Is it possible to do a freelance work while staying in Japan on student visa?
According to the Immigration Services Agency “If a foreign national (i.e. oversea students) intends to engage in an activity to operate profit-making businesses or an activity for receiving consideration other than the activity permitted under his/her status of residence, he/she must obtain permission to engage in an activity other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted, in advance.”
“To engage in an activity to operate profit-making business” includes “freelancing” according to the officer in charge of student visa at the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau.
But, still need to seek a permission from a regional immigration bureau…
They also advised that it is necessary to consult with a regional immigration bureau on a permission of doing freelance work in advance.
They will determine whether they grant a permission or not based on a detail of freelance work provided by applicant (oversea student).
It is essential to meet basic criteria such as engaging in the activity for not more than 28 hours a week and no amusement and entertainment business.
Hence it is necessary to prepare written documents explaining a detail of freelance work and not to violate basic requirements above-mentioned.
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