Changing jobs in Japan can feel difficult because it’s not just about switching workplaces — there’s a bunch of paperwork like visa updates, health insurance, and pension procedures that you need to take care of too. I know it might feel pretty overwhelming — I’ve been there too for more than 3 times! So, I’m sharing this simple step-by-step guide to help you handle all the important job change procedures in Japan easily. Let’s get through this together and make your job switch as smooth as possible!
Please be noted that this guide is mainly for those with a “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa, but many of the tips here also apply to other work-related visa types, such as Highly Skilled Professional or Dependent visas where work is permitted.
📢Overview of Job Change Procedures in Japan: What You Need to Do
When you move to another company in Japan, there are several key tasks that you need to do for your job change procedures. This is to stay compliant and avoid any issues and the tasks include:
- Notifying the Immigration Bureau about your new job or employer
- Checking if you need to apply for a visa status change depending on your new role
- Updating your health insurance and pension enrollment with your new company
- Handling tax-related documents like your withholding tax slip (源泉徴収票／Gensen Choshu-hyou）
- Applying for unemployment benefits if you have a gap between jobs
Understanding each step upfront will make the process much smoother and help you avoid surprises. Let’s break down the details.
📌 Step 1: Inform the Immigration Bureau about your job change
When you change jobs in Japan, one of the first things you need to do is to notify the Immigration Bureau about your new employer. You’re required to do this within 14 days after starting or leaving a job. You can submit this notification online, by mail, or visit your local immigration office in person.
In my case, I’ve always notified them of my job change by online system because i don’t have to go to the immigration office and the procedure itself is super simple. It takes less than 15 minutes to fill out all the information.
Please check the official website of Immigration office:
📌 Step 2: Check if You Need to Change Your Visa Type
If your new job has a significantly different role from your previous one, you may need to apply for a “Change of Status of Residence”.
For example:
- Changing from a software engineer to a full-time translator may not require a change
- Moving from an engineer role to restaurant staff would
If you’re unsure, please ask your HR department or consult with the immigration office! In my case, when I have some questions regarding the visa procedure, I visit Immigration office consultation desks (usually it’s on the 1st floor of Immigration office) or inquire the information center by call or email.
📌 Step 3: Health Insurance and Pension Procedures
When you change your jobs in Japan, your social insurance and pension coverage doesn’t automatically carry over — it depends on your employment situation. Check your case and understanding system will help you avoid gaps or unnecessary payments.
If you’re moving from one full-time company job to another (with no gap):
- Most companies in Japan enroll full-time employees in Shakai Hoken (Employee Health Insurance and Pension).
- Your new employer is usually responsible for enrolling you. This usually happens within your first month.
- You should return your old health insurance card to your previous employer when you quit.
- ⚠️ Important: Not all companies provide Shakai Hoken, especially smaller ones. If your new employer does not offer it, you’ll need to enroll in National Health Insurance (Kokumin Hoken) and the National Pension system yourself at your city office. Make sure to confirm this with your new HR department during onboarding!
If you have a gap between jobs or are not immediately employed:
- You’ll need to enroll in National Health Insurance (Kokumin Hoken) and the National Pension system (Kokumin Nenkin) temporarily.
- Visit your local ward/city office as soon as possible after leaving your job.
- Bring your residence card, My Number card, and proof of unemployment (like a resignation letter or unemployment slip).
This ensures that you remain covered during the job transition. Later, when you start your new job and get enrolled in Shakai Hoken again, you’ll need to visit your city office to cancel your National Health Insurance and Pension coverage by yourself.
- ⚠️ This cancellation is not automatic — if you don’t notify at the city hall, you might continue to receive bills for insurance that you no longer need. Don’t forget to ask for a refund if there’s any overlap or overpay!
📌 Step 4: Apply for Unemployment Benefits (If Eligible)
If there’s a gap between jobs, and you were enrolled in employment insurance at your previous job, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits (Shitsugyo Hoken). I will make a post about this topic in detail soon, but first, please check Hello Work website for the offical information!
😉Mochi’s Tip about job change procedures in Japan
Even after you finish the big steps, there are still small but essential things that can make your job transition much smoother. Based on my own experience and helping others, here are some of the most helpful reminders:
- ✅ Ask for your Gensen Choshu-hyo（源泉徴収票, withholding tax slip）before leaving your previous job. You’ll need it for tax filing if you switch jobs mid-year.
- ✅ Don’t forget to return your old health insurance card before the last day at your previous job
- ✅ Keep copies of the contracts and all forms submitted to immigration office for your own records
- ✅ Unsure about procedures? Consult with the local Immigration office or reach out for my Coffee Chat support!
🏢 Summary of Job Change Procedures in Japan
Changing jobs in Japan as a foreigner involves more than just signing a new contract. You’ll need to update visa information, confirm your social insurance status, and handle some important paperwork. By following these steps, you can stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes.
Here’s a quick summary:
- Notify Immigration Bureau within 14 days
- Check if your visa status needs to change
- Re-enroll in social insurance and pension at your job, Or check if you need national insurance
- Collect important documents like the Gensen Choshu-hyo
If you want some personalized guidance, please book a ☕coffee chat with me for 1-on-1 help, or check out my other posts for more practical tips on navigating life and work in Japan!
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