Contract Review
Go through your contract before you sign.
This tool walks you through nine key contract sections — salary, deductions, working hours, social insurance, termination rights, and more. Answer what you know, and it will flag what needs to be resolved before you sign.
Before you start
This tool is for workers who have received a draft or final contract from a Japanese employer or through a sending organization. If you have not yet received a contract, use the Offer Evaluator first to check whether the opportunity itself has red flags.
Have the following available if you can:
- —Your draft or final employment contract (in Japanese or Vietnamese)
- —The monthly salary figure stated in the contract
- —Any housing or deduction agreement you have been given
- —The contract start date and term length
- —Confirmation (if any) of social insurance enrollment
Answer what you know. Use “Not sure / Not in contract” for anything that is not clear or does not appear in your contract — missing information is often as significant as wrong information.
雇用主の情報
Employer identity
Your contract must clearly identify who you are working for, with a verifiable business address in Japan.
Does your contract state the employer's full company name and address in Japan?
Does your contract include a direct contact person or HR representative at the employer?
業務内容
Job duties and role
Your duties and work location must be clearly defined. Open-ended clauses can be used to assign you to very different work from what you were promised.
Does your contract describe the specific tasks or role you will perform — not just a department or broad category?
Does your contract specify the workplace location (address or city)?
If there is a transfer or reassignment clause, does it require your written consent before any transfer?
労働時間・休憩時間
Working hours and rest
Japanese law sets specific limits on working hours and mandatory rest periods. These must be stated in your contract.
Does your contract specify daily working hours (e.g., 8 hours per day)?
Does your contract mention break time (e.g., 45 minutes for shifts over 6 hours)?
Does your contract specify at least one rest day per week (or four rest days per four-week cycle)?
賃金
Salary and payment
Your salary, payment schedule, and payment method must all be written in your contract. Japan's minimum wage laws apply to all workers regardless of nationality.
Does your contract state your gross monthly (or hourly) salary as a specific number?
Does your contract specify the date each month when your salary will be paid?
Does your contract state that wages will be paid directly to your bank account (not in cash to a supervisor or intermediary)?
控除・住居費
Deductions and living costs
If your employer provides housing or meals, the cost may be deducted from your salary. These deductions must be itemized in writing and your written consent is required.
Does your contract list every deduction that will be taken from your salary, with the amount for each?
If housing is provided by the employer, is the monthly deduction amount stated and reasonable (typically ¥10,000–¥30,000 per month for a shared room)?
Is there any mention of training fees, recruitment fees, or early-termination charges that would be deducted from your salary?
社会保険
Social insurance
SSW workers are legally required to be enrolled in Japan's social insurance system from their first day of employment. Your contract should confirm this.
Does your contract confirm enrollment in Japanese social insurance (health insurance and pension)?
Does your contract specify that insurance enrollment starts from your first day of work?
契約期間
Contract period
Your contract must state its start date, end date (or conditions for indefinite employment), and any renewal terms.
Does your contract state a specific start date and either an end date or a statement that it is indefinite?
If the contract is fixed-term, does it describe renewal terms — including whether renewal is automatic or at the employer's discretion?
退職・解雇
Termination and resignation
Both you and your employer have rights around ending the contract. Your ability to resign freely — and change employers within your SSW sector — must not be restricted.
Does your contract state a reasonable notice period for resignation (14 days or more, not 60+ days)?
Is your contract free of penalties, repayment obligations, or fees if you resign before the contract end date?
Does your contract avoid language that restricts your right to change employers within the same SSW sector?
言語・交付書類
Language and copies
You have the right to understand what you are signing. A Vietnamese-language version or explanation is required by Vietnamese law.
Has the sending organization provided a Vietnamese-language version or certified translation of the full contract?
Will you receive and keep a signed copy of the contract for your own records?
Answer at least 11 questions to generate a useful review. You have answered 0 so far.
Use with other tools