Specified Skills Starter Guide
On this page
What you will learn
1 .
System structure and benefits
2 .
Is it possible to accept specific skilled workers?
3 .
All procedures from interview to start of employment
What is the Specified Skilled Worker System?
"Specified Skilled Worker" is a status of residence that allows foreigners with certain skills and Japanese language proficiency to work in 16 industrial sectors in Japan where labor shortages are severe.
In 2024, the following industries will be added: automobile transportation, railways, forestry, and timber. The target fields are expected to continue expanding.
About the 16 fields
Food and beverage manufacturing
fishing
Food service industry
Automobile transport industry
Railway
forestry
timber industry
Shipbuilding and Specialized Industries
Building Cleaning
agriculture
aviation
Automobile maintenance
construction industry
nursing care
stay
Industrial product manufacturing industry
*Information as of July 2025.
Difference between No. 1 and No. 2
Currently, only the 16 industries listed on the left are available for employment as a specific skilled worker, but more industries will be added in the future.
No upper limit (renewal every 3 years, 1 year, or 6 months)
Specified Skills No. 2
6. Field
5. Support from the host organization or registered support organization
4. Whether or not family members can feel the movement of the baby
3.Japanese proficiency level
16 fields
subject
Not possible
Check through exams etc.
Check through exams etc. (※1)
Maximum 5 years (renewal every 1 year, 6 months, or 4 months)
Check through exams etc.
In principle, confirmation by exams etc. is not required
Possible if requirements are met (spouse/children)
Not applicable
11 fields
1. Period of stay
2.Skill level
Specific skill No. 1
*1 Foreigners who have successfully completed Technical Intern Training No. 2 are exempt
-The general flow is to start working under Type 1 and then move on to Type 2 in the future.
・We can also support applications for Specified Skills No. 2.
Self-check for accepting companies
This is a simple checklist to confirm whether you can be employed with specific skills.
Please feel free to contact us for more details.
No violations of labor laws (within 5 years)
etc.
No resignations due to company reasons (1 year)
Equal treatment to Japanese people
3
2
1
From interview to start of employment
6
STEP
STEP
1
Hearing
Once we receive your request, we will ask you about the nationality, age, gender, and experience you are looking for, as well as your desired start date for employment.
We will also ask you about job information related to employment conditions.
STEP
2
Population formation
Once we receive your request, we will ask you about the nationality, age, gender, and experience you are looking for, as well as your desired start date for employment.
We will also ask you about job information related to employment conditions.
STEP
3
Holding interviews
We will hold an online interview while coordinating your schedule with the candidate's schedule. We will also ask you about the job information related to employment conditions.
STEP
4
After receiving a job offer
Support for application for change of residence status
To ensure that the process from job offer to start of employment goes smoothly, we will work with the current supervisory association and registered support organization to ensure that accepted applicants have the necessary documents to apply and that they can leave their current jobs without any problems.
STEP
5
Support from visa issuance to employment
After receiving your new residence card, we will assist you with procedures for leaving your current job, assistance with moving, administrative procedures, preparations for life at your new workplace, and assistance with securing housing.
STEP
6
Starting support work from the start of employment
In addition to the mandatory support required by the Immigration Bureau, we act as an intermediary between the company and the foreign national to help them settle in and continue working at their new workplace, supporting smooth communication.
Because improving Japanese language skills is proportional to retention rates, we offer weekly online Japanese language classes. By providing opportunities for daily contact with supporters, we are able to prevent early resignation.
obligatory
10
support
Registered support organizations are required to provide support for specific skilled foreigners, including assistance with daily life, Japanese language skills, and consultations, so that they can work steadily in Japan.
Pre-guidance
Details of the work you will be doing, activities you can do in Japan, benefits, and various life support
Assistance when entering and leaving the country
Transportation between the airport and the host company or residence. When departing, you will need to be accompanied to the security checkpoint.
Securing appropriate housing
Support for contracts necessary for daily life
Provide necessary support to secure a place to live for foreign workers (legal requirement: a minimum of 7.5 square meters)
Life orientation
Lectures on information necessary for daily life after entering the country (at least 8 hours) and how to use various facilities
Providing Japanese language learning opportunities
Providing information on Japanese language education and learning materials. Assisting with online course application procedures, etc.
Response to inquiries and complaints
Established a hotline to handle consultations, complaints, and any other concerns related to daily life, health, etc.
Support for interactions with Japanese people
Providing information and opportunities for interaction with local residents of local governments, festivals, and other Japanese people
Career change support when changing jobs
If the accepting company terminates employment for its own reasons, the employee will be required to find a new job.
Regular interviews and
Report to government agencies
The support manager will meet with the foreigner and their superior once every three months and report to the government.
Accompanying you to official procedures, etc. Providing information on various administrative procedures
Assistance with procedures related to national health insurance and tax payments after returning to Japan, as well as other necessary notifications
Pre-guidance
Details of the work you will be doing, activities you can do in Japan, benefits, and various life support
Assistance when entering and leaving the country
Transportation between the airport and the host company or residence. When departing, you will need to be accompanied to the security checkpoint.
Securing appropriate housing
Support for contracts necessary for daily life
Provide necessary support to secure a place to live for foreign workers (legal requirement: a minimum of 7.5 square meters)
Life orientation
Lectures on information necessary for daily life after entering the country (at least 8 hours) and how to use various facilities
Providing Japanese language learning opportunities
Providing information on Japanese language education and learning materials. Assisting with online course application procedures, etc.
Response to inquiries and complaints
Established a hotline to handle consultations, complaints, and any other concerns related to daily life, health, etc.
Support for interactions with Japanese people
Providing information and opportunities for interaction with local residents of local governments, festivals, and other Japanese people
Career change support when changing jobs
If the accepting company terminates employment for its own reasons, the employee will be required to find a new job.
Regular interviews and
Report to government agencies
The support manager will meet with the foreigner and their superior once every three months and report to the government.
Accompanying you to official procedures, etc. Providing information on various administrative procedures
Assistance with procedures related to national health insurance and tax payments after returning to Japan, as well as other necessary notifications
Foreign Talent Interview
外国人材インタビュー
2025.05.12
After technical training, I became a specific skilled worker! Aim to become a professional, not just for a limited period of time (Nan and Poo from Myanmar / AU BON PAIN Co., Ltd.)
#Myanmar #Food and beverage manufacturing
外国人材インタビュー
2025.04.21
"I want to make this flavor myself" - A rising star from Indonesia who joined ROKU KYOTO after being so impressed by its cuisine that he joined the company as a new graduate! (Samudra / Tokyu Resorts & Stay Co., Ltd.)
#Indonesia#Dining out
Interviews with companies that have adopted the system
企業インタビュー
May 13, 2024
[Customer Feedback] We've resolved our chronic labor shortage. Now, about half of our employees have specific skills! (Reliance Limited Company)
#Vietnam#Myanmar
企業インタビュー
April 15, 2024
[Customer Feedback] Zero turnover! Seeing 13 foreign employees at work makes the appeal of nursing care a reality (Social Welfare Corporation Santokukai)
#Indonesia#Myanmar
