How to Start Uber Eats Delivery in Japan: A Complete Guide for Foreigners

Is Delivering for Uber Eats in Japan Right for You?

Delivering for Uber Eats in Japan offers a flexible earning opportunity, serving as a popular alternative to traditional part-time jobs. With a presence in Tokyo and 35 other prefectures, it connects a vast network of restaurants with customers. This appeals to a wide range of people, from students to those looking for a side job, because it allows you to set your own schedule and work when you want.

However, it’s crucial to understand that when you deliver for Uber Eats, you are not an employee. You operate as an independent contractor or sole proprietor (個人事業主, kojin jigyo nushi). This means you are responsible for your own taxes, insurance, and other obligations that would typically be handled by an employer. As highlighted during the COVID-19 crisis, this distinction is significant, as freelancers and gig workers often face a different level of economic security compared to payroll employees.

Crucial Eligibility: Visa and Residency Status

For foreigners, the most critical requirement for working with Uber Eats in Japan is having the correct visa or “;status of residence.” Not all visas permit this type of work. Uber Eats Japan has specific policies regarding which foreign nationals are eligible to sign up as new delivery partners.

Who is Eligible to Sign Up?

According to Uber’s official guidelines, new sign-up requests from foreign nationals are only accepted if they hold one of the following statuses of residence:

• Special Permanent Resident
• Permanent Resident
• Spouse or Child of a Japanese National
• Spouse or Child of a Permanent Resident
• Long-term Resident
• Designated Activity (specifically for working holidays)

These visas generally grant unrestricted or flexible work permissions, making them compatible with the independent contractor model of Uber Eats. You can find this information directly on the Uber Eats Japan sign-up requirements page.

Who is NOT Eligible for New Sign-ups?

Important Policy Update: As of August 25, 2021, Uber Eats Japan halted new registrations for foreign nationals on certain visa types that have work restrictions.

This policy change means that individuals with the following visas are no longer eligible to sign up as new delivery partners:

• Student Visa: While students could previously work part-time, new registrations are now frozen. This change was implemented following cases of visa violations.
• Cultural Activity Visa
• Dependent Visa: While dependents can work up to 28 hours per week with permission, this type of gig work, where hours are not clearly defined beforehand, poses complications.
• Tourist Visa / Visa Waiver: Working on a tourist visa is strictly illegal in Japan.

This policy was enacted after authorities investigated cases of delivery staff working in violation of immigration laws, as reported by The Asahi Shimbun. Those who had registered before the policy change may be able to continue working.

The Importance of Your Residence Card (Zairyu Card)

Your Residence Card (在留カード, Zairyu Kādo) is your primary form of identification in Japan. It proves your legal residency status and specifies whether you are permitted to work. During the Uber Eats registration process, you will be required to submit a clear photo of this card. For all foreign nationals, the sign-up process must be completed at a Compliance Center, where your documents, including your passport and residence card, will be verified in person.

Getting Started: Requirements and Registration

Once you’ve confirmed your visa eligibility, you’ll need to meet a few other requirements related to your age, vehicle, and documentation.

Basic Personal Requirements

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• ID: A valid government-issued ID is required. For foreigners, this will be your Residence Card and Passport.
• Japanese Skills: Basic Japanese communication skills are necessary to navigate the app and interact with restaurant staff and customers.
• Bank Account: You need a Japanese bank account to receive your earnings. You’ll need to provide a photo of your bank book or a screenshot from your online banking app showing your name and account number.

Vehicle-Specific Requirements

The requirements vary depending on how you choose to deliver. It’;s illegal to use a vehicle registered for private use for commercial delivery purposes. Therefore, certain vehicles require commercial registration.

• Bicycle or On Foot: This is the simplest option. You only need to be 18+ and have a government-issued ID. No driver’s license is required.
• Scooter or Motorbike (125cc or less): You must have a valid driver’s license for the vehicle class, liability insurance (自賠責保険, jibaiseki hoken), and a photo of your license plate.
• Motorbike (over 125cc) or Light Vehicle (Kei Car): This is more complex. These vehicles must be registered for commercial use, which means obtaining a special green number plate (for motorbikes) or a black number plate (for kei cars). You will also need to provide proof of both mandatory liability insurance and voluntary insurance (任意保険, nin’i hoken). Uber provides detailed document lists for each vehicle type.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

1. Sign Up Online: Create an account on the Uber website, selecting your city and preferred delivery method.
2. Upload Documents: You’ll be prompted to upload photos of your required documents, such as your Residence Card, driver’s license, and vehicle registration papers.
3. Consent to a Background Check: Uber will conduct a background screening.
4. Visit a Compliance Center: As a foreign national, you must visit an Uber Eats Compliance Center to have your identity and documents verified in person.
5. Get Your Gear: Once approved, you can acquire an insulated delivery bag and start accepting delivery requests through the Uber Driver app.

