The Ultimate Guide for Foreigners: How to Succeed as an Uber Eats Delivery Partner in Japan and Avoid Account Deactivation

Your Flexible Gig in Japan Awaits

Welcome to Japan! Whether you’re here for study, work, or to build a new life, finding flexible ways to earn an income is often a top priority. Delivering for Uber Eats presents a compelling opportunity: the freedom to be your own boss, the ability to set your own hours, and a unique way to explore the vibrant streets of your city, from Tokyo to Osaka and beyond. The platform has become an essential part of daily life in Japan, connecting hungry customers with their favorite restaurants and generating an estimated ¥49 billion in additional revenue for restaurant-partners in 2021 alone.

However, for foreign nationals, the path to becoming a successful delivery partner can seem paved with complexities. Navigating the specific visa requirements, documentation, and unwritten rules of conduct is essential. This guide is designed specifically for you—the foreigner looking to join the thousands of delivery partners making money on their own terms.

The core challenge, and the primary focus of this article, is understanding and avoiding the single most frustrating experience for any partner: account suspension or deactivation. While the opportunity is significant, the risk is real. An account can be suspended for something as simple as an expired document or permanently deactivated for more serious violations of the platform’s rules. Understanding these rules from day one is not just advisable; it’s critical to your success.

This comprehensive guide will serve as your roadmap. We will cover everything from the non-negotiable signup requirements for foreign residents to the critical dos and don’ts for maintaining a healthy, active, and profitable account. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to not only start your journey but to thrive as a respected Uber Eats delivery partner in Japan.

Part 1: Getting Started the Right Way – Essential Requirements for Foreign Nationals

A smooth start is half the battle. Before you can even think about optimizing your delivery strategy, you must successfully navigate the registration process. For foreign residents in Japan, this involves specific requirements related to your legal status and documentation. Getting this part wrong can lead to an immediate rejection or, worse, a deactivation down the line. This section provides a clear, actionable checklist to ensure you get started on the right foot.

Basic Eligibility

Before diving into visa specifics, ensure you meet the universal requirements for all prospective partners in Japan:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old to register as a delivery partner with Uber Eats in Japan.
• Employment Restrictions: Certain professions are prohibited from engaging in secondary employment. For example, government employees, including members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, cannot register as delivery partners.
• Language Skills: While you don’t need to be fluent, Uber states that basic Japanese communication skills are necessary to become a delivery partner. This is crucial for interacting with restaurant staff and, occasionally, customers.

Crucial Visa & Residence Status Requirements

This is the most critical hurdle for foreign nationals. Your ability to legally work as an independent contractor for Uber Eats is entirely dependent on your status of residence (visa). It is vital to understand that **not all visa types are eligible for new signups.**

Based on Uber’s official guidelines, new registration requests from foreign nationals will only be accepted if they hold one of the following statuses:

• Special Permanent Resident (特別永住者)
• Permanent Resident (永住者)
• Spouse or Child of a Japanese National (日本人の配偶者等)
• Spouse or Child of a Permanent Resident (永住者の配偶者等)
• Long-term Resident (定住者)
• Designated Activities (特定活動) – specifically for Working Holidays.

This information is explicitly listed on Uber’s “Documents Required” page, and you must ensure your Residence Card reflects one of these statuses.

Required Documents Checklist

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, you’ll need to gather your documents. Your name on your Uber account must exactly match the name on your official documents, including any middle names.

For All Foreign National Partners:

• Identification Card: You will need to provide clear photos of the front of your Residence Card (在留カード) or Special Permanent Resident Certificate (特別永住者証明書).
• Secondary ID: You may also need to submit a photo of your passport photo page, My Number Card, or Japanese Driver’s License.
• Proof of Work Permit: This is typically confirmed by providing a photo of the back of your Residence Card, which details any restrictions on your work activities.

For Bicycle Delivery:

• Bicycle Registration for Anti-Theft Purposes (防犯登録, Bōhan Tōroku): This is a legal requirement in Japan. You must ensure your bicycle is registered and may need to provide proof.

For Mopeds & Cars (Light vehicles and motorcycles 125cc and above):

• Valid Driver’s License (運転免許証).
• Certificate of Automobile Third-party Liability Insurance (自動車損害賠償責任保険証明書, Jibaiseki Hoken Shōmeisho): This is mandatory. Crucially, Uber’s guidelines state, “Please ensure that the delivery-partner is specifically named on the insurance certificate.”
• Photo of the License Plate.
• Vehicle Inspection Certificate (車検証, Shakensho): For light passenger vehicles, Uber will check this to ensure legal compliance.

