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Probation period in Japan: how long it can be and what your rights are

Japanese law sets no maximum probation period, and a probation dismissal still needs a valid reason. The 14-day rule, quitting, and what to do about your visa.

By JapanHow editors Updated 3 min read

Legal maximum
None set by law
Notice after 14 days
30 days, or 30 days' pay
You resign (open-ended)
2 weeks' notice
Tell immigration
Within 14 days if you leave
Short answer

Japanese law sets no maximum length for a probation period (試用期間), though 3 to 6 months is common in practice. Probation is still a real employment contract: as of November 2026 the employer needs an objectively reasonable ground to end it, and after you have worked more than 14 days it must give 30 days' notice or pay at least 30 days of average wages. You can resign with 2 weeks' notice if your contract has no fixed term. Foreign workers must also tell immigration within 14 days.

A probation period in Japan (試用期間) has no legal maximum length, but it is still a full employment contract. As of November 2026, the employer needs an objectively reasonable ground to end it, and once you have been kept on for more than 14 days it must give 30 days’ notice or pay at least 30 days of average wages. Foreign workers also have a 14-day duty to tell immigration.

How long can probation be?

The law does not set a limit. The length comes from your employment contract or the company’s work rules, and 3 to 6 months is common in practice. Ask for the period in writing before you sign. Our employment contract guide lists what the contract should state.

Can the company end your employment?

Yes, but probation does not switch off your protection. Article 16 of the Labor Contract Act says a dismissal that lacks an objectively reasonable ground and is not appropriate in the eyes of society is an abuse of the right and is void. That applies from day one.

The notice rule works in two steps:

Time employed What the employer must do
Up to 14 days Article 21 of the Labor Standards Act exempts workers on trial use from the notice rule
More than 14 days Give 30 days’ notice, or pay at least 30 days of average wages (解雇予告手当), under Article 20

The Okinawa Labour Bureau makes the same point: a probationary worker kept on for more than 14 days is covered by the Article 20 notice procedure. The exemption does not mean the dismissal is valid. It only removes the notice requirement, and the reasonable-ground test still applies. For a full walkthrough, including the reason certificate you can request, read our dismissal guide.

Can you quit during probation?

If your contract has no fixed term, Article 627 of the Civil Code lets either side end it by giving notice, and the employment ends 2 weeks after the notice. A fixed-term contract follows different rules, so read yours first. Your company rules may ask for longer notice, so check them and put your resignation in writing.

What about your visa?

Leaving a job does not cancel your residence card. For the statuses on the Immigration Services Agency’s list, you must notify immigration within 14 days, and a status can be revoked if you do not carry out its activity for 3 months without a legitimate reason. If you start a new job, read changing jobs on a work visa before you sign. More on your rights is in the labor rights overview.

Where to get help

Contact a labor standards inspection office or the prefectural labor bureau’s consultation corner. Ask whether an interpreter is available when you call.

Questions people ask

How long can a probation period be in Japan?

The law sets no maximum length. Your contract or the company rules (就業規則) set it, and a period of 3 to 6 months is common. Check the length in your employment contract, and ask in writing if it is not stated.

Can a company fire me during probation in Japan?

It can end the contract, but dismissal must have an objectively reasonable ground and be appropriate in society's eyes, or it is void under Article 16 of the Labor Contract Act. Probation does not remove that protection.

Does the 30-day notice apply during probation?

Not in the first 14 days. Article 21 of the Labor Standards Act exempts workers on trial use from the notice rule, but once you have been kept on for more than 14 days, the employer must give 30 days' notice or pay at least 30 days of average wages.

Can I quit during probation?

If your contract has no fixed term, the Civil Code lets either side end it on 2 weeks' notice. A fixed-term contract has different rules, so read your contract first.

Do I need to tell immigration if I lose my job in probation?

For the statuses on the Immigration Services Agency's list, yes, within 14 days. See our dismissal guide for the details and the 3-month rule.

Sources

  1. 労働基準法 第20条・第21条, e-Gov Law Search (デジタル庁) (accessed Nov 3, 2026)
  2. 労働契約法 第16条, e-Gov Law Search (デジタル庁) (accessed Nov 3, 2026)
  3. 民法 第627条, e-Gov Law Search (デジタル庁) (accessed Nov 3, 2026)
  4. 採用Q3 試用期間中の解雇, Okinawa Labour Bureau, MHLW (沖縄労働局) (accessed Nov 3, 2026)

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