraki-kata kaikaku) in 2018, more companies have revised their policies to permit side hustles. Platforms like Coconala and Lancers have seen rapid growth partly because of this cultural shift.

What side hustles in Japan are good for earning extra money on weekends?

Several side hustles in Japan are well-suited to weekends and flexible schedules. English tutoring is a popular choice since many students prefer lessons on Saturdays and Sundays. Babysitting is in consistent demand on weekends, particularly among expatriate families in major cities. Freelance work in areas like graphic design, writing, or web development can be done entirely remotely and on your own schedule. For those who prefer in-person work, part-time hospitality jobs at cafes, restaurants, or hotels are widely available and typically pay an hourly rate of ¥1,000–¥1,500 in most cities.

Can English teachers in Japan take on extra tutoring work?

Yes, and it is one of the most common side hustles among foreigners in Japan. If you are already working as an ALT or at an English conversation school (Eikaiwa), private tutoring outside those hours is a natural extension of your existing skills. However, your visa status and employment contract both matter here. Some full-time English teaching positions include non-compete clauses that restrict private tutoring—check with your HR department before taking on private students. If your visa category permits it and your contract allows it, private English tutoring is one of the most flexible and accessible ways to earn extra cash in Japan.

What skills are most in demand for side jobs in Japan as a foreigner?

The most consistently in-demand skills for foreigners looking for side jobs in Japan include English language instruction, bilingual interpretation and translation, graphic design, web development, and content writing. Foreigners who speak languages other than English, such as Spanish, French, German, Chinese, or Korean, are also increasingly sought after for translation and tutoring work as Japanese businesses expand internationally. Soft skills matter too: foreigners with experience in cross-cultural communication or international business development often find consulting and coaching opportunities through professional networks and platforms like LinkedIn Japan.

Do I need to submit anything to the immigration office to start a side hustle?

It depends on your visa status. If you hold a permanent resident, long-term resident, or spouse visa, you do not need to submit anything to the immigration office—you are already permitted to engage in most types of work. If your current visa restricts your working activities, you must submit the Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted form, along with any supporting documents the immigration officer requests, to your local Immigration Services Bureau before starting your side hustle. Starting work before receiving this permission is a violation of your residence status, so it is important not to engage in any paid activity while your application is being processed.

Is freelance graphic design a viable side hustle in Japan?

Freelance graphic design is a strong option for a side hustle in Japan, particularly for foreigners with an existing portfolio. Japanese businesses — from small e-commerce stores to larger agencies — regularly hire freelance graphic designers for logo work, branding, social media assets, and web design. Domestic platforms like Coconala and Lancers are the most direct way to find Japanese clients, while international platforms like Upwork expand your reach to clients outside Japan. Rates for freelance graphic designers in Japan typically range from ¥2,000–¥6,000 per hour depending on experience and project complexity, making it one of the better-paid creative side hustles available.

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.