JMNETGUIDING YOUR JOURNEY IN JAPAN
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Step 3 of 4

Change jobs

Manage the important immigration, employment, insurance, and administrative procedures that can arise when changing jobs in Japan.

Overview

Changing jobs can affect several systems at the same time. Before and after the change, confirm that the new work is compatible with your status of residence, complete any applicable immigration notification, obtain necessary records from the previous employer, and confirm how health insurance, pension, employment insurance, and tax procedures will continue.

Requirements

  • Confirm that the new work is permittedCheck whether the activities of the new job are compatible with your current status of residence and any restrictions or permissions that apply. A change of employer does not necessarily mean that every new type of work is permitted.
  • Check immigration notification requirementsDepending on your status of residence and circumstances, starting or ending a contractual relationship with an organization may require notification to the Immigration Services Agency. Confirm whether a notification applies and the applicable deadline and procedure.
  • Understand the transition between employersConfirm the final employment date with the previous employer and the starting date, working conditions, and onboarding requirements with the new employer.

Documents and items

  • New employment conditions or contractKeep the written conditions for the new job and review the duties, workplace, wages, working hours, contract period, and other important terms.
  • Documents from the previous employerKeep employment, payroll, tax, employment-insurance, and other separation-related documents issued by the previous employer that may be needed for later procedures.
  • Residence-status informationKeep your current residence card and relevant immigration information available when checking whether the new employment and any notification procedures are compatible with your status.
  • Health-insurance and pension informationKeep records showing your existing coverage and any documents needed to confirm the transition between employer coverage or another applicable insurance arrangement.
  • Tax and payroll recordsKeep wage statements and tax-related employment documents from the previous employer and provide legitimately required information to the new employer when applicable.

Actions

  • Check the new job before accepting or startingReview the duties and employment conditions and confirm that the work is compatible with your residence status before beginning the new employment.
  • Complete applicable immigration notificationsIf your status or circumstances require notification concerning the end of the previous employment relationship or the start of the new one, complete the applicable Immigration Services Agency procedure within the required period.
  • Collect records from the previous employerMake sure you receive or retain the employment, tax, insurance, and separation documents that apply to your circumstances.
  • Confirm health-insurance and pension continuityCheck when previous employer coverage ends and when new employer coverage begins. If there is a period when employer coverage does not apply, confirm promptly whether another health-insurance or pension procedure is required.
  • Confirm employment-insurance proceduresWhere employment insurance applies, keep relevant insured-person information and confirm the procedures handled by the previous and new employers.
  • Complete the new employer's onboardingProvide the legitimately required information and documents for payroll, tax, social insurance, employment insurance, and other applicable procedures.
  • Keep records of the transitionRetain documents showing the end of the previous employment, the terms and start of the new employment, and important administrative procedures completed during the change.

Practical notes

  • Changing employers and changing the type of activity performed are not necessarily the same immigration issue. The compatibility of the actual job activities with the status of residence matters.
  • Certain residence statuses require notifications concerning affiliated or contracting organizations. The applicable procedure depends on the person's status and circumstances.
  • Do not assume health-insurance and pension coverage automatically continues unchanged between employers. Confirm the end and start dates and whether an interim procedure applies.
  • Tax documents from the previous employer may be needed by the new employer or for later tax procedures. Keep them accessible.
  • A gap between jobs can affect multiple administrative systems differently. Check each relevant system rather than treating the employment change as a single procedure.
  • JMNET should not determine whether a new job is legally permitted, whether a residence-status change is required, or whether a specific notification or insurance procedure applies to an individual. Users should confirm uncertain cases with the appropriate authority, employer, or qualified professional.

Official sources