What is a Certificate of Authorized Employment?
A Certificate of Authorized Employment is an official document issued by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan that confirms whether a foreign national’s current status of residence allows them to work at a new job or workplace after changing employment.
By obtaining this certificate, both the foreign employee and the hiring company can have peace of mind that the employment relationship is lawful, avoiding the risk of unauthorized work.
When is it necessary?
- When a foreign national plans to change jobs, especially if the new role differs from the previous one
- When a company is uncertain whether the applicant’s residence status covers the new position
- When immigration officials instruct the applicant to obtain it
👉 While not legally mandatory, it is an important preventive step to avoid problems later.
Who applies?
- The application is submitted by the foreign national themselves at the local Immigration Bureau.
- The new employer can assist with document preparation.
- An administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) can also file the application on behalf of the applicant.
Required documents (example)
- Application form for Certificate of Authorized Employment
- Passport and residence card
- Employment contract or job offer letter
- Company registration certificate
- Company brochure or documents describing business activities
- Graduation certificate or résumé (if required)
Application process
- Prepare the necessary documents
Collect employment contracts, company details, and personal identification documents. - Submit to Immigration Bureau
Applications are submitted to the local Immigration office (application fee: 900 yen). - Screening (about 1–2 months)
Immigration examines whether the job duties fall within the scope of the visa and whether the company is legitimate. - Certificate issued
If approved, the Certificate of Authorized Employment is granted.
Examples
- Changing jobs under an Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa
Previous job: Interpreter → New job: Sales → Applicant is unsure whether sales is covered → Certificate confirms eligibility and allows a safe transfer. - For employers
A company wants to hire a foreign national but is unsure if their visa allows the planned role → Obtaining the certificate before signing the employment contract avoids future problems.
What Immigration checks
- Whether the job duties are included within the scope of the visa
- Whether the company’s business activities are appropriate
- Whether the applicant’s academic background and work experience meet visa requirements
Important notes
- Working at a new company without this certificate is not automatically illegal, but it can cause problems during renewal or future visa applications.
- Discrepancies between the employment contract and visa type may lead to rejection.
- Since processing takes time, early application is recommended.
Benefits
- Provides assurance for both employer and employee when changing jobs
- Useful evidence when applying for future renewals or changes of status
- Prevents the risk of unauthorized employment
Why consult a professional?
- To check in advance whether the job and visa match
- To ensure documents are complete and accurate
- To support both the company and the foreign employee in building a safe and lawful employment relationship
Summary
The Certificate of Authorized Employment is a preventive measure to ensure safe and lawful employment when changing jobs.
Obtaining it helps both employers and foreign nationals proceed with confidence and avoid future immigration issues.