How to Use Hello Work in Japan [2026 Guide for Foreigners]

Hello Work (ハローワーク, also called Public Employment Security Offices) is Japan's free, government-run employment support network operated by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Services include job listings, career counseling, unemployment benefit (employment insurance) procedures, and vocational training referrals — all free of charge. Foreign residents with eligible work status can use Hello Work. After finding work, your next step is to confirm your tax filing obligations, which may change once you start receiving income.

① What Hello Work offers

• Job search & referrals: Search a nationwide database of job listings; get personalized referrals
• Career counseling: Free consultations on career planning and job hunting
• Employment insurance (unemployment benefit): If you lose your job and meet the conditions, you can receive benefits while job hunting
• Vocational training (Hello Training): Enroll in subsidized public training programs
• My Number: Required when registering as a job seeker

② How to register as a job seeker

1. Visit your nearest Hello Work office (usually no appointment needed)
2. Fill in the job-seeker registration form (name, address, desired job type, experience, etc.)
3. Have an interview with a staff member; receive your Hello Work card
4. You can then freely browse job listings and use counseling services

③ Special services for foreign residents

FESC locations: Tokyo (Shinjuku), Aichi (Nagoya), and Osaka. Languages include English, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Tagalog, Indonesian, and Vietnamese.

④ Unemployment benefit (employment insurance) procedures

If you leave a job, you may receive unemployment benefits (basic allowance, 基本手当) if you meet the conditions.

Main eligibility conditions:

• At least 12 months of insured employment in the 2 years before leaving (for voluntary resignation)
• Actively seeking work and capable of working
• Residence status allows employment

Documents required:

• Employment insurance certificate (from your employer)
• Separation certificate / 離職票 (issued by employer, 2 parts)
• My Number card (or notification + ID)
• Residence Card
• Bank passbook or cash card in your name
• Two photos (3cm × 2.5cm)

You also apply at Hello Work for the unemployment benefit (basic allowance) that supports you while job-hunting. If you have difficulty paying rent while job-seeking, Housing Security Benefit (Rent Support) may also be available.

FAQ

Can foreign residents use Hello Work?Yes. Foreign residents with a work-eligible residence status can use all Hello Work services. The Foreign Employment Service Center (FESC) offers consultations in English, Chinese, Vietnamese and more.

What documents do I need to apply for unemployment benefit?Employment insurance certificate, separation certificate (2 parts), My Number documents, Residence Card, bank passbook or card in your name, and two photos.

When do I start receiving unemployment benefit?For voluntary resignations, there's a 7-day waiting period plus a 2–3 month benefit suspension. For involuntary separations (dismissal, etc.), there's only the 7-day wait before payments begin (if conditions are met).

Are there job listings specifically for foreign residents?Yes. Hello Work lists jobs that value foreign language skills and some explicitly welcome foreign applicants. The FESC specializes in matching foreign job seekers with suitable employers.

Is Hello Work free to use?Yes. Job registration, job referrals, career counseling, and vocational training referrals are all free.