Yes, it is generally possible to have multiple jobs in Japan, provided they align with your visa status. However, the practical and legal implications of specifically holding two full-time jobs simultaneously are complex and often challenging due to time commitments and labor regulations.
The Short Answer: Multiple Jobs are Possible
In Japan, the legal framework generally allows individuals to hold more than one job. This flexibility can be beneficial for those looking to supplement their income, gain diverse experience, or explore different career paths. The crucial condition for engaging in multiple employments is that all jobs must align with the type of visa you currently hold.
Key Considerations for Multiple Employment
While the possibility exists, navigating the landscape of multiple jobs, especially two full-time roles, requires careful consideration of several factors.
Visa Type is Paramount
Your visa status in Japan is the most critical determinant. Most work visas are tied to specific categories of work (e.g., Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Skilled Labor). If your second job falls outside the scope of your primary visa, you might need to obtain a "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted" (資格外活動許可, shikaku-gai katsudō kyoka) from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. This permission is typically granted for activities that are supplementary to your main work and do not hinder your primary visa-related activities.
Table: Visa & Multiple Job Scenarios
| Scenario | Description | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Both jobs align with visa | Both employments fit the scope of your existing visa category (e.g., two engineering roles on an Engineer visa). | No additional permit required from immigration, but employer consent and labor laws apply. |
| Second job is outside visa scope | Your second job involves activities not covered by your primary visa (e.g., an Engineer taking a part-time teaching job). | Apply for a Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted (資格外活動許可). |
| Entrepreneur/Business Manager Visa | Generally allows for a broader range of activities related to business management, potentially offering more flexibility for diverse income streams. | Ensure all activities align with the business goals stated in your visa application. |
| Dependent/Student Visa | These visas have strict limitations on working hours (typically 28 hours/week during school terms for students) and require a work permit for any employment. | Strictly adhere to hourly limits and obtain a work permit. |
The Reality of "Two Full-Time Jobs"
While "multiple jobs" are possible, holding two full-time jobs (typically 35-40 hours per week each, totaling 70-80 hours per week) is extraordinarily challenging and often impractical for the following reasons:
- Time Constraints: Physically working 70-80 hours per week, plus commuting, leaves very little time for rest, personal life, or even sleep, making it unsustainable long-term.
- Performance: Maintaining high performance and commitment in two demanding roles simultaneously can be difficult, potentially leading to burnout or underperformance in one or both positions.
It is more common for individuals in Japan to hold one full-time job and one or more part-time jobs, or to engage in freelance/gig work alongside a primary employment.
Employer Policies and Contracts
Many companies in Japan have clauses in their employment contracts that restrict or prohibit employees from holding other jobs (副業禁止, fukugyō kinshi). While recent trends show more companies relaxing these rules, it is imperative to check your primary employment contract and consult with your HR department before taking on a second job. Failure to do so could lead to disciplinary action, including termination. If allowed, your employer might require formal notification or approval.
Labor Laws and Working Hours
Japanese labor laws, primarily the Labor Standards Act (労働基準法), stipulate maximum working hours (generally 40 hours per week) and mandatory rest periods. While these laws typically apply per employer, working excessive hours across multiple jobs could still raise concerns, especially regarding your health and safety. If your combined hours consistently exceed legal limits, it could attract scrutiny from labor authorities, although enforcement for individuals combining two separate full-time jobs is less direct.
Tax and Social Insurance Implications
Holding multiple jobs will have significant implications for your taxes and social insurance contributions:
- Income Tax: All income from all sources must be declared for income tax purposes. If your secondary income exceeds a certain threshold (e.g., ¥200,000 for non-salary income, or if your combined annual income surpasses a certain amount), you will likely need to file a final tax return (確定申告, kakutei shinkoku) yourself, as your primary employer's year-end adjustment (年末調整, nenmatsu chōsei) will only cover the income from that one company.
- Resident Tax: Similar to income tax, your resident tax (住民税, jūminzei) will be calculated based on your total income from all sources.
- Social Insurance (Shakai Hoken): If you are enrolled in shakai hoken (health insurance and employee pension) through your primary full-time employer, and your secondary employer also meets the criteria for shakai hoken enrollment (e.g., working 3/4 or more of the standard working hours of a full-time employee), you might be required to enroll with both employers. This can lead to complex administrative procedures and higher overall contributions. Generally, if one job is significantly smaller, it might fall under national health insurance and national pension schemes. It's crucial to understand how your contributions will be managed across employers.
Steps to Consider Before Taking on a Second Job
- Review Your Visa: Confirm if your current visa allows for multiple employments and if the nature of the second job aligns with your visa category. If not, apply for a "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted."
- Check Your Employment Contract: Carefully read your primary employer's contract for any clauses regarding secondary employment.
- Consult HR (Discreetly if Necessary): Understand your company's stance on fukugyō. If your contract prohibits it, consider the risks or explore options like freelance work that might not fall under the same restrictions.
- Assess Practicality: Honestly evaluate if you can manage the workload of two jobs without compromising your health, performance, or personal life.
- Understand Tax and Social Insurance: Seek advice from a tax professional or a labor and social security attorney (社会保険労務士, shakai hoken rōmushi) to understand the financial and administrative implications.
