Internships 

1) Foreign Students

First, we will introduce the residence status required as a foreign student from overseas

〈In the case of "Designated Activities (No. 9)〉

When a university student from a foreign country engages in an educational program as part of an agreement between their university and a Japanese public or private organization, and receives compensation from the organization, they are categorized as a "Designated Activities (No. 9)" student. Junior colleges and graduate schools are also acceptable, as long as they offer degree-granting educational programs. However, students enrolled in correspondence courses are not eligible. The study duration should not exceed one year, and the total study period should not exceed half the duration required for a university degree. Moreover, you must adhere to Japanese laws and regulations, such as the Labor Standards Law and regional minimum wage standards, as you are considered a worker, even though you are a student.

For comprehensive information on the application of labor-related laws and regulations, please refer to "4."

Please review the guidelines for Specified Activities No. 9 provided by the Immigration and Immigration Agency.

➡Guidelines on Internships Conducted by Students from Foreign Universities

〈Designated Activities (No. 12)〉

Designated Activities No. 12, also known as "summer jobs," are permitted not only during summer breaks but also during extended breaks when classes are not in session. It differs from the previously mentioned Activity No. 9 in that students do not earn academic credits for this activity, and the maximum stay period is three months.

〈In the case of cultural activities〉

If you are enrolled in an overseas university and intend to pursue an internship at a Japanese company for 90 days or more without receiving compensation, you must acquire the "Cultural Activities" residence status.

The Japanese company where the internship takes place must apply for a certificate of eligibility. The prerequisites are akin to those for specified technical skill (No. 9), with the exception that interns will not receive compensation.

〈In the case of short-term stays〉

If you are enrolled in an overseas university and will be participating in an internship lasting 90 days or less without compensation, you must obtain a "Temporary Visitor" residence status. Unlike the three statuses mentioned earlier, there is no need to apply for a certificate of eligibility in advance to obtain a "Temporary Visitor" visa. Nevertheless, if you come from a country or region not covered by visa waivers, you will need to apply for a visa before arriving in Japan. For comprehensive details on visa applications, please contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the diplomatic mission where you plan to submit your visa application.

2 ) Opportunities for Individuals Residing in Japan

〈When engaging in a compensated internship〉

If you are residing in Japan under the "Study Abroad" "Designated Activities (Continuous Employment Activities)," or "Designated Activities (Job Offer)" residence status and wish to participate in a compensated internship, you must obtain permission for activities beyond those allowed under your current residence status from a regional immigration office beforehand. The procedure varies depending on the internship's duration.

（1）If the internship is for less than 28 hours per week (as stipulated by the school regulations of your educational institution, eight hours per day during long vacations, and less than 28 hours per week during other times)

In this scenario, you must secure comprehensive permission for activities beyond those permitted under your residence status at the nearest regional immigration office beforehand. If you have already obtained comprehensive permission for activities beyond your residence status at the time of the internship, you do not need to obtain new permission.

（2）If the internship exceeds 28 hours per week outside of long vacations

（1）(In addition to the permission for activities beyond those permitted under (1) above), you must obtain a separate "permission for activities beyond those permitted under the residence status exceeding 28 hours per week."

In principle, individuals residing in Japan under the "Study Abroad" residence status are required to obtain additional permission for activities related to internships.

However, even if you are not among these students, if the internship is closely related to your major, such as practical training necessary for earning credits, you may be eligible for permission to engage in activities beyond those permitted under your existing residence status.

Individuals residing in Japan under the "Designated Activities (Continuous Employment Activities)" or "Designated Activities (Job Offer)" statuses are also eligible for permission to engage in activities beyond those permitted under their specific residence status.

〈In the case of an uncompensated internship〉

Individuals residing in Japan under the "College Student," "Designated Activities (Continuous Employment Activities)," or "Designated Activities (Job Offer)" residence status who wish to participate in an uncompensated internship are not required to obtain prior permission from the Regional Immigration Bureau for activities beyond those permitted under their residence status.

For detailed instructions on obtaining permission for activities beyond those permitted under the residence status, please refer to this page. Please review it as well.

➡"About Permission to Engage in Activities Beyond Those Permitted under the Residence Status"

Reference: Immigration and Residence Management Agency, "For Those Wishing to Pursue an Internship"

Exploring opportunities in Japan provides a chance to contribute to your personal and professional growth. By collaborating with professionals from diverse cultures with different values than those in Japan, you may gain fresh perspectives. It can also enhance your skills and facilitate interactions with globally-minded individuals. Should you discover a promising career path during the internship, you have the chance to secure a full-time position. Nonetheless, keep in mind that what is customary behavior for Japanese people may differ from the norms of other cultures. It is essential to acknowledge and respect these cultural differences.

Lastly, here are some factors to consider when pursuing opportunities in Japan:

・Establish a mentoring system for interns.

As previously mentioned, it is crucial to set up a guidance system to ensure that the internship serves a purpose beyond labor. Specifically, for designated activities (No. 9), guidelines necessitate the appointment of a supervisor, adherence to immigration and labor laws for the past five years, and the submission of a report on internship progress and evaluation results. Since these details are imperative, please review the guidelines before arranging internships.

・Labor-related laws and regulations may apply to interns.

Internship students classified as "workers" (as defined in Article 9 of the Labor Standards Law) are subject to labor-related laws and regulations.

Article 9 of the Labor Standards Law defines a "worker" as "an individual employed by an enterprise or establishment (hereinafter referred to as an 'enterprise') regardless of occupation, who is engaged in business or work for the enterprise and receives compensation." It is stated in the regulations. Additionally, if the internship involves production activities and establishes an employment-subordinate relationship between the business and the student, the student will be considered a worker. (Former Ministry of Labor, September 18, 1997, Notification No. 636)

Consequently, companies must determine whether interns are considered "workers" based on the nature of the internship program.

If interns are classified as "workers," labor standards laws such as the Labor Standards Law and the Minimum Wage Law will apply. Additionally, in case of accidents during the internship, the Workers' Accident Compensation Insurance Law will be relevant. However, even if students are not categorized as "workers," companies must exercise care for their safety. Regardless of workers' compensation insurance application, the company is liable for damages in case of negligence leading to an accident.

Reference: Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry "Internship Utilization Guide for Growing Companies: Utilization."