How To Earn Money Online In Japan: 7 Best Ways To Do So

Whether you are a long-term or short-term resident of Japan, earning a little extra cash sounds pretty good.

This article will help you understand how to earn money online in Japan and what to be aware of.

What do I need to earn money online in Japan?

For the most part, you will need these items below to get started:

• A laptop or computer

• Reliable and fast internet access

• Smartphone with internet access

• Time and motivation to work online

• A visa for Japan

While these items don't require a large initial investment if you already own them, acquiring them still creates a barrier for those looking to start earning money online in Japan.

Do I need a visa to work online in Japan?

For remote work in Japan, you have several visa options depending on your situation:

Visa Type	Online Work Allowed	Permission Required	Income Limit	Notes
Digital Nomad Visa	Yes	No	¥10 million/year (~$65k USD)	6 months max, work for non-Japanese company only
Tourist Visa	Limited	No	None	Up to 90 days, overseas clients only
Student	Limited activities	Yes (Permission to Engage)	28 hours/week	Must not interfere with studies
Working Holiday	Yes	No	None	Can work freely, varies by country
Spouse/Family	Yes	Depends on activity type	None	Check specific visa conditions
Work Visa	Side activities only	Yes (if outside main job scope)	None	Check employment contract
Business Manager	Yes	No	None	Full business activities allowed

Is online work legal under my visa?

Understanding whether your visa allows you to earn money online is one of the most confusing parts of working remotely in Japan.

The rules depend not on where your clients are, but on what activities you perform and whether your visa status permits “work” or “engaging in income-generating activities.”

Read on for a clear, legally grounded explanation to help you avoid accidental violations.

💻 What counts as “work” in Japan

Japan considers the following as income-generating activities that require work authorization:

• Providing services to clients (Japanese or overseas)

• Freelancing, consulting, or contract-based work

• Selling goods online for profit (e-commerce)

• Content writing that earns revenue (ads, sponsorships, affiliate income)

• Translation, design, tutoring, or any paid digital task

Even if the work is done on your laptop from home and the money comes from overseas online platforms, Japan still classifies this as “work.”

✅ Visas that allow online work (with or without conditions)

Allows online work without special permission

• Digital Nomad Visa(for non-Japanese companies only; 6-month stay max)

• Working Holiday Visa

• Spouse of Japanese National / Long-Term Resident (activities allowed unless restricted)

• Business Manager Visa (running or working in your own business)

• Permanent Resident

Allows online work only if it fits within visa activity scope or if special permission is granted

• Work Visa (Engineer/Specialist/Humanities, Instructor, etc.)

  • You may only do activities that fall within your visa category.

  • Anything outside requires Permission to Engage in Activities Outside Visa Status (資格外活動許可).

• Student Visa

  • Requires資格外活動許可 (Permission to Engage).

  • Maximum 28 hours per week.

  • Must not interfere with studies.

Does not allow online work

• Tourist Visa

  • No paid work—even for foreign clients—is legally allowed.

  • Japan treats any paid activity as “work,” regardless of client location.

🌎 “But my clients are overseas—does that make it legal?”

No. Japan does not use a “client location” rule. The rule is based on your physical location while performing the work, so if you earn money while physically in Japan, a visa that permits work is required.

Consequences of illegal online work

Working without permission can result in:

• Visa cancellation

• Deportation or a long-term ban

• Problems renewing your visa

• Fines or legal penalties

• Immigration flagging your record, making future applications harder

How to earn money online in Japan if your visa is restrictive

If your visa doesn’t automatically allow remote or freelance work, you can legally proceed by:

1. Applying for 資格外活動許可 (Permission to Engage).

2. Registering as a sole proprietor (個人事業主) if doing freelance work.

3. Ensuring your hours stay within visa limits (students).

4. Ensuring work doesn't conflict with employer contracts (work visa holders).

Immigration decisions are case-by-case, so if your online work differs from your main visa activity, getting permission first is essential.

Employment contract restrictions in Japan that can impact how you earn money online

Foreign nationals working in Japan must follow both immigration rules and the terms of their employment contract. Even if your visa status allows certain types of work, your contract may place additional restrictions that you are legally obliged to follow.

