Changing Jobs in Japan as a Foreigner: Steps and Useful Japanese
Changing jobs in Japan (転職, tenshoku) is now common, including for foreign residents. Most people look while still employed, use recruiters (転職エージェント) and job sites, and give notice only after signing a new offer. Expect a Japanese résumé and career history, two or three interview rounds, and a notice period set by your contract, often one month. Before you leave, collect your tax and employment documents. If you hold a work-based status of residence, check whether you need to notify immigration within 14 days and whether the new job fits your current status.
Step by step
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Decide what you want | Industry, role, salary, language used at work and location. See the Japanese level for jobs in Japan. |
| 2. Prepare documents | Update your rirekisho and shokumu keirekisho, and an English CV if needed. |
| 3. Search | Recruiters, job sites, company websites and referrals from your network. See working with recruiters in Japan. |
| 4. Interviews | Usually with HR, then the team, then a senior manager. Expect “Why are you changing jobs?” See job interviews in Japan. |
| 5. Offer | Read the offer letter carefully: salary breakdown, bonus, trial period and start date. See understanding a Japanese job offer and negotiating salary. |
| 6. Give notice | Tell your manager in person first, then submit a resignation letter. See how to resign from a Japanese company. |
| 7. Hand over and leave | Prepare handover notes, use remaining paid leave if your company allows, and collect your documents. |
Documents to collect from your old employer
- 源泉徴収票 (gensen chōshū-hyō): your withholding tax slip, needed by your new employer or for a tax return.
- 雇用保険被保険者証: your employment insurance card.
- 年金手帳 or your basic pension number details.
- 離職票 (rishoku-hyō): a separation notice, needed if you claim unemployment benefits.
Return your company health insurance card and any company equipment on your last day.
Visa points to check
This is general information, not immigration advice. Many work-based statuses require you to notify the Immigration Services Agency within 14 days of leaving or joining an employer, which can often be done online. Your status of residence also covers certain types of work, so check that the new role fits it, or whether you need a change of status. If you’re unsure, ask the immigration office or a licensed administrative scrivener (行政書士). See Japanese at the immigration office.
Useful phrases
| Japanese | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 転職を考えています。 | tenshoku o kangaete imasu. | I’m thinking about changing jobs. |
| より専門性を活かせる仕事に挑戦したいと考えました。 | yori senmonsei o ikaseru shigoto ni chōsen shitai to kangaemashita. | I wanted to take on work that makes more use of my expertise. |
| 少しお時間をいただけますか。ご相談したいことがあります。 | sukoshi o-jikan o itadakemasu ka. go-sōdan shitai koto ga arimasu. | Could I have a moment? There’s something I’d like to discuss. (before giving notice) |
| 源泉徴収票をいただけますか。 | gensen chōshū-hyō o itadakemasu ka. | Could I have my withholding tax slip? |
Tips
- Explain your reason positively. Talk about growth and what you want to do, not complaints about your current employer.
- Leave on good terms. Japanese industries are smaller than they look, and former managers may be asked for references.
- Mind the timing. Bonuses are often paid in summer and winter, so check how leaving affects yours.
How Hanabuddies can help
Our native Japanese tutors teach one-to-one online, in English, with career coaching for Japan. We can help you rewrite your Japanese résumé and career history, practise interview answers, prepare the conversation with your manager, and check letters and emails. We’re not a recruitment agency and don’t give immigration advice. See also career coaching for Japan.