Your Complete Guide to Becoming an Uber Eats Delivery Partner in Japan (2025)

Thinking about joining the gig economy in Japan? Becoming an Uber Eats delivery partner is a popular choice, offering a unique blend of flexibility, income potential, and a chance to explore Japanese cities in a way few others can. But before you hit the road, it’s essential to understand the market, the requirements, and the realities of the job, especially as a foreign national.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know, from market trends and earning potential to the critical visa and tax obligations.

The Booming Food Delivery Market in Japan: A Land of Opportunity

Japan’s online food delivery market is not just growing; it’s transforming. Once tempered by a strong cultural preference for in-person dining, the landscape has dramatically shifted. Factors like increasing single-person households, an aging population seeking convenience, and the widespread adoption of smartphones have created a fertile ground for delivery platforms. The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a massive catalyst, accelerating this change and embedding food delivery into the daily lives of millions.

Market data underscores this rapid expansion. According to Grand View Research, Japan’s online food delivery market was valued at approximately $18.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to surge to over $31.2 billion by 2030. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8%, signaling sustained and robust demand for years to come.

This growth is primarily driven by the “Platform-to-Consumer” model, where services like Uber Eats connect customers with a vast network of restaurants. This segment accounted for over 84% of the market in 2024 and continues to be the fastest-growing, highlighting the critical role of delivery partners in this ecosystem .

Uber Eats in Japan: Leading the Charge

In this crowded and competitive market, Uber Eats has established itself as a dominant force. As of March 2024, it was recognized as the most popular food delivery brand in Japan . Data from Sensor Tower in the third quarter of 2024 showed that Uber Eats commanded nearly half of the market’s Monthly Active Users (MAU), making it significantly larger than its closest competitors.

The competitive landscape includes strong local and international players like Demae-can, Wolt, and DoorDash. While Uber Eats holds a commanding lead, the market is dynamic. Competitors are expanding, and some, like Wolt and Grab, have been gaining user share . This intense competition drives innovation in delivery times, app experience, and restaurant partnerships, ultimately benefiting both consumers and delivery partners.

Data based on Sensor Tower analysis of Monthly Active Users (MAU) for Q3 2024. Competitor shares are estimated based on market positioning and reported trends.

The Life of a Delivery Partner: Freedom, Flexibility, and Finances

Why Choose Gig Work in Japan?

For many, especially in a country known for its demanding work culture, the appeal of gig work is summed up in one word: freedom. An Uber APAC Impact Report found that 88% of drivers and delivery partners cited schedule flexibility as a crucial factor in their choice of work—even more important than earnings . This allows individuals to fit work around their lives, not the other way around.

This contrasts sharply with traditional employment in Japan, which often involves rigid hours and a strict office hierarchy. For students, artists, freelancers, or those seeking a side income, Uber Eats offers an alternative to the “salaryman” lifestyle, providing autonomy and control over one’s schedule .

How Much Can You Earn?

Earnings as an Uber Eats partner are not fixed and can vary significantly based on several factors:

• Location: Major urban centers like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya naturally have higher demand.
• Time: Peak hours, such as lunch (11am-2pm) and dinner (6pm-9pm), as well as weekends and rainy days, typically offer higher earnings potential through promotions and increased order volume.
• Strategy: Experienced partners learn to position themselves in high-demand areas and take advantage of “quests” and “boost” promotions offered in the app.

While Uber doesn’t guarantee an hourly wage, reports from drivers provide some insight. Some sources suggest an hourly rate can range from ¥1,200 to ¥1,800 . One dedicated driver reported earning a net salary of ¥400,000 ($2,900) a month by working hard for up to 50 hours a week . It’s important to view this as a potential outcome of dedicated effort rather than a guaranteed baseline.

Your earnings are transferred weekly, and the app provides a transparent breakdown of each trip’s payment, including any customer tips, 100% of which are yours to keep.

A Glimpse into the “Gig”: Challenges and Realities

While the freedom is a major draw, it’s also important to be aware of the challenges. The work is managed by an algorithm, which can create a sense of pressure to constantly be online and accept orders. Some have described this as the “allure of the UberEats game, the sensation of becoming a slave to the algorithm” .

Safety is another critical aspect. Research has shown that gig workers can face a higher risk of occupational injury compared to non-gig workers, often due to time pressure and high workloads . To address this, Uber provides accident insurance for delivery partners in Japan for injuries that occur while on a delivery trip .

Essential Guide for Foreign Nationals: Are You Eligible?

This is the most critical section for any foreigner considering this work. Eligibility is not about your skills, but entirely about your residence status in Japan.