1. Your job duties must match your employment contract

Your employment contract specifies your role, responsibilities, and scope of work. Japanese labor law requires employers to define these clearly. If you perform work outside the job description—even if it is allowed under your visa—you may be violating your employment agreement.

Example: A “Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa holder employed as a marketing specialist cannot independently start doing unrelated freelance design work for the same employer without contract approval.

2. Secondary jobs and side work (副業 / Fukugyō)

Whether you can take on part-time work or freelance jobs to make more money depends on:

• Your visa status

• Your employment contract

• Company rules (就業規則, shūgyō kisoku)

Many Japanese companies prohibit side work, even if immigration permits it. Doing side work without employer authorization can lead to disciplinary action and, in severe cases, termination.

If your company allows it, you typically need to submit a formal notification or request before you start earning side income.

3. Restrictions for dispatch (派遣, haken) and outsourced work

If you are hired under:

• A dispatch contract (派遣)

• A subcontracting/outsourcing arrangement

then you can only perform work for the client and role specified in the dispatch agreement. Immigration is particularly strict with dispatch arrangements because the actual workplace differs from the direct employer.

Performing work at a different client site or in a different function without an updated agreement can violate both labor rules and your visa status.

4. Contractual exclusivity

Some employers include exclusivity clauses preventing employees from engaging in any outside commercial activity. Even unpaid roles (volunteering, helping foreign companies with translations, giving paid lectures, etc.) may be restricted.

Violating exclusivity clauses can lead to:

• Contract termination

• Loss of severance eligibility

• Possible visa complications if the employer reports misconduct

7 high-earning opportunities to make money online in Japan

Many of these online ways to earn money can be transitioned into an online business idea.

Finding the best job to make money online will depend on your qualifications, experience, and preferences. So here are the most common and popular online jobs for foreigners in Japan.

1. English teaching

Teaching English lessons online is one of the most accessible online jobs for foreigners in Japan.

Many people in Japan, from students to working adults, want to improve their English conversation ability, and their conversational skills range from beginner to advanced.

Hello Sensei or Eigo Pass are Japanese platforms for English teaching. You can apply to be a tutor there, but you can also advertise your private English classes through social media and use Zoom for the lessons.

Showcasing your TEFL certificate or degree would best demonstrate your qualifications for the job.

Market demand analysis

• Earning Potential: ¥2,000-8,000 per hour

• Time to First Income: 1-2 weeks

• Investment Required: TEFL certificate (¥30,000-80,000)

• Peak seasons: March-April, September-October (new school/fiscal years)

• High-demand demographics: Business professionals (¥4,000-8,000/hour), university students (¥2,000-3,500/hour)

• Specialized niches: TOEIC/IELTS prep (+50% premium), business English (+30% premium)

English teaching in Japan: platform comparison

Platform	Commission	Student Pool	Support Quality	Best For
Hello Sensei	0%	Large	Basic	Independent tutors
Eigo Pass	15%	Medium	Good	New teachers
iTalki	15%	Global	Excellent	Serious professionals
Preply	18-33%	Large	Good	Beginners

2. Translation and localization services

Native speakers who are bilingual in another language have a great opportunity to do translation work, which involves translating a foreign language into Japanese and vice versa.

The pay is based on the number of words translated, and the price is higher for more specialized fields and less common languages.

Bilingual people know that translation is more than just direct translation. Nuances within every language make it difficult for AI translation to be correct, so it is best to have great language skills to understand any hidden meaning.

Common translation platforms for Japanese people are Lancers , and CrowdWorks , but you can also use Gengo , UpWork , and Blend .

