Uber Eats vs. Wolt vs. Demae-can: A Foreigner’s Guide to Delivery Gigs in Japan

Japan’s food delivery scene has exploded, transforming from a convenience into a vital part of daily life. Accelerated by the pandemic, the market continues to thrive, offering flexible earning opportunities for thousands. For foreigners living in Japan, becoming a delivery partner can be an attractive way to earn money, explore the city, and work on your own schedule. But with several major players in the field, which platform should you choose?

This guide provides a comprehensive comparison of the top three food delivery services in Japan from a driver’s perspective: Uber Eats, Wolt, and Demae-can. We’ll break down everything from earning potential and flexibility to the crucial registration requirements for foreign nationals, helping you make an informed decision.

Japan’s Booming Food Delivery Market: An Overview

The online food delivery market in Japan is a massive and growing industry. In 2024, the market size was valued at over USD 18 billion, and it’s projected to continue its upward trajectory with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 5.82% through 2033 Marketsandata,. This growth, initially sparked by the pandemic, has been sustained by a societal shift towards convenience and app-first consumer behavior.

While several apps compete for a slice of the pie, the market is largely dominated by a few key players. According to Q3 2024 data, Uber Eats remains the largest food delivery app in Japan, commanding nearly half of the market’;s Monthly Active User (MAU) share. However, its dominance is being challenged by both domestic and international competitors.

“Per ST data, Uber Eats is the largest food delivery app in Japan, representing almost half (46%) of MAU share in the market in 3Q24 QTD. Although Uber Eats is larger than its peers (by a magnitude of nearly 3x vs others in the cohort), it has lost share over the past few years due to competitors expanding in the market.” – Sensor Tower

Platform Deep Dive: A Driver’s Perspective

Choosing a platform involves more than just market share. Let’s examine what it’s like to work for each of the big three.

Uber Eats: The Global Giant

As the market leader, Uber Eats offers the largest network of restaurants and customers, translating to a potentially steady stream of delivery requests. Its app is globally recognized for its user-friendly interface and is available in English, making it a popular starting point for many foreigners.

• Earning Structure: Pay is calculated based on a base amount (factoring in time and distance) plus a trip supplement for factors like high traffic or demand. Customers can also add tips directly in the app, though tipping is not a widespread custom in Japan . Payments are made weekly.
• Flexibility: Uber Eats offers complete flexibility. You can log in and work whenever you want, for as long as you want. You are an independent contractor, free to set your own schedule.
• Coverage: Nationwide, available in all 47 prefectures, though service may be limited in some rural towns.
• Vehicle Rules: Accepts bicycles, motorcycles (50cc-125cc, 125cc+), and kei-cars. However, it explicitly does not allow“specified small motorized bicycles” (like e-kickscooters) or “all-electric bicycles” for delivery due to legal complexities.

Pros: High order volume, excellent English app, weekly pay, wide coverage.

Cons: Per-delivery fees can be lower than competitors, strict visa requirements for foreigners.

Wolt: The Premium Challenger

Originally from Finland and now part of DoorDash, Wolt entered the Japanese market in 2020. It has carved out a niche by focusing on a curated selection of high-quality restaurants and expanding into grocery and retail delivery. Its signature blue branding and focus on customer service give it a premium feel.

• Earning Structure: Similar to Uber, earnings are based on distance and other factors. Wolt also allows for tips, which are 100% yours to keep.
• Flexibility: As an independent courier partner, you choose your own hours. The Wolt Partner app provides live updates on earnings and delivery tasks.
• Onboarding: The application process is done online and through their app, and typically takes 1-2 days once all documents are submitted correctly.
• Unique Partners: Wolt stands out by partnering with retailers like Costco, Ikea, and Natural Lawson, offering a wider variety of delivery types beyond just restaurant food.

Pros: Premium brand reputation, potential for varied (non-food) deliveries, user-friendly English app.

Cons: Very strict visa and language requirements for foreigners, smaller market share than Uber Eats or Demae-can.

Demae-can: The Local Champion

Demae-can is one of Japan’;s oldest and largest home-grown delivery services. With deep roots in the market and backing from messaging giant LINE, it boasts an enormous network of over 100,000 merchants. It has a strong brand identity and is a household name in Japan.

