How to Transfer or Change Jobs on a Japan Work Visa in 2025 – Complete Specialist Guide

Changing jobs in Japan while on a valid work visa is possible, but it is far from a casual administrative task. In 2025, Japan continues to maintain a strict immigration framework to ensure that foreign workers remain within the permitted scope of their visa status. If you are considering switching employers, understanding the legal requirements, documentation process, and potential risks is critical to ensuring you do not jeopardize your right to stay and work in the country.

Check your “Status of Residence”
Every foreign worker in Japan is issued a “Status of Residence” (在留資格) that specifies the category of work they are legally allowed to perform. For example:

• Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
• Skilled Labor
• Instructor
• Business Manager

This is not just a label—it determines the industries and roles you can legally work in. When you change jobs, your new position must fall within the scope of your current status unless you apply for a “Change of Status” at Immigration.

Job content vs. visa category
If your new job is in the same category as your current visa (for example, moving from one software engineering role to another), you may not need a full status change. However, you must still notify Immigration of the job change. If the new job is in a different category (for example, moving from engineering to teaching), a formal change of visa status is mandatory.

Mandatory notification to Immigration
Japan’s Immigration Services Agency requires foreign residents to notify them within 14 days after changing employers. Failure to do so can lead to penalties, future visa renewal complications, or in severe cases, revocation of your status.

Employer reporting
Your previous and new employers may also have obligations to report changes in your employment to relevant government offices, such as the Labor Bureau and municipal offices.

Visa renewal impact
When you renew your visa, Immigration will review your employment history. Gaps in employment or failure to report changes can raise red flags, potentially affecting approval.

1. Review your current visa conditions
Read the details on your Residence Card and your visa grant notice to confirm:

• Current visa category
• Expiry date
• Scope of permitted activities

2. Check if the new role matches your visa category
Compare your job description with the official definition of your visa status from Immigration. If there is any doubt, consult a certified immigration lawyer or Gyōsei-shoshi (行政書士).

3. Gather documents for Immigration
Typical documents for reporting or applying for a change include:

• Notification of the organization form (Immigration standard form)
• Employment contract with the new employer
• Company registration documents of the new employer
• A letter explaining your role and duties
• Resume/CV to show work experience relevant to the visa category

4. Notify Immigration within 14 days
If your job duties remain within your visa’s permitted scope, submit a “Notification of the Contracting Organization” to your local Immigration Bureau. This can be done in person, by mail, or through an authorized representative.

5. Apply for a “Change of Status” if needed
If your new job does not match your current visa category, you must apply for a Change of Status of Residence before starting work. This process requires:

• Application form for Change of Status
• All standard job and company documents
• Reason for changing status

Processing can take from 2 to 8 weeks depending on complexity.

6. Update your municipal office and tax records
After your new employment begins, report the change to your city or ward office. This ensures accurate resident tax calculations and social insurance registration.

Digitalized procedures
In 2025, some Immigration notifications and applications can be submitted online via the Immigration Services Agency’s e-application system. However, physical document submission is still required in many cases, especially for first-time Change of Status applications.

Tighter scrutiny for frequent job changes
Immigration now pays closer attention to applicants who change jobs multiple times within a short period. They may request additional justification and proof of stability in your new role.

Impact on permanent residency applications
If you plan to apply for Permanent Residency, Immigration will review your employment stability over the years. Frequent job changes or long unemployment periods may negatively impact your eligibility.

• Visa cancellation: If Immigration determines your new job does not match your visa status and you failed to apply for a status change, your visa could be revoked.
• Difficulty in renewal: Missing notifications or incomplete documentation can lead to renewal rejections.
• Work restrictions: You may be prohibited from working until your new visa status is approved, causing income loss.
• Employer penalties: Your employer could face fines for hiring someone without the correct visa status.

Notification of change (same visa category)

• Processing: Immediate confirmation or within 1–2 weeks
• Work start: You can start immediately as long as your job matches your visa scope

Change of Status (different category)

• Processing: 4–8 weeks on average
• Work start: You must wait until the new visa status is approved before starting the new role

Switching from one IT company to another (same category)

• Submit Notification of the Contracting Organization within 14 days
• Keep all employment contracts for renewal purposes

Moving from English teaching to marketing

• Requires Change of Status from Instructor to Specialist in Humanities/International Services
• Prepare job description showing marketing duties align with the new visa category

Changing to self-employment

• May require Change of Status to Business Manager
• Need proof of office space, investment amount, and business plan

• Confirm eligibility before resigning: Check your visa conditions with Immigration or a professional before giving notice to your current employer.
• Avoid employment gaps: Immigration views stable employment favorably; prolonged gaps may cause problems during renewal.
• Keep duplicate documents: Always store copies of contracts, pay slips, and tax statements for future visa applications.
• Coordinate with your new employer: Ensure they understand their role in providing documents and supporting your application.
• Track your deadlines: Set reminders for the 14-day notification rule and your visa renewal date.

Final Thoughts

Changing jobs in Japan on a work visa in 2025 is a manageable process if approached with careful planning, strict compliance, and timely communication with Immigration. The key is to verify whether your new role aligns with your current visa category or requires a Change of Status, and to complete all notifications within the legal timeframes. By preparing documents in advance, working closely with your employer, and understanding how the process impacts your long-term residency goals, you can ensure a seamless career transition without risking your legal status in Japan.