Earning Potential: ¥15-50 per word (¥2,000-8,000/hour equivalent) Time to First Income: 2-4 weeks Investment Required: Portfolio development, CAT tools (¥20,000-50,000)

Market demand analysis

• Earning Potential: ¥15-50 per word (¥2,000-8,000/hour equivalent)

• Time to First Income: 2-4 weeks

• Investment Required: Portfolio development, CAT tools (¥20,000-50,000)

• Peak seasons: Year-round steady demand, spikes during international trade shows (October-November)

• High-demand demographics: Tech companies (¥35-50/word), legal firms (¥40-60/word), medical device companies (¥30-45/word)

• Specialized niches: AI/ML documentation (+40% premium), patent translation (+60% premium), financial reports (+35% premium)

Translation in Japan platform comparison

Platform	Average Rate	Payment Terms	Project Volume	Quality Requirements
Gengo	¥8-15/word	Weekly	High	Moderate
Blend	¥20-40/word	Net 30	Low	Very High
Direct clients	¥25-60/word	Negotiable	Variable	Project-dependent

3. Freelance digital services

Freelancing, especially for foreigners in Japan, is complex. Here is a general overview of this topic.

There are many platforms specifically for freelance work. Lancers and CrowdWorks are popular Japanese freelance sites, but UpWork and Fiverr are popular worldwide. You can also make your own website and market your skills online.

The most common types of freelance work for those with specialized skills are graphic design, digital marketing, video editing, writing, and translation, but any job can be freelance work to make money.

For the best freelance consistency work, you will need a high level of proficiency in your field, a portfolio of your works, and testimonials from your clients.

Market demand analysis

• Earning Potential: ¥2,000-15,000 per hour

• Time to First Income: 3-6 weeks

• Investment Required: Skill development, portfolio creation (¥50,000-150,000)

• Peak seasons: April-May (new fiscal year projects), September-October (pre-holiday campaigns)

• High-demand demographics: E-commerce companies (¥3,000-8,000/hour), international corporations (¥4,000-12,000/hour), startups (¥2,000-5,000/hour)

• Specialized niches: AI/automation consulting (+70% premium), mobile app development (+50% premium), cross-cultural marketing (+40% premium)

Top 5 in-demand skills in Japan

Skill	Hourly Rate	Market Demand	Learning Curve
Web Development	¥3,000-12,000	Very High	6-12 months
Digital Marketing	¥2,500-8,000	High	3-6 months
Graphic Design	¥2,000-6,000	Medium	3-9 months
Video Editing	¥2,500-10,000	High	2-6 months
Data Analysis	¥3,500-15,000	Very High	6-18 months

4. Ecommerce and online selling

Selling online in Japan can include finding and making physical or digital items. This is one of the most effective ways to understand how to earn money online in Japan.

You can sell anything online in Japan, from clothing, accessories, books, and arts and crafts. If you want to sell second-hand items, you will need a second-hand goods dealer license from the police department.

The most popular online marketplace for selling in Japan is Mericari, but you can also create your own online store with Shopify or SquareSpace.

Market demand analysis

• Earning Potential: ¥100,000-2,000,000+ per month

• Time to First Income: 2-8 weeks

• Investment Required: Inventory, platform fees, permits (¥50,000-500,000)

• Peak seasons: Golden Week (April-May), Summer holidays (July-August), Year-end shopping (November-December)

• High-demand demographics: Urban millennials (fashion, tech), elderly consumers (health products), tourists (cultural items)

• Specialized niches: Limited edition collectibles (+200% markup), imported health supplements (+150% markup), handmade traditional crafts (+100% markup)

• Mercari: 20 million monthly users, 10% commission

• Yahoo Auctions: Established user base, 8.8% commission

• Amazon Japan: Global reach, 8-15% commission

• Rakuten: High-end market, 2-7% commission

 

5. Content creation and influencer marketing

While becoming an influencer does not happen immediately, it offers a fun way to monetize a topic you are passionate about.

Once you meet the platform's monetization requirements, you can run ads, accept sponsorship deals, create sponsored content, promote products, and create merchandise. While it's easy to keep everything on one platform, such as running a YouTube channel, republishing your content on every available platform will give you maximum exposure.

Additionally, affiliate marketing allows you to share product links where you earn extra money or a small commission for every click or purchase through your specific link. Many e-commerce sites like Amazon will offer affiliate programs for you to join.