Managing Your Finances: Payments and Taxes

As an independent contractor, you are running a small business. This means you are in full control of your finances, from earnings to taxes.

How You Get Paid

Your earnings are calculated based on the deliveries you complete, and customers can also add a tip, which is 100% yours to keep. Payments are handled in a few ways:

• Weekly Transfers: Your earnings are automatically transferred to your registered Japanese bank account every week.
• Cash Deliveries: In Japan, customers have the option to pay in cash. This means you may need to accept cash upon delivery and provide change. The cash you collect will be deducted from your total earnings before the weekly bank transfer.
• Earnings Statement: You can download a weekly payment statement from your partner dashboard. This document is crucial for your financial records and tax filing.

Understanding Your Tax Obligations

This is one of the most important responsibilities of a freelancer in Japan. Uber does not withhold taxes from your earnings; you must report your income and pay taxes yourself.

You are responsible for reporting and paying all taxes associated with your earnings. It is highly recommended to consult a tax advisor for your specific situation.

• Final Tax Return (確定申告, Kakutei Shinkoku): You must file a final tax return if your annual income from Uber Eats (after deducting expenses) exceeds certain thresholds. For example, if it’s a side business, you generally need to file if your side income is more than 200,000 yen per year. The filing period is typically from February 16 to March 15 for the previous calendar year’s income.
• You are a Sole Proprietor: The Japanese tax authority views Uber Eats delivery partners as sole proprietors. This means you can deduct business-related expenses (e.g., vehicle maintenance, gasoline, phone bills, bag costs) from your income to lower your tax liability.
• Record Keeping: Keep all receipts and download your weekly Uber statements. Using accounting software can make this process much easier. You will need your My Number Card and Residence Card when filing.

The National Tax Agency (NTA) website provides official information, and they have requested financial details of delivery workers from Uber Eats Japan in the past to ensure compliance.

Essential Social Security for Freelancers

Unlike company employees who are automatically enrolled in social insurance (社会保険, Shakai Hoken) by their employer, freelancers must enroll themselves in Japan’s national systems.

National Health Insurance (国民健康保険, Kokumin Kenko Hoken)

If you are a resident of Japan staying for more than three months and are not covered by an employer’s health insurance, you are legally required to enroll in the National Health Insurance (NHI) system.

• Enrollment: You must register at your local municipal or ward office.
• Premiums: The cost is calculated based on your income from the previous year. This is why accurately filing your tax return is so important, as your declared income will determine your NHI premiums for the following year.
• Payment: You will receive payment slips from your ward office, which can be paid at banks, post offices, or convenience stores.

National Pension System (国民年金, Kokumin Nenkin)

All registered residents of Japan aged 20 to 59, regardless of nationality, must be covered by the National Pension system. As a freelancer, you are classified as a “;Category I Insured Person.”

• Enrollment: You must enroll yourself at your local municipal office within 14 days of becoming eligible (e.g., after leaving a company job or starting as a freelancer).
• Contributions: The contribution is a fixed monthly amount, which is ¥17,510 per month for the 2025 fiscal year. This is a mandatory payment.
• Exemptions: If you have low income, you can apply for a contribution exemption or postponement, but this may reduce your future pension benefits.

The Reality of Gig Work in Japan: Pros and Cons

Working as an Uber Eats delivery partner offers a unique lifestyle, but it’s important to weigh the benefits against the challenges.

The Advantages

• Ultimate Flexibility: You are your own boss. You decide when, where, and how long you work.
• Easy Entry (if eligible): The sign-up process is straightforward, and you don’t need extensive experience.
• Weekly Payments: Consistent cash flow with earnings transferred weekly.
• Explore Your City: A great way to discover new parts of your city while getting paid.

The Challenges

• Income Instability: Your earnings can fluctuate significantly based on demand, weather, and time of day. There is no guaranteed salary.
• No Employee Benefits: You do not receive paid holidays, sick leave, transportation allowance, or other benefits common in traditional employment.
• Full Responsibility: You are solely responsible for your taxes, insurance, pension, and all work-related expenses. This administrative burden can be significant.
• Lack of Social Safety Net: As a freelancer, you have less job security and may not be covered by certain government support programs designed for employees.

Ready to Start? Your Next Steps

Delivering for Uber Eats in Japan can be a rewarding and flexible way to earn money, provided you meet the strict eligibility requirements and are prepared for the responsibilities of being a sole proprietor. Ensure your visa status allows for this type of work, understand your vehicle and insurance requirements, and be ready to manage your own taxes and social security contributions.

If you’ve reviewed the requirements and are confident you’re eligible, you can take the first step towards becoming an Uber Eats delivery partner today.