2026-02-19 / 最終更新日時 : 2026-02-19 yokoyama English

[Legal Guide] Starting a Shopee Side Hustle in Japan: Why “Individual Permission” is Essential for Visa Compliance

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Starting a Shopee Side Hustle in Japan: Why “Individual Permission” is Essential for Visa Compliance
Introduction: The Rise of Shopee and the “Immigration Law” Trap
1. The Trap of “Comprehensive Permission”: Why Your Current Stamp May Not Be Enough
Why “Comprehensive Permission” is NOT enough for Shopee
2. Criteria for Obtaining “Individual Permission”
3. Scaling Up: When to Switch to a “Business Manager” Visa
4. Professional Support for Drafting Explanatory Documents
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Starting a Shopee Side Hustle in Japan: Why “Individual Permission” is Essential for Visa Compliance

Introduction: The Rise of Shopee and the “Immigration Law” Trap

With the rapid growth of the cross-border e-commerce platform Shopee, more foreign residents in Japan are looking to start selling Japanese products to markets like Southeast Asia and Taiwan. Since Shopee allows individuals to open accounts with low initial costs and no monthly fees, it has become a very popular side hustle (fukugyo) option.

However, for foreign residents—especially those on a “Dependent” (Family) Visa—starting a business on Shopee is treated very differently under Japanese law than a standard part-time job.

Mistaking a Shopee business for a simple part-time job and operating under the wrong permission can lead to serious consequences, such as the denial of your visa renewal.

In this article, an Administrative Scrivener (Gyoseishoshi) explains the specific “Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted (Shikakugai Katsudo Kyoka)“ required to legally operate a Shopee store in Japan.

1. The Trap of “Comprehensive Permission”: Why Your Current Stamp May Not Be Enough

Many holders of a “Dependent” visa (Foreign nationals supported by a spouse or parent) already have a permit to work. However, do you understand exactly what type of permit you have?

There are two distinct types of “Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted” (Shikakugai-katsudo-kyoka):

Comprehensive Permission (The “28-Hour Rule”) “Houkatsu Kyoka”
Individual Permission “Kobetsu Kyoka”

Why “Comprehensive Permission” is NOT enough for Shopee

The permission stamp typically found in passports is Comprehensive Permission. This allows for “unskilled” labor, such as working at a convenience store or restaurant, for up to 28 hours per week. This permit is valid only when working hours can be objectively managed and tracked through an employment contract.

Shopee selling does not fit this category. Selling goods online is considered a Sole Proprietorship (Individual Business) activity. Since it is difficult to objectively measure working hours for a self-employed business, the standard Comprehensive Permission does not cover this activity.

To legally sell on Shopee, you must apply for and receive Individual Permission separate from your standard part-time work permit.

2. Criteria for Obtaining “Individual Permission”

“Individual Permission” is not granted automatically. The Immigration Services Agency will examine your application based on your specific business plan, expected income, and working hours.

The main requirements for approval include:

No Interference with Current Status: Your side hustle must not interfere with your main visa activity. For Dependent visa holders, you must continue to live with and be supported by your financial supporter (spouse/parent).
Legality and Conduct: The business must not violate any laws. Adult entertainment businesses and other restricted industries are strictly prohibited.
Income Limits (For Dependents): This is critical. As a dependent, your income must not exceed that of your supporter (the head of household). Earning too much negates the need for a “Dependent” visa.
Employer Consent (For Work Visa Holders): If you are on a work visa like “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services,” you must prove that your main employer consents to your side business.

3. Scaling Up: When to Switch to a “Business Manager” Visa

The “Individual Permission” for extra activity is intended for small-scale businesses operated by an individual.

If your Shopee business grows significantly, you may exceed the scope of this permission. You will likely need to change your Status of Residence to a “Business Manager” Visa if:

You incorporate a company in Japan.
You hire employees.
You establish a dedicated physical office or store.

It is vital to consult with a professional to determine if your business size is still appropriate for a side-activity permit.

4. Professional Support for Drafting Explanatory Documents

The most difficult part of applying for “Individual Permission” is the documentation. Unlike standard applications, there is no simple “check-box” form. You must create a Statement of Reasons or Business Explanation that logically details:

The nature of your business (Shopee export).
Projected income and expenses.
Estimated working hours (and why they won’t interfere with your main status).
Legal consistency with your current visa.

Yokoyama International Legal Office provides specialized support for foreign residents wishing to become Shopee sellers. We draft these complex explanatory documents on your behalf, ensuring they are persuasive and compliant with Immigration guidelines.

Do not risk your life in Japan by working illegally. To start your cross-border e-commerce business safely and legally, please contact us for a consultation.