Market demand analysis

• Earning Potential: ¥50,000-1,000,000+ per month

• Time to First Income: 3-12 months

• Investment Required: Equipment, editing software, marketing (¥100,000-300,000)

• Peak seasons: Cherry blossom season (March-April), Summer festivals (July-August), New Year campaigns (December-January)

• High-demand demographics: Gen Z consumers (TikTok, Instagram), millennials (YouTube, blogs), international audiences (Japan travel content)

• Specialized niches: Japan travel guides (+300% engagement), tech reviews in Japanese (+200% sponsorship rates), cultural exchange content (+150% brand partnerships)

Content creation in Japan: platform monetization thresholds

Platform	Monetization Requirement	Average RPM	Time to Monetize
YouTube	1,000 subscribers + 4,000 watch hours	¥100-800	6-18 months
Instagram	1,000 followers (brand partnerships)	Variable	3-12 months
TikTok	10,000 followers	¥50-300	1-6 months
Blog (affiliate)	No threshold	¥500-3,000	3-12 months

6. Virtual assistance

The growing demand for virtual assistance creates significant opportunities.

Most entrepreneurs and businesses struggle with time-consuming administrative tasks like email management, scheduling, and data entry. This widespread need has created a robust market for virtual assistant services.

If you can speak both English and Japanese, you have a competitive advantage in this field.

Virtual assistants who are native speakers of English and Japanese can serve a broader client base and command higher rates. This language combination is particularly valuable because it enables you to work with Japanese businesses expanding internationally, foreign companies operating in Japan, and entrepreneurs who need cross-cultural communication support.

Market demand analysis

• Earning Potential: ¥1,800-8,000 per hour

• Time to First Income: 2-4 weeks

• Investment Required: Communication tools, skill certifications (¥30,000-80,000)

• Peak seasons: Q4 business planning (October-December), new fiscal year setup (March-April)

• High-demand demographics: Foreign companies entering Japan (¥4,000-8,000/hour), Japanese companies expanding globally (¥3,000-6,000/hour), entrepreneurs and consultants (¥2,000-4,000/hour)

• Specialized niches: Legal document assistance (+80% premium), technical translation support (+60% premium), cross-cultural communication training (+50% premium)

7. Investing and trading

While not necessarily a job per se, it is definitely an important topic to discuss when earning money online in Japan, especially as passive income.

Investing in stocks for the long term is a great way to increase your income if you are planning to stay in Japan for the long term.

Market demand analysis

• Earning Potential: 3-12% annually (¥300,000-1,200,000 per ¥10M invested)

• Time to First Income: 1-3 months (varies by strategy)

• Investment Required: Trading capital, platform fees, education (¥100,000+ minimum capital)

• Peak seasons: Quarterly earnings seasons (January, April, July, October), year-end portfolio rebalancing (November-December)

• High-demand demographics: Young professionals (NISA accounts), expats (international diversification), retirees (dividend income)

• Specialized niches: ESG investing (+15% premium interest), Japanese small-cap stocks (+25% volatility opportunity), cryptocurrency trading (+500% volatility risk/reward)

How to get started on earning money online in Japan

1. Research

Before fully pursuing earning money online in Japan, research the market, what’s in demand, the competition, and any certifications or requirements.

Additionally, you must check the legal and tax implications of working online in Japan to have the correct visa status, permits, and insurance.

2. Prepare

Now that you know what field or job you want to earn money online in Japan, you need to prepare the tools and equipment.

Having a computer, smartphone, camera, microphone, and good internet connection is a great start, which you might already have.

Showcase any certificates you may have, or create a resume and portfolio to demonstrate your skills and experience to potential employers.

3. Apply

Once everything is prepared, you can apply for online jobs or projects matching your skills and interests.

The platform you decide to use for your online job can help you apply for jobs that best suit you, but you can also apply on other websites, apps, and social media.

Additionally, you can network with other people, colleagues, clients, and employers for referrals and recommendations.

So, it would be best to prepare for any interviews, exams, or trials that might be part of the application process.

4. Put out high-quality work

Once you’ve landed an online job or project, work to deliver high-quality results.

Since everything is based on your time, track your hours and expenses and report them accordingly.

Clear communication with updates to your clients and employers is key. Once the work is complicated, you can ask them for feedback, reviews, or ratings and use them on your portfolio.

Taxes when earning money online in Japan

When making money online in Japan, you must file a tax return when your income exceeds 200,000 yen. If you fail to file a tax return based on this income, there will be penalties and fines.

