From 1 October 2026 only Dependents can work in pachinko parlours, with an individual permit and a 28-hour weekly cap
The Immigration Services Agency allows only holders of Dependent status, not Students, to get an individual permission for work at amusement-hall shops such as pachinko parlours. Hours under all permissions together stay within 28 a week.
What changed
From 1 October 2026 only Dependent holders (not students) can get an individual permission to work at amusement-hall shops such as pachinko parlours, subject to extra conditions and the same combined 28-hour weekly cap.
Students may not work in pachinko parlours and similar gaming venues.
Who it affects
Holders of Dependent status and of Student status. Dependents who want this work need an individual permit.
Key numbers
- Effective date: 1 October 2026.
- Hours worked under all out-of-status permissions, whether comprehensive or individual, add up to no more than 28 hours a week.
- A Dependent needs comprehensive permission to work up to 28 hours per week.
- For Dependents, holding several part-time jobs is allowed, but the hours of all jobs combined must not exceed 28 per week.
- Work at premises running adult-entertainment businesses is barred even within the 28 hours, including by out-of-status permission.
What to check
Check the agency’s page on out-of-status permission for amusement-hall shops for the extra conditions, which are not set out here.
Sources
- ISA: Permission for activities outside status at amusement-hall shops ↗ moj.go.jp
- ISA: Permission for activities outside status, Dependent ↗ moj.go.jp
- ISA: Dependent, working while in Japan ↗ moj.go.jp
- ISA: Activities that cannot be permitted outside status ↗ moj.go.jp
Last checked 24 October 2026
Related rules
Status pages
Family and spouse statuses · 1 rulebook entries
Student status · 5 rulebook entries
- From 1 October 2026 only Dependents, not Students, may work in pachinko parlours and similar gaming venues, and only with an individual permit.
- In the conditions for the new pachinko-venue permit, the Immigration Services Agency requires that hours worked under all out-of-status permissions,…
- A Dependent needs comprehensive permission to work up to 28 hours per week.
- For Dependents, holding several part-time jobs is allowed, but the hours of all jobs combined must not exceed 28 per week.
- Work at premises running adult-entertainment businesses, including by out-of-status permission, is barred even within the 28 hours, and the bar also…
Information only. Not legal advice and not an official service. Check the official source and consult the Immigration Services Agency or a licensed administrative scrivener (行政書士) before you decide.