Thinking about joining the world of food delivery in Japan? Uber Eats offers a flexible way to earn money, explore your city, and work on your own schedule. For foreigners living in Japan, it can be an excellent side job or even a full-time gig. However, the registration process involves specific requirements, especially concerning visa status and documentation.
This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough of the Uber Eats Japan registration process for 2025, tailored specifically for foreign nationals.
- Why Deliver with Uber Eats in Japan?
- Core Eligibility: Can You Become a Delivery Partner?
- The Registration Process: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
- Required Documents: What You’ll Need to Prepare
- Understanding Your Vehicle Options
Why Deliver with Uber Eats in Japan?
The appeal of being an Uber Eats delivery partner lies in its flexibility. You are an independent contractor, which means you choose when and where you work. This makes it a great alternative to traditional part-time jobs with fixed schedules. Whether you’re a student, a professional looking to supplement your income, or someone who enjoys being active, delivering with Uber Eats can fit into your lifestyle.
“Delivering through Uber Eats in Tokyo offers a flexible earning opportunity. It’s a great alternative to traditional delivery jobs… Delivery partners using Uber come from all backgrounds and industries, setting their own schedule to make work fit into their lives, not the other way around.” – Uber Official Site
Core Eligibility: Can You Become a Delivery Partner?
Before you begin the registration process, it’s essential to confirm you meet the eligibility criteria. These are divided into basic requirements for everyone and specific visa requirements for foreign nationals.
Basic Requirements for All Applicants
Every applicant, regardless of nationality, must meet these conditions:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Employment Status: Certain government employees, such as members of the Self-Defense Forces, who are prohibited from holding a second job, cannot register.
- Communication Skills: Basic Japanese communication skills are required to handle pickups and deliveries smoothly.
- Unique Account: You can only have one Uber Eats delivery partner account. Creating multiple accounts will lead to deactivation.
Crucial Visa/Residency Status for Foreign Nationals
This is the most critical step for non-Japanese applicants. Uber Eats Japan has a strict policy and only accepts new registrations from foreign nationals with specific statuses of residence that permit work. As of 2025, you must hold one of the following visas:
- 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)
- Designated Activities (Working Holiday) (特定活動・ワーキングホリデー)
Important: If your visa status is not on this list (e.g., Student, Dependent, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities), you are likely not eligible to register as a new delivery partner. Always refer to the official Uber Eats requirements page for the most current information.
The Registration Process: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
The entire registration process is done online and through the app. It typically takes about a week from start to finish, depending on document verification times.
- Download the Uber Driver App: The first step is to download the “Uber Driver” app, not the regular Uber or Uber Eats customer app. This is your main tool for receiving requests, navigating, and tracking earnings.
- Create Your Account: Sign up with your personal details. Ensure the name you use is your full legal name as it appears on your official documents (like your passport and residence card), written in Roman characters (alphabet).
- Upload Required Documents: You will be prompted to upload photos of your documents. The specific documents depend on your chosen delivery vehicle and nationality. (See the detailed list below).
- Complete the Safety Quiz & Aptitude Tests: After your documents are submitted, you’ll need to complete a mandatory online road safety quiz. For those registering with a light vehicle (Kei-car), an aptitude test has been required since April 1, 2025.
- Account Activation: Document review can take up to 72 hours. After you pass the safety quiz, your account will typically be activated within another 72 hours. You’ll receive a notification once you’re ready to go online and start accepting deliveries.
Required Documents: What You’ll Need to Prepare
Having your documents ready will speed up the process. Ensure all photos are clear, with no glare or blur, and show all four corners of the document.
Universal Documents (All Applicants)
- Profile Photo: A clear, forward-facing photo of yourself without sunglasses, a hat, or a mask. This is the photo customers will see. It must be a photo of you, not a picture of your ID photo.
- Identification (ID): A valid government-issued ID. For Japanese nationals, this can be a driver’s license, passport, or My Number Card. For foreign nationals, specific requirements apply (see below).
