Thinking of earning flexibly while exploring Japan? Becoming an Uber Eats delivery partner is a popular choice for many foreigners. This guide provides a comprehensive checklist of the documents and steps required, specifically for foreign nationals, to ensure your registration process is as smooth as possible.
Is This Opportunity Right for You? The Basics
Before diving into the paperwork, let’s cover the fundamentals. As an Uber Eats delivery partner, you operate as a freelancer, giving you control over your schedule. You can work when and where you want, making it an excellent option for a side job or a flexible main source of income. The platform offers weekly payments and doesn’t require prior delivery experience.
The basic requirements are straightforward:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You need a smartphone to use the Uber Driver app.
- Basic Japanese communication skills are necessary for a smooth experience.
The demand for food delivery services remains strong. Recent industry reports from mid-2025 indicate a significant year-over-year increase in job postings for delivery partners, signaling a healthy and growing market for those looking to join..
The Crucial First Step: Checking Your Visa Eligibility
For foreign nationals, the most critical requirement is holding a valid residence status (visa) that permits freelance work. Uber Japan has specific guidelines on which statuses are eligible for new registrations.
According to Uber’s official requirements, you can register if you hold one of the following residence statuses:
- Permanent Resident (永住者)
- Special Permanent Resident (特別永住者)
- 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)
- Specified Activities (Working Holiday) (特定活動・ワーキングホリデー)
Important Notice: As of August 25, 2021, Uber Eats Japan no longer accepts new registrations from individuals with a Student (留学) visa or other “;Specified Activities” visas that have a 28-hour weekly work limit. If you registered before this date with such a visa, different rules apply, including periodic in-person checks. Refugee applicants are also not eligible to register.
Your Step-by-Step Registration Guide
The registration process is mostly online, with one key in-person step for all foreign applicants. Here’s a breakdown of the journey from sign-up to your first delivery.
- Create Your Account: Start by signing up on the Uber website or by downloading the Uber Driver app. You’ll need to provide basic information like your name, email, and phone number.
- Upload Your Documents: You will be prompted to upload photos of the required documents based on your chosen delivery method and visa status. Ensure the photos are clear and all information is legible.
- Complete the Background Check: After your initial documents are approved, Uber will initiate a background check. This process is handled by a third-party partner and can take several days to complete.
- The Mandatory Compliance Center Visit: This is a crucial step for all foreign nationals, including permanent residents. After submitting your documents online, you must visit an Uber Compliance Center for a physical check of your Residence Card and Passport. Your account will not be fully activated until this is complete.
- Final Steps & Getting Your Gear: Once your documents, background check, and in-person ID verification are cleared, you’ll need to complete a short online road safety quiz. After that, you just need to get an insulated delivery bag (you can buy an official one or use your own that meets the standards) and you’re ready to go online and start accepting deliveries!
Document Checklist: What You’ll Need
Having the correct documents ready will speed up your application. The requirements vary based on your visa and chosen delivery vehicle. All documents must be valid (not expired) and in your name.
General Documents (All Applicants)
- Profile Photo: A clear, front-facing photo of yourself (from the shoulders up). No sunglasses or hats are allowed. This is your ID for restaurants and customers.
- Bank Account Information: An ATM card or bank book page showing your name and account details for receiving payments.
Identification & Work Permit (Based on Visa Status)
This is where requirements differ the most. Find your visa category below and prepare the specified documents. This information is based on the official Uber Japan document guide.
For Permanent Residents, Long-Term Residents, and Spouse Visa Holders:
- Identification: Your Residence Card (在留カード, front side) AND one of the following: Passport (photo page), My Number Card, or Japanese Driver’s License.
- Work Permit Proof: Your Residence Card (在留カード, back side).
For Special Permanent Residents:
- Identification: Your Special Permanent Resident Certificate (特別永住者証明書, front side).
- Work Permit Proof: Your Special Permanent Resident Certificate (特別永住者証明書, back side).
For Working Holiday Visa Holders:
- Identification: Your Residence Card (在留カード, front side) AND your Passport (photo page).
- Work Permit Proof: Your Residence Card (在留カード, back side) AND the “Designation” paper (指定書) that came with your visa.
Vehicle-Specific Documents
In addition to your personal ID, you’ll need documents for the vehicle you plan to use.
- Bicycle or On Foot: No extra vehicle documents are needed.
- Scooter/Moped (125cc or less):
- Japanese Driver’s License (運転免許証)
- License Plate Photo (ナンバープレート)
- Liability Insurance Certificate (自賠責保険証)
- Motorcycle (over 125cc) or Kei-Car (Light Vehicle):
- Japanese Driver’s License (運転免許証)
- License Plate Photo (ナンバープレート) – must be a commercial plate (green or black).
- Liability Insurance Certificate (自賠責保険証)
- Vehicle Inspection Certificate (車検証) or Light Motor Vehicle Certificate (軽自動車届出済証)
Vehicle Warning: Uber Eats Japan does not permit the use of “Specified small motorized bicycles,”; which includes many popular electric kickboards and similar all-electric bikes, for deliveries due to legal and safety concerns. Registering with a bicycle and using a motorized vehicle is a violation of terms and can lead to account deactivation.
Ready to Start? Sign Up Now!
Navigating the registration process is the biggest hurdle, but with the right documents and a clear understanding of the steps, you can be on the road earning in no time. The flexibility and opportunity to see more of your city make it a rewarding experience for many.
If you have all your documents ready and meet the eligibility criteria, you can start your application today. Use the link below to begin your journey as an Uber Eats delivery partner in Japan!
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