Can You Change Employers Without Changing Your Visa in Japan?

Changing jobs in Japan as a foreigner can feel intimidating. Many people worry that switching employers automatically means applying for a new visa—or worse, risking their legal status.

The good news is: in many cases, you can change employers without changing your visa.
The bad news? Doing it incorrectly can still lead to visa trouble.

This guide explains when you can change jobs freely, when you must notify Immigration, and when a visa change is unavoidable, all in clear, practical terms.

Short Answer: Yes, Sometimes

You can change employers without changing your visa if all of the following are true:

• Your visa category stays the same

• Your new job duties match your current visa

• You notify Immigration correctly and on time

This applies to most common work visas in Japan.

Visa Types That Allow Employer Changes

The following visa categories are job-change friendly, as long as the work itself remains consistent.

Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services

（技術・人文知識・国際業務）

This is the most common work visa for foreigners.

You do NOT need a new visa if:

• You move from one IT company to another

• You change English teaching employers

• You switch companies but keep similar duties (e.g. marketing → marketing)

You DO need a visa change if:

• You move from IT engineer → restaurant staff

• You switch from office work → factory labor

Instructor Visa

（教育）

You can change employers if:

• You remain in the education field

• The employer is a legitimate educational institution

Private school → public school is usually fine.
School → eikaiwa may require review.

Highly Skilled Professional Visa

（高度専門職）

This visa is more flexible, but:

• Major job changes may affect your points

• Immigration notification is still required

What You MUST Do When Changing Employers

Even if your visa stays the same, Immigration must be informed.

Notification of Contracting Organization

• 契約機関に関する届出
  (keiyaku kikan ni kansuru todokede)

You must submit this:

• Within 14 days of leaving your old job

• Within 14 days of starting your new job

You can submit:

• Online

• By mail

• In person at Immigration

Failing to notify is a common reason for future visa renewal problems.

When You MUST Change Your Visa

You cannot keep the same visa if:

• Your new job falls outside your visa’s permitted activities

• Your role changes significantly (e.g. engineer → sales clerk)

• You start manual labor not covered by your status

In these cases, you must apply for:

• Change of Status of Residence
  （在留資格変更許可申請 – zairyū shikaku henkō kyoka shinsei）

What About Salary Changes?

Immigration does not require a minimum salary by law, but:

• A large salary drop may raise concerns

• Income must be enough to support stable living

If your salary decreases:

• Include an explanation letter

• Show career continuity or future growth

Unemployment Between Jobs: Is It Allowed?

Yes—but with limits.

• You are allowed a reasonable job-search period

• Generally up to 3 months is safe

• Longer gaps may trigger Immigration scrutiny

Always keep:

• Proof of job searching

• Emails, applications, interviews

Common Mistakes Foreigners Make

These cause many renewal issues later:

• Not notifying Immigration of job change

• Assuming “same visa forever” regardless of job duties

• Accepting work outside visa scope

• Working freelance without permission

• Long unemployment without explanation

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Immigration approval before starting the new job?

No, as long as the job fits your visa category. Notification comes after.

Can my employer handle everything?

Some companies help, but you are legally responsible.

Can I work part-time while job hunting?

Only if your visa allows it. Many work visas do not.

Final Thoughts

Changing employers in Japan does not automatically require a new visa, but it does require careful compliance.

If your job duties stay within your visa category and you notify Immigration properly, changing jobs is completely legal and common.

When in doubt:

• Confirm your job description matches your visa

• Notify Immigration early

• Keep documents and records

Doing it right once can save you serious trouble at renewal time.