The Crucial Visa Requirement

Important: Standard work visas (e.g., Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services) are tied to a specific employer and type of skilled work. They do not permit you to engage in freelance delivery work. Engaging in such work without the proper status is a violation of Japanese immigration law.

Delivery driving is classified as “unskilled labor,” and as such, you cannot obtain a work visa specifically for this job. To register as an Uber Eats delivery partner, you must already possess a residence status that allows for unrestricted work. According to Uber’s official guidelines and Japanese immigration rules, these include Uber Japan, :

• Permanent Resident (永住者, Eijusha)
• Spouse or Child of a Japanese National (日本人の配偶者等, Nihonjin no Haigusha tou)
• Spouse or Child of a Permanent Resident (永住者の配偶者等, Eijusha no Haigusha tou)
• Long-Term Resident (定住者, Teijusha)
• Special Permanent Resident (特別永住者, Tokubetsu Eijusha)
• Designated Activities (特定活動, Tokutei Katsudo) – Only certain types, such as a Working Holiday visa, may be eligible. You must confirm the specific permissions of your visa.

Students on a Student Visa: Engaging in freelance work like Uber Eats is generally outside the scope of the “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by the Status of Residence.” This permission is typically for part-time jobs with a formal employment contract, not for independent contractor work.

Step-by-Step: Documents and Requirements

If you have an eligible residence status, you’ll need to prepare the following:

1. Be at least 18 years old.
2. Proof of Identity and Work Permit: Your Residence Card (Zairyu Card) is essential.
3. Japanese Bank Account: To receive your earnings. Opening an account is a necessary first step for any resident in Japan.
4. My Number Card: While not always required for signup, it is essential for filing your taxes as a sole proprietor.
5. Vehicle & Registration:
   • Bicycle: The simplest option with no special license required.
   • Scooter/Motorbike (under 125cc): Requires a valid driver’s license.
   • Motorbike (over 125cc) or Kei Car: These must be registered for commercial use with a green or black license plate. Using a vehicle registered for private use is not permitted by law .
6. Basic Japanese Skills: You will need to communicate with restaurant staff and sometimes customers, so basic conversational ability is required.

Managing Your Finances: Taxes as an Independent Contractor

When you deliver with Uber Eats, you are not an employee. You are an independent contractor, or what is known in Japan as a “kojin jigyo nushi” (個人事業主), a sole proprietor.

Understanding Your Status: “Kojin Jigyo Nushi”

This status means you are running your own small business. Uber does not withhold taxes from your earnings. You are fully responsible for calculating your income, tracking your expenses, and paying your own taxes to the Japanese government .

The good news is that you can deduct business-related expenses from your income to lower your tax bill. Common deductible expenses for a delivery partner include:

• The Uber service fee.
• Vehicle costs (fuel, maintenance, insurance).
• Smartphone and data plan costs.
• Delivery gear (bags, phone holders, etc.).

Filing Your Japanese Tax Return (“Kakutei Shinkoku”)

As a sole proprietor, you must file an annual tax return, known as a “kakutei shinkoku” (確定申告). This process involves reporting all your income earned from January 1st to December 31st of the previous year.

The filing period is from February 16th to March 15th each year . If your annual income from this side business exceeds ¥200,000, you are required to file a tax return .

Tax is complex. It is highly recommended to keep detailed records of all your earnings and expenses. If you are unsure about the process, consider consulting with a tax professional in Japan.

Worker Rights and Protections in Japan’s Gig Economy

The legal status of gig workers has been a topic of discussion globally, and Japan is no exception. In a landmark ruling, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Labor Relations Commission recognized that Uber Eats delivery workers have the right to form a labor union and engage in collective bargaining . This has led to the formation of the Uber Eats Union, which advocates for better pay transparency and accident compensation.

Furthermore, Japan enacted a new Freelance Act in late 2024. This law aims to provide greater protection for independent contractors by setting rules for contracts, payment terms, and dispute resolution, marking a significant step in improving the working environment for gig workers .

Ready to Start? Your Next Steps

Becoming an Uber Eats delivery partner in Japan offers a unique opportunity to earn flexibly in a thriving market. It provides an escape from the traditional 9-to-5 and puts you in control of your schedule and income.

However, success requires understanding the responsibilities that come with being an independent contractor, especially the critical visa and tax requirements for foreign nationals. If you have the right residence status and are ready for a dynamic, on-the-move job, this could be the perfect fit for you.

If you’ve reviewed the requirements and are ready to take the next step, you can begin the registration process today. Use the link below to sign up and start your journey as an Uber Eats delivery partner in Japan.

Sign Up to Deliver with Uber Eats