Foreign residents in Japan holding a "Dependent" (家族滞在) visa will soon have a wider range of part-time job options. The Immigration Services Agency of Japan announced that starting October 1, 2026, regulations will be eased to allow foreign nationals with a Dependent visa to work part-time (activities outside the scope of the visa) at amusement facilities (遊技場) such as pachinko parlors and game centers, provided they obtain individual permission.
This measure is expected to expand opportunities for economic independence and social participation for Dependent visa holders, such as spouses and children of foreign workers in Japan. However, this does not apply to all foreign residents across the board, and specific restrictions and procedures exist, so it is important to check the details carefully in advance.
Only "Dependent" Visa Holders Eligible—Students Excluded
The most important point of this deregulation is that the eligible individuals are strictly limited to "Dependent" visa holders.
- Eligible: Foreign nationals with "Dependent" status of residence
- Excluded: "Student" (留学) visa holders, and "Designated Activities" (特定活動) visa holders whose daily activities are designated as dependents of foreign nationals
International students and Designated Activities visa holders will not benefit from this deregulation and remain completely prohibited from working at amusement facilities, as before. Since eligible industries for part-time work vary depending on the visa type, you must clearly verify your status of residence.
"Individual Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted" Required
For Dependent visa holders to work at pachinko parlors or game centers, they must go through a different procedure than the standard general part-time work permit.
Even if you already hold a comprehensive permission (包括許可) to work up to 28 hours per week, you must apply for and obtain a separate "individual permission" (個別許可) to work at amusement facilities.
Furthermore, the total working hours for all activities outside the scope of the visa (regardless of whether they fall under comprehensive or individual permission), including holding multiple part-time jobs, must be within 28 hours per week. Exceeding this limit is considered a violation of the law and may negatively affect future visa renewals or permanent residency applications, so strict time management is required.
Criteria for Eligible Workplaces
Not all entertainment facilities are eligible. Employment is limited to establishments that have obtained the following business licenses under the Adult Entertainment Business Act (Fueiho), Article 3, Paragraph 1:
- Adult Entertainment Business Act, Article 2, Paragraph 1, Item 4 Business: Pachinko parlors, mahjong parlors, etc.
- Adult Entertainment Business Act, Article 2, Paragraph 1, Item 5 Business: Game centers/arcades, etc.
Therefore, when looking for a job, you must verify with the employer in advance whether the hiring establishment is a legally licensed business under these categories.
Application Procedure and Required Documents
To start working at an amusement facility, you must submit an application to the regional Immigration Services Bureau with jurisdiction and obtain official permission. The following documents are required for the application:
- Employment contract
- Written pledge completed by the workplace/establishment (pledging compliance with reporting foreign employment status, encouraging the acquisition of specific residence cards, and regularly verifying working hours are within 28 hours per week)
- Copy of the establishment's business license
In particular, the written pledge to be completed by the employer must include a promise to regularly monitor the foreign employee's working hours and comply with legal obligations, making the employer's cooperation essential during the job-seeking stage.
The most important point to note is that you must not start working at the establishment before actually receiving the permission to engage in activity other than that permitted. Starting work for reasons such as pre-employment training or trial shifts before permission is granted can be classified as illegal employment. Therefore, you must confirm that the permission stamp or endorsement is on your passport or residence card before starting work.
Since this measure will take effect in October 2026, foreign residents holding the relevant visa who wish to seek employment in Japan are advised to familiarize themselves with the regulations and procedures in advance.
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Source: 出入国在留管理庁