However, if your income is less than 200,000 yen, you do not need to file a tax return.

Additionally, if you have a separate full-time job, check your contract or with HR about making additional money on the side or online. Many Japanese companies allow a side income, but it's always best to check just in case.

For those on a student or a long-term family stay visa, you will need to apply for “Permission To Engage in Activities ” to allow you to engage in other activities that are different from your original visa status.

Tax brackets for online income in Japan

Income Range (¥)	Income Tax Rate	Residence Tax Rate	Filing Requirement
Under 200,000	-	-	No filing required (if side income)
200,001 - 1,950,000	5%	10%	Required
1,950,001 - 3,300,000	10%	10%	Required
3,300,001 - 6,950,000	20%	10%	Required

Frequently asked questions

How do foreigners make money in Japan?

Foreigners in Japan can make money through full-time employment with a valid work visa, part-time jobs if permitted (such as students with proper authorization), freelancing or running a business under appropriate visas, and online work like teaching, content creation, or remote freelancing. Popular jobs include teaching English, being an ALT in Japan, IT, translation, and service industry roles. Any income-generating activity must comply with visa conditions, as working without proper authorization can lead to penalties or deportation.

How can you make money online in Japan without an investment?

Many online business ideas are relatively inexpensive. You can make money online in Japan without any upfront investment by offering freelance services like writing, translation, or graphic design on platforms such as CrowdWorks, Lancers, or Upwork. Other options include teaching languages through apps like italki, doing microtasks or surveys on sites like Macromill, or starting a blog or YouTube channel and monetizing through ads and affiliate links. While these methods don’t require money to start, they do take time, effort, and in many cases, Japanese language skills or a specific visa that allows remote or freelance work.

What are the best websites for freelance work in Japan?

Popular platforms include Lancers, CrowdWorks, and Shufti. International sites like Upwork and Fiverr are also widely used, but Japanese clients often prefer local services.

Can I do online work in Japan with a student or tourist visa?

No, student and tourist visas do not allow you to earn money online unless you have special permission. Engaging in paid work without the proper visa status is illegal and can lead to deportation.

How much can I realistically earn online in Japan?

Earnings vary greatly depending on your skills and commitment. For example, freelance writers or translators might earn ¥1,000–¥5,000 per hour, while content creators could eventually earn significantly more through ads and sponsorships, though it takes time to build an audience.

Do I have to pay taxes on income earned online?

Yes, all income earned online, whether from inside or outside Japan, must be reported to the Japanese tax authorities. This includes freelance work, ad revenue, affiliate earnings, and e-commerce profits.

Is it possible to do online surveys or small tasks for money in Japan?

Yes, websites like Macromill, InfoQ, and Rakuten Research offer paid surveys and small gigs, but the earnings are usually quite low, often under ¥10,000 per month unless you commit significant time.

Can I sell on international platforms like Etsy or eBay from Japan?

Yes, you can sell on platforms like Etsy, eBay, or Amazon. You’ll need a PayPal or international bank account, and possibly export knowledge for shipping. Language and customs regulations may also be factors.

Do I need to register as a sole proprietor (個人事業主) to earn money online?

If you’re earning more than a hobby-level income or want to deduct expenses for tax purposes, it’s advisable to register as a sole proprietor with your local tax office. This also helps with official documentation and opening business accounts.

Is dropshipping or e-commerce profitable in Japan?

It can be, especially with niche markets. However, competition is high and customer expectations for quality and service are strict. Local platforms like BASE or STORES.jp can be used alongside Shopify or other global tools.

Can I earn money online in Japan if I don’t speak Japanese?

Yes, but your options will be limited. International freelancing platforms and English-speaking audiences on YouTube or blogs are possible paths. However, learning at least basic Japanese will open far more opportunities.

In closing

Earning money online in Japan offers tremendous opportunities, but success requires understanding the unique legal, cultural, and market dynamics.

Consistency and quality are more valuable than quick gains. Focus on building long-term relationships with clients and continuously improving your skills. The Japanese market rewards reliability and excellence, making it an ideal environment for sustainable online income growth.