In Japan, there is a way of working called “業務委託（subcontracting work）”.
This is not a regular employee job. You accept tasks from a company and work independently under a contract.
It often lets you work at your own pace without strict limits on time or place.
However, depending on your residence status (visa), you may not be allowed to do subcontracting work.
If you apply without understanding the rules, your work may not match your visa conditions.
In this article, we explain what subcontracting work is, key points to watch, and how to avoid problems.
Check what jobs you can do with your visa and work with confidence.
Purpose of This Guide
・Understand how subcontracting work differs from an employment contract
・Know visa “OK / NG” cases to avoid mismatches
・Find suitable opportunities on YOLO JAPAN
Related Columns: Learn the Differences in Work Styles
・ What Is a Temporary Staff (Haken)?
・ Differences Between Regular and Fixed-Term Employees
Table of Contents: What You Will Learn
1. What Is Subcontracting Work?
2. Can Foreign Residents Do Subcontracting Work?
3. Benefits and Risks of Subcontracting
4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
5. How to Find Subcontracting Jobs & Start Working
6. Summary
What Is Subcontracting Work?
In subcontracting work, you are not hired as a company employee. You accept tasks from a company and complete them on your own responsibility.
You sign a work contract (such as a subcontracting or services contract), not an “employment contract.”
For example: a company asks you to “create this design” or “help with this task.”
When you finish the work, you receive a fee (payment) for the result.
It is not “paid by company hours” but “paid for deliverables.”
People doing subcontracting work are not bound by a company’s internal rules (fixed shifts, overtime, etc.).
You choose your time and tasks and work more freely. In return, you handle your own social insurance and taxes.
📘 In simple terms
・“Employee” = work under company rules, receive a fixed monthly salary
・“Subcontracting work” = choose tasks yourself and get paid for completed results
Subcontracting offers more freedom, but you also take full responsibility for the work.
Next, let’s see which residence statuses (visas) allow subcontracting work.
Can Foreign Residents Do Subcontracting Work?
Whether you can do subcontracting work depends on your residence status (visa).
It is important to know exactly what your visa allows and does not allow.
⚠ Important
・If your work does not follow your visa rules, it may be treated as unauthorized employment.
・Even within the same visa, the decision may change depending on the contract and the actual work.
・When in doubt, check with the company, an administrative scrivener, or the Immigration Services Agency.
| Residence Status | Subcontracting OK? | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent Resident / Spouse of Japanese / Long-Term Resident | ◎ Allowed | ・No work restrictions ・You can freely choose employee jobs, part-time, or subcontracting work |
| Designated Activities (Working Holiday only) | ◎ Allowed | ・Work is permitted to support short-term living costs ・Keep activities within the program’s purpose (cultural exchange, experience) |
| Business Manager | ◎ Allowed | ・You can set up your own company and receive work ・You need real business plans, contracts, and sales records |
| Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services | △ Possible with conditions | ・Even without an “employment” contract, it may be allowed if the work is specialized ・Prepare documents showing contract details, continuity, and stable income ・Consult a professional if needed |
| Student (with Permission for “Activities Outside Scope”) | △ Possible with time limits | ・With permission, you can work up to 28 hours/week ・Subcontracting needs careful control of pay/time; be cautious |
| Dependent (with Permission for “Activities Outside Scope”) | △ Possible with time limits | ・With permission, you can work up to 28 hours/week ・Part-time employment is common; subcontracting requires careful management |
| Specified Skilled Worker (Type 1 / 2) | × Not allowed | ・Requires an employment contract with the host organization ・Subcontracting is outside scope |
| Technical Intern Training | × Not allowed | ・The purpose is training; subcontracting for fees is not allowed |
References (Japanese):
・ Immigration Services Agency of Japan – List of Statuses of Residence & Criteria
・ MOJ Public Notice No.131 – Criteria for Engineer/Humanities/International Services
・ Activities Outside Scope (Part-time Permission) – Overview
Benefits and Risks of Subcontracting
Subcontracting offers freedom and chances to grow.
