How to Use Hello Work in Japan [2026 Guide for Foreigners]
- Hello Work is a free employment support network run by the Japanese government.
- You can use job listings, career counseling, and employment insurance (unemployment benefit) procedures free of charge.
- Foreign residents in Japan can use it too, and some locations have counters offering foreign-language support.
- This article explains the steps to register as a job seeker and the specialized support services foreign residents can use.
※カードの発行には審査があり、在留資格・在留期間により発行できない場合があります。条件は公式サイトでご確認ください。* Issuance is subject to screening and may not be available depending on your residence status/period. Check the official site for conditions.※发卡需审查，可能因在留资格·在留期间无法发行。条件请见官方网站。* Việc phát hành cần xét duyệt và có thể không được tùy tư cách/thời gian lưu trú. Xem điều kiện trên trang chính thức.
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
- Visit your nearest Hello Work office (usually no appointment needed)
- Fill in the job-seeker registration form (name, address, desired job type, experience, etc.)
- Have an interview with a staff member; receive your Hello Work card
- You can then freely browse job listings and use counseling services
③ Special services for foreign residents
| Service | What it offers | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Employment Service Center (FESC) | Job counseling and referrals in English, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese and more. Explains Japanese work culture | Foreign nationals seeking employment in Japan |
| Multilingual counters (some offices) | Consultations in English, Chinese, etc. | Major city Hello Work offices |
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.
Alongside Hello Work, private recruitment agencies are another option — some specialise in supporting foreign nationals in specific fields, such as IT.
This site (Zainichi Life Navi) does not provide job placement or recruitment matching. The link below takes you to the job-matching service "TechGO," where registration, consultation, and job introductions are provided.
Looking for IT / engineering job openings? PR (Ad)
A service that introduces job openings and supports career changes for foreign IT engineers and aspiring engineers. If you aim for an IT job under a status such as "Gijinkoku" (Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services), you can register and get a consultation free of charge. Consultations are conducted in Japanese. Available positions vary depending on your status of residence and the job market.
Find IT jobs with TechGO →
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.
Sources
* Rules may change. Please check official sites for the latest information.
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