Do You Need a Certificate of Authorized Employment After Changing Jobs? Benefits and Key Points 【2025 Edition】

Introduction

One of the most common questions foreign residents ask when considering a job change in Japan is:
“Do I need to apply for a Certificate of Authorized Employment?”

In fact, the Certificate of Authorized Employment is not a mandatory procedure.
However, depending on the situation, applying for it can bring significant benefits and may work in your favor for future visa renewals or permanent residency applications.

This article explains, based on the latest 2025 information, what the certificate means, in which cases it is recommended, its pros and cons, and the documents required for application.

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1. What Is a Certificate of Authorized Employment?

First, let’s clarify the basics.
A Certificate of Authorized Employment is an official document issued by the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) confirming that the work you will perform at your new employer is permitted under your current visa status.

• Legal basis: Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, Article 19-2
• Applicant: The foreign national or the employer
• Optional application: It is not legally required

In other words, even without the certificate your visa remains valid.
But the certificate allows the ISA to officially confirm that your new duties are consistent with your visa category.

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2. Situations Where Application Is Recommended

So, in which cases is it advisable to apply for a Certificate of Authorized Employment?
Here are some common examples:

Situation	Why the Certificate Is Useful
Job content differs slightly within the same visa category (e.g., Engineer/Humanities/International Services)	To avoid misunderstanding as unauthorized work
HR or the company is unfamiliar with immigration procedures	Provides assurance and reduces legal risks
Planning to apply for permanent residency or naturalization	Serves as official proof of lawful employment
Multiple job changes in recent years	Reduces the burden of explanations during future visa renewal
Company has strict internal policies on foreign employment	Some employers may require it as part of compliance

Thus, while not mandatory, the certificate can be very useful in many scenarios.

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3. Benefits

The main advantages of applying for the certificate are:

1. Confirmation of lawfulness
   　You can be certain that your new job duties are officially recognized under your visa status.
2. Advantage in renewals, PR, or naturalization
   　When reviewing your immigration history, you can clearly show that even during job changes, you were lawfully employed.
3. Assurance for the employer
   　Employers can avoid the risk of violating laws against illegal employment and will feel more comfortable hiring foreign workers.
4. Prevention of future disputes
   　Reduces the risk of being suspected of unauthorized activities if your job duties change slightly.

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4. Drawbacks and Cautions

On the other hand, there are some disadvantages and points of caution:

• Processing time: Typically 1 to 3 months
• Risk of denial: If the new job duties do not match the visa category, the certificate may be refused
• Not always necessary: If the job content is identical and clearly within the same visa scope, you may skip the application

Note: Even if the application is denied, the job change itself does not automatically become illegal.
However, it may raise questions during your next renewal. Consulting a specialist beforehand is highly recommended.

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5. Required Documents (2025 Edition)

The following documents are generally required for application:

• Application form for Certificate of Authorized Employment (latest version)
• Residence card and passport
• New employment contract
• Company registration certificate (Tokibo Tohon)
• Company’s latest financial statement or business report
• Company brochure or business description
• Applicant’s résumé or CV (if requested)

👉 As of 2025, online application is being gradually introduced, but paper applications remain the mainstream. Always confirm the latest application form before submitting.

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6. Conclusion

• The Certificate of Authorized Employment is optional, not mandatory, but it is an important tool to confirm the legality of your new job.
• It is especially beneficial for those planning to apply for permanent residency or naturalization.
• Whether to apply depends on your specific case, so consulting with a professional is the safest approach.

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📌 At our office, we provide full support for applications of the Certificate of Authorized Employment, as well as all matters related to visas when changing jobs.
If you are planning a job change in Japan, please feel free to contact us for consultation.

Ishinagi Administrative Scrivener Office

If you would like to renew or change your work visa quickly and reliably, or if you feel uncertain about the application process, please feel free to consult with our office in Yodogawa-ku, Osaka. We provide support for clients from all over Japan, making use of our extensive experience in dealing with the Immigration Bureau.

If you wish to proceed with your work visa renewal or change of status smoothly and with confidence, please do not hesitate to contact us.

▶ Click here to see our fee schedule

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