When a foreign national is employed in Japan, they usually form a working contract with their employer. The conditions of a contract between an employer and employee must be determined with both parties being on equal ground. A copy of the contract must be submitted to the Immigration Bureau. The Bureau assesses the contract, as part of the process for determining whether to issue a residential qualification (working visa) zairyu shikaku, to work in Japan.　　

The working conditions covered by the law usually extend beyond what is stated in the contract. They are not only the wages and working hours, but includes other matters such as the conditions regarding the termination of employment, work related accident insurance, occupational health and safety and other conditions related to one’s work.