Japan Full-time Job: Employment Contract & Documents
This guide is for international students living in Japan who want to start a full-time job.
In this page, we will explain what an employment contract is, the documents required for full-time work, and key preparation tips.
We will also share how to choose jobs with the tags “International Student Welcome” and “Visa Support Available”.
First, let’s understand the process of getting a full-time job in Japan before checking the details.
>> Required Documents for Part-Time Jobs
■Steps to Get a Full-Time Job (3 Steps)
There are three main steps to start a full-time job in Japan.
Knowing the whole process first will help you prepare with confidence.
① Apply for jobs
Look for listings with the tags “International Student Welcome” or “Visa Support Available”.
Jobs for International Student
② Attend interviews and get an offer
Highlight your part-time experience in Japan and your motivation.
③ Sign the employment contract and submit documents
Carefully check the contract. If something is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask.
If you currently have a Student Visa and need to change it to work as a full-time employee, please also check this article:
From Student Visa to Work in Japan: Your SSW Visa Application Guide
■What is an Employment Contract?
An employment contract is an important document that outlines how you will work for a company.
The company will provide a written document (such as a Notification of Employment Conditions) that describes your working terms.
It might look difficult, but if you review the key points here, you will be fine.
【Main items written in an employment contract】
● Salary
Monthly or hourly wage, payment date, transportation expenses, allowances
● Working hours
Start and finish times, breaks, shift system (if any)
● Overtime work
Whether overtime is required, calculation method for overtime pay, any fixed overtime
● Holidays / Leave
Weekly days off, paid leave
● Job description / Workplace
Department, possibility of transfer
● Contract period / Probation period
Length, extension, conditions for permanent employment
● Social insurance / Benefits
Health insurance, pension, employment insurance
● Resignation / Contract termination
Procedures, notice period
① Salary amount and payment date (including details of fixed overtime or allowances)
② Daily working hours, breaks, overtime rules
③ How to take holidays and paid leave
④ Job description and work location — Is there a possibility of transfer?
⑤ Length of probation period and conditions (including salary) during that time
If you have any questions, ask before signing. It’s also fine to take the contract home and review it before you sign.
Whether you can get an English version of the contract depends on the company.
If you are not confident in Japanese, ask for an English version or have your teacher review it.
Next, let’s look at the required documents for full-time work in checklist form.
■Required Documents for Full-Time Work
When starting a full-time job, you must submit several documents to your company.
Here we list both documents you must always prepare and documents required depending on the company.
Use this page as a checklist while you prepare.
【Always Required】
● Residence Card / Passport
● My Number
Notification Card or My Number Card
>> Read more about “My Number” here
● Bank account for salary transfer
Copy of the page showing the account holder’s name
>> Read more about “Bank Accounts” here
● Japanese phone number
Overseas numbers cannot be used
>> YOLO MOBILE SIM Card for Foreigners
● Emergency contact
Name and phone number of a family member or friend
【Required Depending on the Company】
● Withholding tax slip
Given by your previous employer. Shows your salary and taxes.
● Employment insurance number
Found on the Employment Insurance Certificate or separation notice.
● Pension book
If you do not have one, check with your city office.
● Health check certificate
Get a medical check at a hospital and submit the certificate.
● Certificate of residence
Can be issued at the city office or convenience stores.
>> Read more about “Certificate of Residence” here
■Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can I get my employment contract in English?
→ It depends on the company.
If you are not confident in Japanese, ask for an English version or have your teacher check the contract for you.
Q2. What should I do if I cannot prepare all the documents?
→ First, contact the company and explain your situation.
You can also ask your city office or other related organizations about how to get the documents or possible alternatives.
If you have other concerns about visas or job rules in Japan, check YOLO JAPAN’s columns and job listings for more information.
Find Your Full-Time Job with YOLO JAPAN!
If you are looking for a full-time job in Japan, you can find listings on YOLO JAPAN.
We support multiple languages so you can apply with confidence.
✓Supports English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Portuguese
✓No resume needed when applying
✓Scout function helps you find jobs efficiently
✓Search jobs by your Japanese language level
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