At the same time, you take on risks and responsibilities yourself.
Know both sides so you can work safely.
☆ Benefits of Subcontracting
Key advantages include:
・Flexible time and place
・Choose tasks that match your skills
・Potentially higher pay based on results
・Easy to try short-term or side gigs
・Gain experience with different teams and clients
Ideal for people who want to choose how they work and build skills and careers.
⚠ Risks and What to Watch
Be careful about:
・Income gaps when you have no projects
・No automatic enrollment in company social insurance
・You must file your own taxes
・Contract/payment disputes if terms are unclear
・Visa violations if work does not match your status
💡 Pro tip
・Always confirm in writing
・Check scope, deliverables, fee, and due date
・Ask the company or a professional if unsure
Summary
Subcontracting can be rewarding and flexible, but know your visa rules and contract terms to avoid trouble.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. How is subcontracting different from a part-time job?
・Part-time: you sign an employment contract and follow company shifts
・Subcontracting: you sign a work contract and get paid for results; time/place are more flexible
Q2. Can Specified Skilled Worker or Technical Interns do subcontracting?
・No. Specified Skilled Workers need an employment contract, and Technical Intern Training is for training only.
・See the table above: Visa rules
Q3. How do taxes and insurance work?
・You file an annual tax return yourself
・Join and pay for insurance/pension on your own (e.g., National Health Insurance, National Pension)
Q4. What should I check before signing a contract?
・Read the contract and ask questions
・Confirm scope, deliverables, fee, payment date, term, confidentiality, and dispute rules
・If you are managed like an employee (strict shifts/commands), there is a risk of trouble
Q5. Where can I find subcontracting jobs on YOLO JAPAN?
・Check the “Subcontracting Jobs” page and confirm your visa allows it before applying.
How to Find Subcontracting Jobs & Start Working (YOLO JAPAN Guide)
YOLO JAPAN makes it easy to find subcontracting work.
This section explains the steps to find jobs and what to check before starting.
1. Finding jobs (steps)
1. Open the “Subcontracting Jobs” page
Browse Subcontracting Jobs
2. Choose conditions on the page
・Example keywords: delivery, translation, video editing, design, marketing, customer service
・Also set area and Japanese level
3. Before applying, confirm contract conditions
Check fee, scope, working hours, location
4. Update your profile before applying
Add languages, work history, and a clear self-introduction
2. Common subcontracting roles (examples)
・Delivery / light tasks (short shifts OK)
・Translation / interpretation / multilingual support
・Video editing / design / web production (remote OK)
・Social media, marketing, writing
・Event operations support / research & surveys
3. Checks before you start
・Visa: whether your status allows subcontracting (and time limits)
・Contract: scope / deliverables / payment terms / term / confidentiality / re-subcontracting rules
・Workflow: communication tools, deadlines, acceptance rules
・Invoicing: how to issue invoices, closing date, payment date, any fees
・Troubleshooting: number of revisions, cancellations, delays and contacts
4. From application to getting paid
1. Choose a listing → apply (profile & message)
2. Interview / test (if any)
3. Final check of conditions (scope, due date, fee)
4. Sign the contract and confirm visa compliance
5. Start work → deliver → acceptance → invoice → payment
⚠ Important
・Work that does not match your visa may be treated as unauthorized.
・Save contracts in writing and confirm fees and deadlines.
Summary
・Subcontracting work is a work contract, not employee work
・You enjoy freedom, but manage taxes, insurance, and schedule yourself
・What you can do depends on your visa; always check rules first
・If unsure, ask the company, a professional, or immigration to avoid trouble
Next Steps
1. Confirm what your visa allows
2. Decide your preferred roles, time, and fee range
3. Update your profile with skills and achievements
4. Pick listings and check contract terms before applying
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