Pro Tip: The Golden Rule of Document Submission

The integrity of your submitted documents is non-negotiable. This is one of the fastest ways to get your application rejected or your account deactivated later. Follow this golden rule: **Submit only clear, original, and unaltered documents.**

Uber’s deactivation policies explicitly list the following as violations:

• Submitting photocopies, scanned documents, or photos of photos.
• Physically or digitally altering documents (e.g., using white-out, unnecessary handwriting, or digital editing).
• Submitting phone screenshots of documents.
• Submitting a document that is not entirely visible and clear.

Take the time to capture high-quality photographs of your original documents in a well-lit area. This simple step can save you immense frustration.

Part 2: Understanding Your Role – The Uber Eats Partnership Model

Once your account is approved, it’s crucial to understand the nature of your relationship with Uber Eats. Misunderstanding this can lead to incorrect expectations about support, payment, and responsibilities. The platform operates on a specific legal framework that defines you not as an employee, but as a business partner.

You are an Independent Contractor

The most fundamental principle of your relationship with Uber Eats is that you are an independent contractor. The “Uber Technology Services Agreement” you accept makes this clear. The agreement states, “For the avoidance of doubt, there is no employment relationship between you and Eats JP or any member of Uber Group.”

This status has two sides:

• Freedom and Flexibility: As an independent contractor, you have complete control over your work. You choose if, when, and where you use the Provider App. There are no shifts, no bosses in the traditional sense, and no exclusivity obligation. You can make decisions “unilaterally, and in real time, through the tap of a button on your smartphone.”
• Responsibility and Liability: This freedom comes with responsibility. You are essentially running your own small business. This means you are responsible for:
  • Taxes: You are responsible for reporting your earnings and paying all applicable taxes. According to Uber’s tax information page, if your Japanese consumption taxable sales exceed JPY 10 million in a two-year period, you may become a Japanese Consumption Taxpayer (JCT Taxpayer) with additional filing obligations.
  • Expenses: All costs associated with your delivery work—vehicle purchase, maintenance, fuel, insurance, smartphone data plan, etc.—are your own business expenses.
  • Compliance: You are responsible for ensuring you comply with all local laws and the terms of the agreement.

The Technology Services Agreement

When you sign up, you enter into a contract, the “Uber Technology Services Agreement,” with local entities like Uber Eats Japan Inc. and Uber Portier B.V. This agreement is the legal foundation of your partnership. It governs your use of the Provider App to receive delivery requests from Uber Eats Japan (Eats JP). It’s a lengthy document, but it contains the explicit rules for termination and account suspension, which we will explore in the next section.

It’s also important to note the distinction between an individual partner and a “Fleet Partner Courier.” A Fleet Partner is a separate business that engages its own couriers. This guide focuses on the more common model of being an individual independent contractor who contracts directly with Uber Eats Japan.

The Core Guide – How to Avoid Account Deactivation

This is the heart of our guide. Understanding the reasons for deactivation is not about fear; it’s about empowerment. By knowing the rules of the road—both literal and digital—you can operate with confidence and protect your source of income. Deactivations are not random; they are triggered by specific actions that violate the platform’s core principles of safety, trust, and integrity.

Introduction to Deactivation: A System Built on Trust

Uber’s entire ecosystem, connecting restaurants, customers, and delivery partners, is built on a foundation of trust and safety. Deactivations are the platform’s primary mechanism for protecting this ecosystem. When a partner’s account is suspended or deactivated, it’s because their actions have been flagged as a potential risk to the community.

The single most important document you must familiarize yourself with is the Uber Community Guidelines. These are not just suggestions; they are the rulebook that all participants are expected to follow. Most deactivations stem from a violation of these guidelines or the specific terms in your service agreement.

Category 1: Account & Document Integrity

This category covers violations related to your identity and legal documentation. These are often considered the most serious offenses because they undermine the fundamental trust required to be on the platform.

Fraudulent Documents

As mentioned in Part 1, there is a zero-tolerance policy for document fraud. Any attempt to submit documents that are altered, belong to someone else, or are otherwise falsified is a direct path to permanent deactivation. This is a foundational security check, and there is virtually no recourse for this type of violation.

Identity Fraud

Your account is yours and yours alone. Sharing it with another person is strictly prohibited and constitutes identity fraud. This includes letting a friend or family member use your account to make deliveries. Uber employs identity verification checks, sometimes requiring you to take a real-time photo, to prevent this. Attempting to bypass these checks or misrepresenting your identity will result in losing access to your account permanently.

