Joining the Gig Economy in Japan
Japan’s food delivery market has seen explosive growth, with platforms like Uber Eats becoming a household name. For many foreign residents, becoming a delivery partner offers a flexible way to earn income, explore the city, and work on your own schedule. While options like bicycle or walking delivery exist, using a motorcycle or scooter can significantly increase your earning potential through longer-distance deliveries and the ability to work in various weather conditions.
However, navigating the legal requirements in Japan can be complex, especially for foreigners. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what you need to know to start delivering for Uber Eats in Japan with a motorcycle, focusing on licensing, vehicle registration, and the specific rules that apply to non-Japanese residents.
General Requirements for All Delivery Partners
Before diving into motorcycle specifics, it’s essential to understand the baseline requirements that apply to everyone wanting to partner with Uber Eats in Japan.
Age and Basic Eligibility
The minimum age to sign up as a delivery partner is 18 years old. However, the age requirement increases depending on your mode of transport. For scooter and car deliveries, you must be at least 19 years old. You’ll also need to consent to a background screening when you sign up.
Visa Status: The Most Critical Check for Foreigners
This is the most important hurdle for foreign nationals. Your ability to work as an independent contractor for Uber Eats depends entirely on your status of residence (visa). Uber Eats Japan has strict policies to comply with Japanese immigration law.
According to Uber’s official guidelines, new signup requests from foreign nationals are only accepted if they hold one of the following statuses: Permanent Resident, Special Permanent Resident, Long-Term Resident, Spouse or Child of a Japanese National, Spouse or Child of a Permanent Resident, or Designated Activities (specifically for working holidays).Source: Uber Eats Japan
Crucially, certain visa types are not eligible for new registrations. This includes:
- Student Visas: As of August 25, 2021, Uber Eats Japan halted new signups for individuals on student visas. This is because the “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted” (Shikakugai Katsudo Kyoka) for students generally does not cover independent contractor work where working hours cannot be objectively verified.
- Dependent Visas: Similar restrictions apply to those on a Dependent visa.
- Other Restricted Visas: Any visa that limits work to a specific employer or has hourly restrictions (like the 28-hour limit) is generally not eligible for freelance delivery work.
It is illegal to work outside the scope of your visa. Attempting to do so can lead to severe penalties, including deportation. Always verify your eligibility before starting the application process.
Motorcycle Delivery: A Deep Dive into Vehicles and Licenses
Using a motorized vehicle opens up more delivery opportunities. However, it also comes with a more complex set of rules governed by Japan’s Road Transport Vehicle Act.
Understanding Japanese Motorcycle Categories
In Japan, two-wheeled vehicles are classified by engine displacement (cc), which determines the license, registration, and rules you must follow.
- Class 1 Moped (原付一種 – Gentsuki Isshu): 50cc or less. These are very common for city commuting and deliveries. They are affordable and easy to operate but have a speed limit of 30 km/h and require a specific “hook turn” (two-stage right turn) at large intersections.
- Class 2 Moped (原付二種 – Gentsuki Nishu): 51cc to 125cc. These offer more power, can keep up with city traffic (speed limit is the same as cars, typically 60 km/h), and are not subject to the two-stage right turn rule. They can also legally carry a passenger.
- Light Motorcycle (軽二輪 – Kei Nirin): 126cc to 250cc. These require a different license and registration process.
- Small Motorcycle (小型二輪 – Kogata Nirin): Over 250cc. These are full-fledged motorcycles with the most stringent requirements.
For most delivery purposes, vehicles in the 50cc to 125cc range offer the best balance of efficiency, cost, and practicality.
License Requirements for Each Class
The license you need depends on the vehicle you plan to use.
- For 50cc Mopeds: You can operate a 50cc moped with a Gentsuki License (原付免許) or any class of Japanese Car Driver’s License (普通免許). Getting a Gentsuki license is relatively straightforward, requiring a written test and a short practical course, all of which can often be completed in a single day at a licensing center.
- For 51cc-125cc Scooters: You need a Small Motorcycle License (小型限定普通二輪免許). There is an automatic transmission (AT) version of this license which is popular and quicker to obtain, often taking just two days at a driving school.
- For 126cc and above: You will need a higher-class motorcycle license (普通二輪免許 or 大型二輪免許).
Vehicle Registration and Commercial Use
This is a critical legal point. In Japan, you cannot use a privately registered vehicle for paid commercial delivery services. Your vehicle must be registered for commercial use.
“Deliveries using vehicles for private use are not permitted by law. Motorbikes over 125cc and light vehicles must be reported as ‘light motor truck transportation businesses’.”
This means for any motorcycle over 125cc (and for Kei cars), you must obtain a commercial license plate (often black with yellow text, instead of the standard yellow with black text for private Kei cars). This involves visiting your local branch of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) to register your business and then converting your license plate at the Light Motor Vehicle Inspection Organization.
For scooters 125cc and under, the registration process is simpler and handled at your local municipal office, but you must still ensure you have the correct insurance for commercial activity.
Essential Documents for Motorcycle Delivery
When you sign up, you’;ll need to upload clear photos of several documents through the Uber Driver app. Ensure you have everything ready:
- Profile Photo: A clear, forward-facing photo of yourself without a hat or sunglasses.
- Identification Card: For foreign nationals, this will be your Residence Card (Zairyu Card).
- Driver’s License: A valid Japanese driver’s license appropriate for the vehicle you will use.
- Proof of Insurance: You must have a valid Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance (自賠責保険 – jibaiseki hoken). For vehicles over 125cc, you will also need proof of a voluntary insurance policy (任意保険 – nin’i hoken). The delivery partner must be specifically named on the insurance certificate.
- Photo of License Plate: A clear photo showing the license plate properly attached to your vehicle.
- Vehicle Inspection Certificate (車検証 – Shakensho): For vehicles over 125cc, this document is required.
Special Procedures for Foreign Nationals
In addition to the standard requirements, foreign nationals must complete extra steps to verify their identity and legal right to work.
The Compliance Center Visit
All foreign nationals, regardless of visa type (including permanent residents), are required to visit an Uber Eats Compliance Center in person. During this visit, your documents, such as your passport and Residence Card, will be physically checked to verify your identity and work eligibility. You will receive an email with details on how to book this appointment after you submit your documents online.
Language and Communication
While the Uber Driver app can be set to English, basic Japanese communication skills are required to be an Uber Eats delivery partner in Japan. This is necessary for interacting with restaurant staff and occasionally with customers. Support at the Compliance Centers is typically available in Japanese and English.
The Signup Process: Step-by-Step
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility and gathered your documents, the process is straightforward.
- Sign Up Online: Create an account on the Uber website or by downloading the Uber Driver app.
- Upload Documents: Submit photos of all the required documents as prompted by the app. The review process can take up to 72 hours.
- Consent to Screening: Agree to the safety and background screening.
- Visit Compliance Center (Foreign Nationals): If you are a foreign national, schedule and attend your in-person document verification appointment.
- Activate Your Account: Once your documents are approved and your screening is complete, your account will be activated. You can then go online in the app and start accepting delivery requests.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Becoming an Uber Eats delivery partner in Japan can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful preparation, especially for foreign residents. By ensuring you have the correct visa status, the proper license for your motorcycle, and all the necessary commercial registrations and insurance, you can set yourself up for a smooth and successful start.
If you’ve reviewed the requirements and are ready to hit the road, the next step is to begin your application. Use the link below to get started.
コメント