The flexibility of being an Uber Eats delivery partner is appealing, especially in a country like Japan where you can explore vibrant city streets while earning an income. However, for foreign nationals, navigating the complexities of Japanese immigration law is the most critical first step. This guide provides a clear, comprehensive overview of the visa requirements to help you understand if you can legally deliver for Uber Eats in Japan.
The Short Answer: Can You Deliver on a Tourist Visa?
Let’s address the most common question first. The answer is an unequivocal no.
Working on a Tourist Visa or under the Visa Waiver Program (officially “Temporary Visitor” or 短期滞在) is strictly prohibited by Japanese law. This visa is for tourism, visiting relatives, or short-term business meetings—not for engaging in any activity that generates income.
Attempting to work on a tourist visa constitutes “illegal employment” (不法就労). The consequences are severe, not only for you but also for anyone who facilitates it. Penalties can include imprisonment, hefty fines, and deportation with a subsequent ban on re-entering Japan for several years. The Japanese government is also toughening penalties for employers and brokers who aid illegal work, with proposed fines up to ¥5 million and imprisonment up to five years.
Uber Eats’ Official Policy: Which Visas Are Accepted?
Beyond general immigration law, Uber Eats Japan has its own specific requirements for foreign delivery partners. Following incidents of illegal work by overstayers, Uber suspended new sign-ups from certain visa categories in 2021 to ensure compliance.
According to Uber’s official website, as of 2025, new delivery partners must hold one of the following statuses of residence:
- 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 (Working Holiday) (特定活動・ワーキングホリデー)
Notably, several visa types that were previously accepted are no longer eligible for new registrations. This includes Student, Dependent (Family Stay), and Cultural Activities visas.
Common Visa Scenarios: A Deeper Dive
Understanding the “why” behind these rules is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of common visa types and why they are, or are not, suitable for Uber Eats.
Student & Dependent Visas: The 28-Hour Permit Myth
Holders of Student (留学) and Dependent (家族滞在) visas can often obtain a “;Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted by the Status of Residence” (資格外活動許可). This permit generally allows for part-time work up to 28 hours per week.
However, there are two major issues:
- Uber’s Policy: As mentioned, Uber Eats no longer accepts new registrations from individuals on these visas.
- Legal Interpretation: The 28-hour permit is intended for traditional part-time employment (アルバイト) under an employer. Gig work, where you are an independent contractor, is legally distinct. Many legal experts argue that freelance activities like Uber Eats do not fall under the scope of this general permit. This makes it a legally risky area even if a platform were to allow it.
Work Visas (Engineer, Specialist, etc.): Is It a Legal Side Hustle?
If you have a work visa like “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services”; (技術・人文知識・国際業務), your permitted activities are limited to professional roles defined by that visa. Food delivery is classified as “unskilled labor” and is outside this scope.
While you can apply for a special, individual permission for a side job, it is highly unlikely to be granted for an activity so different from your primary professional field. Engaging in such work without specific permission would be a violation of your visa status.
Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa: A Potential Pathway?
The Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能) visa is designed for specific industries facing labor shortages. The “;Automobile Transportation Business” (自動車運送業) is one of the designated fields. However, this visa requires you to be employed by a specific company that meets the program’;s criteria. It does not permit freelance or independent contractor work, which is the model for Uber Eats. Therefore, you cannot simply get an SSW visa and start delivering for Uber Eats on your own.
Designated Activities Visa: It Depends on the “Designation”
The “Designated Activities”; (特定活動) visa is a broad category that covers various situations, from job hunting to internships. Your eligibility to work depends entirely on the activities specified in your “Designation Form” (指定書), a document attached to your passport.
The most common eligible type is the Working Holiday visa, which Uber explicitly accepts because it grants broad permission to work to supplement travel funds.
The Risks of Illegal Work: More Than Just Losing Your Account
Some may be tempted by workarounds like “account renting,” where an eligible person rents their account to an ineligible one. This is illegal and increasingly being cracked down on. A recent case involving the delivery platform Demae-can highlighted how organized these fraudulent schemes can be.
The risks are immense:
- For the worker: Deportation, fines, potential imprisonment, and a ban on re-entering Japan.
- For the account holder: Charges for aiding and abetting illegal employment, which carries severe penalties.
The short-term gain is not worth the life-altering consequences of violating Japan’s immigration laws.
How to Get Started Legally with Uber Eats
If you have confirmed that your visa status is on Uber’;s eligible list, the process to get started is straightforward.
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Double-check that your visa is one of the following: Permanent Resident, Spouse of Japanese National/Permanent Resident, Long-term Resident, or Designated Activities (Working Holiday).
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather the necessary identification and proof of your work permission.
- Sign Up: Use the official Uber Eats registration portal to create your account and upload your documents.
Required Documents for Eligible Foreign Nationals
According to Uber’s requirements, you will need to submit clear photos of the following:
- Residence Card (在留カード): Both the front and back. This is the primary document proving your status and work authorization.
- Passport: The photo page.
- Profile Photo: A clear headshot for your account.
Be aware that Uber may require an in-person verification of your documents at one of their Compliance Centers to finalize your account activation.
Conclusion: Ride Smart, Ride Legal
Delivering for Uber Eats can be a fantastic way to experience Japan and earn money on your own schedule. However, this opportunity is built on a foundation of strict legal compliance. Always prioritize understanding your visa status and adhering to both Japanese law and Uber’s platform rules.
If you have an eligible visa and are ready to start your journey as a delivery partner, the streets of Japan await. Make sure you have all your documents in order and sign up with confidence.
Ready to start delivering? If you have an eligible visa, you can begin the registration process now.
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