Keeping Information Current

This is one of the most common—and preventable—reasons for temporary account suspension. Your Residence Card, Driver’s License, and vehicle insurance all have expiration dates. If any of these documents expire, your account will likely be automatically suspended until you upload a valid, current version. It is your responsibility to keep track of these dates and upload new documents *before* the old ones expire to avoid any interruption in your ability to work. Uber’s guidelines note that it’s not possible to work during an application to change or renew your residence card, so proactive management is key.

Category 2: On-the-Road Conduct & Professionalism

How you conduct yourself while online and making deliveries is paramount. Your actions reflect not only on you but on the entire Uber Eats platform.

Vehicle & Traffic Violations

You must adhere to two key rules regarding your vehicle:

1. Use the Registered Vehicle: You must only use the vehicle (bicycle, moped, or car) that you have registered in the app. A common violation is registering as a “bicycle” but using a motorized scooter or an electric bicycle that falls into a different legal category. If you are found doing this, your account may be suspended in accordance with the Community Guidelines.
2. Obey All Traffic Laws: This is non-negotiable. As an independent contractor, you are solely responsible for your conduct on the road. This includes stopping at red lights, adhering to speed limits, and following all local traffic regulations. For cyclists, Uber strongly encourages wearing a helmet and even offers incentives through its “HelmetClub.” For moped and car drivers, helmets and seatbelts are legally required.

Harassment & Aggressive Behavior

A professional and respectful attitude is mandatory. The Community Guidelines have a strict policy against aggressive, confrontational, or harassing behavior towards anyone you interact with while using the app—customers, restaurant staff, or other members of the public. This includes:

• Using disrespectful, threatening, or inappropriate language or gestures.
• Yelling at or arguing with anyone.
• Any form of sexual misconduct or assault, which carries a zero-tolerance policy and will lead to immediate, permanent deactivation.

Use of Drugs or Alcohol

This is another zero-tolerance issue. Driving or riding any vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and extremely dangerous. Any legitimate report of a partner being under the influence while online will result in permanent deactivation.

Category 3: Operational & Service Quality

Beyond your conduct, the quality of the service you provide is constantly being measured. Consistently poor service can put your account at risk.

Low Satisfaction Rating

After each delivery, customers and restaurants can rate their experience with you. If your satisfaction rating consistently falls below the minimum standard for your city, your account may be flagged for review and potential deactivation. This is a common reason for deactivation reported by partners online. To maintain a high rating, focus on being polite, communicating clearly if there are delays, and handling orders with care.

Food Safety & Order Tampering

You are a crucial link in the food safety chain. The Community Guidelines are very clear on this:

• Do Not Tamper with Orders: Never open or tamper with sealed packaging. Restaurants are encouraged to use tamper-evident packaging, and your job is to deliver it intact.
• Use an Insulated Bag: While not always mandatory by law, using an insulated bag is highly recommended to maintain food temperature and quality. It leads to a better customer experience and higher ratings.
• Alcohol Delivery Protocol: If you deliver alcohol, you are legally responsible for verifying the customer’s age with a valid, government-issued photo ID. You must refuse delivery if the customer is underage or appears intoxicated. Failure to follow these procedures is a serious violation.

Fraudulent Activity & “Gaming the System”

Uber’s system is designed to distribute delivery requests fairly and efficiently. Any attempt to manipulate this system for unfair gain is considered fraudulent activity and can lead to deactivation. The service agreement gives Uber and Eats JP the right to suspend or terminate accounts for actions that “improperly obtain compensation.”

A Cautionary Tale from Japan: “Whale Hunting”
In early 2025, reports emerged of a phenomenon in Japan where some delivery partners would gather in specific locations and repeatedly reject standard delivery requests. Their goal was to manipulate the algorithm into creating a high-paying “whale” order—a single delivery with an inflated fee due to the lack of available couriers. As reported in online forums, this behavior, while intended to maximize earnings, disrupts the service for customers and restaurants and is exactly the type of system manipulation that can be flagged and lead to account suspension.

Category 4: Legal & Contractual Breaches

This category covers overarching violations of your agreement with Uber Eats.

Serious Breach of Terms

The “Uber Technology Services Agreement” contains a termination clause (Section 14) that outlines various reasons for immediate termination. This includes any “material breach” of the contract, losing the legal qualification to provide delivery services, or any action that causes “significant adverse effects” on the reputation or brand of Uber or Uber Eats. This serves as a catch-all for serious misconduct not explicitly covered elsewhere.