• Earning Structure: This is Demae-can’s biggest draw for drivers. It is widely reported to offer the highest per-delivery rewards in the industry. One report from early 2024 cited an average fee of around 750 JPY per delivery, significantly higher than competitors.
• Work Style: Like the others, it operates on a flexible contract basis. However, it uses a “base” system where jobs are allocated within a generally smaller radius (average 1.7km), which can mean shorter, more efficient trips.
• Language & App: While the service is deeply Japanese, some sources indicate English support is available on the customer app. However, for drivers, a certain level of Japanese proficiency is required for communication.
• Coverage: Excellent coverage across all 47 prefectures.

Pros: Highest average pay per delivery, high order density in covered areas, strong brand recognition.

Cons: App may be less intuitive for non-Japanese speakers, Japanese language skills are necessary, recent issues with illegal account rentals have led to increased scrutiny.

Head-to-Head Comparison for Foreign Drivers

For many drivers, the most critical factor is the bottom line. Here, Demae-can often takes the lead with higher base pay per delivery. However, Uber Eats’ vast network might provide more consistent orders, potentially balancing out the earnings over a full day.

Navigating the Rules: Requirements for Foreign Nationals

This is the most critical section for any foreigner considering delivery work in Japan. Each platform has specific, non-negotiable rules regarding your status of residence (visa).

Important: Working outside the scope of your visa is illegal in Japan. Always ensure you have the correct permissions before starting any work. The rules below are based on the latest available information but are subject to change. Always check the official platform websites for the most current requirements.

• Uber Eats: Is very specific about eligible residence statuses. You generally need a status that allows unrestricted work. According to their official site, they accept new signups from foreign nationals with statuses such as: Special Permanent Resident, Permanent Resident, Spouse or Child of a Japanese National, Spouse or Child of a Permanent Resident, Long-Term Resident, or Designated Activities (Working Holiday). Student visas are typically not eligible. Foreign nationals must also visit a Compliance Center for an in-person document check.
• Wolt: Is also very strict. Their FAQ states you need a “;resident status with no work limitation.”; Crucially, they specify that those whose residence card states “working hours within 28 hours allowed” (which applies to most student visas) cannot register. They also require a Japanese language proficiency level of JLPT N2 or higher for communication with support and customers.
• Demae-can: Appears slightly more flexible, but with a significant caveat. Their guidelines state that foreigners can apply, but those with work restrictions (like student visas) must manage their working hours themselves to stay within the legal limits (e.g., 28 hours/week). You must also be able to converse in Japanese. This places the legal responsibility squarely on the driver.

The Pro Strategy: Maximizing Earnings with Multi-Apping

Many experienced delivery partners in Japan don’;t stick to just one app. They practice “multi-apping”—running two or more delivery apps simultaneously. This strategy allows you to:

• Reduce Downtime: If one app is slow, you can pick up orders from another.
• Cherry-Pick Orders: You can compare offers and accept the most profitable delivery available at any given moment.
• Leverage Promotions: Take advantage of peak-time boosts and special campaigns from different platforms.

By registering for multiple services (for which you are eligible), you significantly increase your earning potential. For example, you could use Uber Eats for its consistent order flow and switch to Demae-can when a high-value order pops up.

Conclusion: Which Platform is Right for You?

There is no single “best” food delivery app to work for in Japan—the right choice depends entirely on your personal circumstances and priorities.

• If you are a foreigner with an unrestricted work visa and value a seamless English interface and high order volume, Uber Eats is an excellent place to start. Its global platform makes onboarding relatively straightforward.
• If you have the required unrestricted visa and strong Japanese skills (N2+), Wolt offers a premium experience and varied deliveries, while Demae-can presents the highest potential earnings per trip.
• If you are a student, your options are limited. Based on current policies, Uber Eats and Wolt are likely not options. Demae-can might be possible, but you bear the full responsibility for complying with the 28-hour work limit.

For most eligible foreigners, a smart approach is to start with the platform that has the most straightforward entry process for them, like Uber Eats. Once you’re comfortable with the workflow, consider adding another service like Demae-can to maximize your income.

The gig economy in Japan offers incredible freedom and flexibility. By understanding the landscape and choosing the platform that best fits your needs, you can successfully navigate your journey as a delivery partner.

Ready to hit the road? If Uber Eats sounds like the right fit for you, you can begin the registration process and start earning on your own schedule.