Can your company report you to immigration if you quit in Japan?

Japan Today

a day ago

By Masayoshi Sakamoto
For many foreign workers and English teachers in Japan, the fear of upsetting your company or being reported to immigration can be enough to keep you from quitting, even in a bad situation. Particularly, so-called 'black companies' (ブラック企業, burakku kigyo) may try to exploit this fear by threatening to cancel your visa or report you to immigration. But can your company report you to immigration if you quit in Japan?
While companies do have legal reporting obligations, they cannot cancel your visa themselves. Only the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (出入国在留管理庁, Shutsunyikoku Zairyu Kanricho) has that authority, and strict rules govern when and how your status of residence can be revoked.
This article explains what your employer can and can't do, what the law actually says and how you can protect yourself. And if you're ready to start the next chapter today, browse verified, foreigner-friendly listings on GaijinPot Jobs.
Employers Must Report—But It's Not Always Bad
Reporting Doesn't Mean You'll Be Deported
What If You Don't Find a Job Within 3 Months?
Breaking the Rules is When It Gets Risky
Threats May Violate Several Labor and Civil Laws
Resources and Help
Employers Must Report — But It's Not Always Bad
If you're employed in Japan under a work visa (excluding Diplomatic or Official visas), your employer is required to report your hiring or resignation to Hello Work (Japan's public employment office). This includes your name, visa type, and period of stay.
This obligation comes from the [Act on Comprehensively Advancing Labor Measures](https://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/en/laws/view/3957/en#:~:text=Article%2028(1,and%20Welfare%20thereof.):
'If an employer newly hires a foreign national or if a foreign national employed by an employer separates from employment, the employer must… confirm the foreign national's name, status of residence… and notify the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare thereof.'
This law applies regardless of the reason for quitting—whether it's friendly or due to conflict. Employers are required to report, even if they don't feel like it or even if they're upset. It's not about revenge. It's the law.
Reporting Doesn't Mean You'll Be Deported
Even if your former employer notifies Hello Work or immigration, that alone doesn't mean your visa will be canceled or you'll be deported.
According to Article 19 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, you must report to immigration within 14 days of leaving your job or starting a new one.
Article 22 says your visa may be canceled if you're not working (or actively job hunting) for three months or more without a good reason:
'A person residing with a work visa who has not engaged in permitted activities for three months or more… may have their status revoked.'
So, you generally have:
14 days to notify immigration of any job changes
Three months to find new work (or show you're trying) before any visa risk
What If You Don't Find a Job Within 3 Months?
If you don't find a new job within three months, immigration will not cancel your visa right away.
Before any cancellation, they'll send a written notice asking you to come in. If you show up, you'll be able to explain your situation and provide proof (like job applications or interviews). If you ignore the notice without a valid reason, your visa may be revoked without further discussion.
In serious cases, deportation can follow. In milder cases, you may be given up to 30 days to prepare to leave Japan.
However, if you get hired again under the conditions of your original visa, even within those three months, your visa remains valid. Even if you haven't found work yet, immigration may allow you to stay longer if you're actively looking and can prove it.
Breaking the Rules is When It Gets Risky
Here are the main things to avoid:
Click here to read more.
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