Side Jobs and Secondary Employment under the Highly Skilled Professional Visa
- One of our employees, who holds a Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b) visa, has expressed interest in taking on a side job. Would this create any issues under their current immigration status?
- Permitted activities under the Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b) visa include:
“Engaging in work requiring knowledge or skills in the fields of natural sciences or humanities based on a contract with your company, or, in addition to such work, operating a business that is related to the same activities.”
Accordingly, if the employee independently manages a business directly related to their duties with your company, it may fall within the permitted scope. However, if they were to contract with and perform work for another company, this would not be considered permissible under the visa conditions.
We recommend first confirming the specific details of the side job with the employee to assess whether it falls within the permitted scope of activities described above.
Highly Skilled Professional Visa Q&A
Eligibility for the Highly Skilled Professional Visa in Translation and Interpretation Roles
Procedures for Mid-Career Hiring of Highly Skilled Professionals
Processing Times for Highly Skilled Professionals
Side Jobs and Secondary Employment under the Highly Skilled Professional Visa
Related Service Page:
Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa Application
HR departments often receive inquiries from foreign employees asking, “Can I apply for the Highly Skilled Professional Visa?” This category is among the most frequently requested by corporate employers.
Since 1986, ACROSEED has specialized in immigration and visa services for foreign employees in Japan. For nearly 40 years, we have advised corporate HR teams on compliance, procedures, and workforce planning.
Consultations are available via phone, email, online, or in person. English-language support is always available.
