Can you change jobs in Japan without changing your visa? The answer is both yes and no — here’s why.”

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Changing jobs in Japan isn’t always complicated, but you need to be careful. Whether you can move to a new company without changing your visa depends on how closely the new job matches your current visa type.

A small mistake—like switching to a different kind of work or forgetting to notify Immigration—can cause big problems later, especially when you renew your visa. This post explains when job changes are allowed under the same visa and when you’ll need to apply for a new one.

When You Don’t Need to Change Your Visa

If all the conditions below apply, you can usually change jobs without changing your visa status:

• Your new job involves the same type of work listed under your current visa.

• Your actual job duties are similar — not just the title.

• The new company is properly registered and the work is legal.

Examples:

• Engineer → Engineer (IT Company A → IT Company B)

• Marketing specialist → Marketing specialist (same category)

• Interpreter → Interpreter

Common visa types this applies to include:

• Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (E/H/IS)

• Highly Skilled Professional (i)

• Business Manager (if the responsibilities and control remain similar)

Reporting to Immigration Is Still Mandatory

Even if you don’t change your visa type, you must notify Immigration about your job change:

• Within 14 days of leaving your old job

• Within 14 days of starting your new one

You can do this online or by submitting the “Notification of the Accepting Organization” form on paper.If you skip this step, it may affect future visa renewals and raise compliance issues.

When You Do Need to Change Your Visa

You’ll need to apply for a new visa status — or might not be allowed to switch at all — if your new job falls outside your visa’s permitted activities.

Examples:

• Office work → manual labor

• Engineering → sales or factory work

Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa holders must be especially careful — job changes are heavily restricted. You’ll need prior approval, and your new company must be registered under the same category. The SSW is not a “change jobs freely” visa.

Special Notes for Students and Dependents

If you’re on a Student or Dependent visa, these rules don’t apply in the same way.

• You can only work part-time within your approved limits.

• Taking a full-time job requires a complete change of status first.

Tips Before You Change Jobs

To avoid problems, make sure to:

• Double-check that your new job matches your visa’s work category.

• Keep copies of your job offer, contract, and description.

• If you’re unsure, apply for a Certificate of Authorized Employment from Immigration — it confirms in writing whether your new job is allowed under your visa.

Key Takeaways

• Same job type + same visa scope → No change needed

• Different job type → Must apply for a new visa

• SSW → Very limited job-change freedom

• Immigration notification → Always required

Conclusion

Even when a change of job does not require a change of visa status, notifying Immigration is mandatory. This notification is not a formality—it is a legal obligation under the Immigration Control Act.

Failure to submit the job change notification within the required timeframe can be treated as a compliance violation and may negatively affect:

• Future visa renewals

• Change of status applications

• Permanent Residence (PR) applications, where past compliance is carefully reviewed

In short, changing jobs without notification creates an avoidable immigration risk. Timely and accurate reporting protects your legal status in Japan and your long-term immigration prospects.