- Bank Account Proof: A photo of your bank cash card showing the bank name, account number, and your name to set up payments.
Vehicle-Specific Documents
The documents you need depend on how you plan to deliver. Here is a breakdown based on information from the official Uber Eats registration page.
| Document | Bicycle / Walker | Moped (<125cc) | Motorcycle (>125cc) | Kei-Car (Light Vehicle) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Profile Photo & ID | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Driver’s License | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Compulsory Liability Insurance (自賠責保険) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| License Plate Photo | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ (Business Plate) | |
| Optional Insurance (任意保険) | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Vehicle Certificate (軽自動車届出済証 / 車検証) | ✔ | ✔ |
Special Document Requirements for Foreign Nationals
In addition to the documents above, foreign nationals must provide proof of their identity and work authorization. This typically involves:
- Residence Card (在留カード – Zairyu Card): You will need to upload clear photos of both the front and back of your card.
- Additional ID: You may also need to provide a second piece of identification, such as your passport. For those on a Working Holiday visa, the “Designated Activities” page (指定書) in your passport is also required.
Understanding Your Vehicle Options
You can deliver using a bicycle, motorcycle (various sizes), or a Kei-car (light vehicle). You can use your own vehicle or a rental.
For those using a Kei-car for deliveries, you must obtain a commercial license plate (black with yellow characters) and, as of April 1, 2025, complete a safety manager training course and an aptitude test.
Important Vehicle Restriction
Uber Eats Japan does not permit the use of “Specified Small Motorized Bicycles” (特定小型原動機付自転車), which includes most e-scooters and certain types of e-bikes, for deliveries. You must register your vehicle in the correct category to avoid account suspension. This policy is in place due to legal complexities and safety concerns, as stated on the Uber platform.
Navigating the Financials: Earnings, Payments, and Taxes
As an independent contractor, you are responsible for managing your own finances.
How You Get Paid
Your earnings are transferred weekly to the bank account you register. It’s important to note that Uber Eats does not support all financial institutions. Accounts from credit unions (信用金庫), agricultural co-ops (農協 – JA), and labor banks (労金) are generally not accepted. You can track your earnings in real-time within the Uber Driver app.
Taxes and Responsibilities
Uber does not withhold taxes from your earnings. You are considered self-employed and are responsible for filing your own annual tax return (確定申告 – kakutei shinkoku) if your income exceeds the threshold. The delivery fees you earn are inclusive of Japan’;s consumption tax. It is highly recommended to keep records of your earnings and expenses (like fuel, vehicle maintenance, and phone bills) to deduct them from your taxable income. For detailed advice, consulting a tax professional is the best course of action.
Ready to Start? Your Final Checklist
Before you hit “Go Online” for the first time, make sure you have everything in order:
- ✅ Your account is fully activated.
- ✅ You have a suitable and correctly registered vehicle.
- ✅ You have a smartphone with the Uber Driver app installed and a portable battery charger.
- ✅ You have a delivery bag. Uber does not provide one, but you can purchase the official bag (around 4,000 JPY) or use a similar large, insulated bag.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How long does the entire registration process take?
- Typically, it takes about one week from creating your account to being fully activated, though it can be faster if your documents are approved quickly.
- Do I need to be fluent in Japanese?
- While fluency isn’t required, Uber states that basic Japanese communication skills are necessary to interact with restaurant staff and sometimes with customers.
- Can I rent a vehicle for deliveries?
- Yes, you can use a rental bicycle or motorcycle. You must ensure you have all the required registration and insurance documents for the vehicle.
- What happens if I upload the wrong document?
- If a document is rejected, you will be notified in the Uber Driver app. You can re-upload the correct document. This may delay your account activation.
Sign Up and Start Earning
Becoming an Uber Eats delivery partner in Japan is a straightforward process if you meet the requirements and have your documents in order. It offers an unparalleled level of flexibility to earn money on your own terms.
If you’re ready to get started, you can begin the registration process today. Use the link below to sign up and you’ll be on your way to your first delivery!
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