Employment Conditions
Compensation equal to or greater than Japanese nationals, direct employment,
and full-time work are the general rules.
SPECIFIED SKILLED WORKER
About Specified Skilled Workers
A residency status system created in 2019 for accepting foreign talent
OVERVIEW
System Overview
"Specified Skilled Worker" is a residency status created in April 2019 to address the worsening labor shortage.
It is a system that allows foreign talent with a certain level of expertise and skills to work as ready-to-work personnel in specific industrial fields in Japan,
currently covering 17 fields.
COMPARISON
Differences between Specified Skilled Worker (i) and (ii)
| Specified Skilled Worker (i) | Specified Skilled Worker (ii) | |
|---|---|---|
| Skill Level | Considerable knowledge and experience | Proficient skills |
| Period of Stay | Up to 5 years in total | No upper limit (renewable) |
| Accompanying Family | Not permitted | Permitted (Spouse/Children) |
| Support Obligation | Support by the host company or a Registered Support Organization is mandatory | No support obligation |
| Exam Requirements | Skills exam + Japanese language exam (N4 or higher) | Skills exam (More advanced) |
| Eligible Fields | 17 fields | 11 fields |
DIFFERENCE
Differences from the Technical Intern Training Program
From "Technical Intern Training" to "Training Employment" — System transitions and the positioning of Specified Skilled Workers| Technical Intern Training (→ Training Employment) | Specified Skilled Worker | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | International contribution through skills transfer | Securing ready-to-work personnel in fields with labor shortages |
| Job Change Eligibility | Prohibited in principle | Possible within the same field |
| Period of Stay | Maximum of 5 years | (i) 5 years + (ii) Indefinite |
| Acceptance Method | Acceptance through supervising organizations | Direct employment by the company |
PROCESS
Flow of Accepting Specified Skilled Talent
-
01
Inquiry & Consultation
We will conduct a hearing on the required job types, number of people, and timing.
We will also advise if utilizing the Specified Skilled Worker system is appropriate. -
02
Candidate Matching & Interview
We will propose candidates matching your conditions.
You can speak with them directly via online interviews. -
03
Skills & Japanese Exams
Candidates must pass the skills evaluation exam for each field and a Japanese language exam equivalent to JLPT N4.
Preparations are completed in advance at our partner skill centers. -
04
Visa Status Application
After concluding the employment contract, we will apply for the issuance of the Certificate of Eligibility.
We support everything from preparing the necessary documents to the application. -
05
Entry & Start of Work
Arrival in Japan after visa issuance.
Work begins after airport pickup, housing arrangement, and life orientation. -
06
Retention Support & Continuous Follow-up
Continuous provision of regular interviews, notification proxy, and life support.
We also accept consultations on transitioning to category (ii).
From Inquiry to Assignment
Min. approx. 6 months
REQUIREMENTS
Requirements for Host Companies
Support System
Continuous provision of regular interviews, notification proxy, and life support.
We also accept consultations on transitioning to category (ii).
Notification Obligation
Various notifications to immigration (e.g., changes in employment contracts, support implementation status)
must be made regularly.
Legal Compliance
Proper enrollment in social insurance and compliance with labor-related laws.
It is required that there have been no specific violations within the past 5 years.
With
As a Registered Support Organization, we handle all these mandatory supports on your behalf.
You can entrust everything to us, up to the creation and submission of notification documents.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Specified Skilled Workers
A
Work based on job categories specified in each field is possible. They can also engage in related incidental tasks performed by Japanese staff.
A
In eligible fields, transition to (ii) is possible by passing a more advanced skill exam. Category (ii) has no upper limit on the period of stay and allows family members to accompany them.
A
If you can establish a support system in-house, outsourcing is not necessary, but many companies accepting foreign talent for the first time outsource to a Registered Support Organization. Human Work, as a Registered Support Organization, can handle all 10 mandatory support items on your behalf.
A
In principle, there is no upper limit for Specified Skilled Worker (i) (excluding construction and nursing care fields). Flexible hiring plans tailored to company size are possible.
CONTACT
Please feel free to contact us
We will contact you within 2 business days / Consultations during the consideration stage are also welcome