Context: Recent Lawsuits and Settlements

It is noteworthy that Uber Eats Japan’s deactivation process has been under scrutiny. In May 2025, the company reached an undisclosed settlement with two delivery partners who had sued after their accounts were suspended without what they claimed was clear or sufficient justification. This was reported by major news outlets like The Asahi Shimbun. While this doesn’t change the rules, it highlights that the company is under pressure to ensure its deactivation processes are fair and transparent. However, it also reinforces that the rules are actively enforced, sometimes leading to legal challenges.

What to Do If Your Account Is Deactivated

Despite your best efforts, you might find your account suspended or deactivated. It’s a stressful situation, but it’s important to approach it calmly and methodically. Not all deactivations are permanent, and there is a process for review.

First Steps: Don’t Panic

1. Check for Communication: The first thing to do is check your email and the messages section of the Uber Driver App. Uber will typically send a notification explaining the reason for the deactivation.
2. Identify the Cause: Understanding the reason is crucial. Is it a temporary suspension or a permanent deactivation?
   • Temporary Suspension: This is often due to an expired document. The solution is usually straightforward: upload the new, valid document, and your account should be reactivated.
   • Permanent Deactivation: This is for more serious violations of the Community Guidelines or terms of service. This requires a formal appeal.

The Appeal Process

If you believe your account was deactivated incorrectly, you have the right to request a review. Uber has built an in-app **Review Center** to handle these cases.

When submitting your appeal, follow these best practices:

• Be Polite and Professional: An angry or demanding tone will not help your case. Be respectful in your communication.
• Be Concise and Factual: Clearly and calmly state why you believe the deactivation was a mistake. Stick to the facts of the specific incident.
• Provide Evidence: If you have any evidence to support your case—such as screenshots of a conversation, photos that clarify a situation, or a detailed, factual timeline of events—include it with your appeal.

You can typically find the option to appeal within the app or by responding to the deactivation email. Uber’s help pages state they will reach out with a final decision, often within 3 working days.

Managing Expectations

It’s important to be realistic about the outcome of an appeal. While appeals for misunderstandings or situations with clear evidence can be successful, appeals for serious, clear-cut violations like identity fraud, document alteration, or safety-related incidents are far less likely to be overturned. The platform prioritizes the safety and integrity of the community, and decisions on these matters are often final.

Go Beyond Surviving, Start Thriving: Tips for Success

Avoiding deactivation is the baseline. To truly succeed and make your time as an Uber Eats partner both profitable and enjoyable, you should aim higher. This means leveraging the tools the platform provides and understanding the local culture.

Master the Uber Eats Pro Program

Uber Eats Pro is a tiered rewards program designed to recognize dedicated and high-quality delivery partners. It’s a system that incentivizes the very behaviors that keep your account in good standing. By making deliveries and maintaining a high satisfaction rating, you earn points that unlock different tiers: Green, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond.

Perks can include discounts on gas and EV charging, priority support, and other benefits. The key requirement to qualify and advance is maintaining a **95% or higher satisfaction rating** from customers and restaurants. This directly links your success in the Pro program to providing excellent service.

Embrace Japanese Service Culture

While you are an independent contractor, your service reflects on the platform. In Japan, service standards are exceptionally high. A little effort goes a long way.

• Politeness is Key: Simple greetings like “こんにちは” (Konnichiwa) to restaurant staff and “お疲れ様です” (Otsukaresama desu) to anyone you interact with can make a significant positive impression.
• Tipping Culture: While the Uber app allows for tipping, it is not a traditional or expected custom in Japan. Uber’s own terms clarify that tipping is optional. Instead of focusing on tips, focus on providing excellent service to earn high ratings. These ratings are far more valuable for the long-term health of your account and for qualifying for programs like Uber Eats Pro.

Stay Protected on the Road

Accidents can happen. It’s reassuring to know that Uber provides a level of protection for partners in Japan. Through a partnership with Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance, Uber offers a **Partner Support Program**. This program provides coverage for accidental personal injuries sustained by a delivery partner *during* a delivery trip. This is in addition to the third-party liability insurance that is already in place. Knowing you have this safety net allows you to deliver with greater peace of mind.

Conclusion: Start Your Uber Eats Journey with Confidence

Becoming an Uber Eats delivery partner in Japan as a foreigner is an achievable and rewarding venture. It offers unparalleled flexibility and a solid way to earn an income. However, success is built on a foundation of diligence and responsibility. By internalizing the lessons in this guide, you can confidently navigate the system and avoid the pitfalls that lead to account deactivation.

By following this advice, you can transform a potentially complex process into a straightforward path to success. You can avoid the stress and frustration of a suspended account and instead focus on what matters: enjoying the freedom, exploring your city, and achieving your financial goals.