I am Teruyoshi Yoneda, the representative of Yoneda Legal Services and a certified immigration procedures specialist. I specialize in international matters such as visa and naturalization applications. Based primarily in Hiroshima Prefecture, I support foreign nationals living in Japan with various immigration procedures, including work visas, spouse visas, permanent residency applications, and naturalization. In this article, I will explain how restaurant owners can hire foreign workers under the Specified Skilled Worker (Tokutei Ginō) program.
1. Overview of the Specified Skilled Worker (Food Service Industry) Program
The Specified Skilled Worker (Food Service Industry) status was newly established in April 2019. This system allows foreign nationals to engage in on-site operational work—tasks that were previously not permitted under traditional work-related residence statuses. In the food service sector, both Specified Skilled Worker (Type 1) and (Type 2) are applicable. Type 1 allows a total stay of up to five years, while those who transition to Type 2 face no upper limit on their period of stay and may also bring their family members to Japan.
2. Eligible Business Types and Scope of Work
The work permitted under the Specified Skilled Worker (Food Service Industry) category is broadly divided into food preparation, customer service, and restaurant operations management. Workers may also engage in related tasks such as cleaning, purchasing ingredients, and other associated duties. Eligible business types include:①Cafeterias and restaurants②Izakaya (Japanese-style pubs)③ Coffee shops and cafés④Fast-food⑤Catering and bento (boxed meal) businesses ⑥Restaurants and banquet halls within hotels and ryokan⑦Takeout food service businesses ⑧Catering service providers
3. Benefits of Hiring Specified Skilled Workers in the Food Service Industry
(1) Responding to Inbound Tourism Demand
Foreign staff who can communicate in multiple languages are a strong asset when serving the increasing number of international visitors to Japan.
(2)Solve Labor Shortages
Specified Skilled Workers can be employed as full‑time regular employees for up to five years, and if they transition to the Type 2 status, long‑term employment also becomes possible. For this reason, they serve as a powerful solution to labor shortages.
(3) Ability to handle a wide range of duties
Because they can engage in all types of restaurant operations—from food preparation and customer service to store management—they can immediately contribute as highly effective personnel in the food service industry.
4. Key Requirements
(1) Requirements the Applicant (Foreign National) Must Meet
• Passing the Specified Skilled Worker (Food Service Industry) Skill Evaluation Test
The skill evaluation test administered by OTAFF consists of a written exam and a practical skills exam.
・Japanese Language Proficiency
Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N4 or higher, or Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic)
Academic qualifications or professional experience—typically required for work visas such as “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services”—are not necessary for this status.
(2) Requirements the Employing Company Must Meet
• The employee must be hired directly and on a full‑time basis (dispatch employment is not permitted in the food service industry).
• Providing compensation that is equal to or higher than that of Japanese employees
• Being properly enrolled in social insurance and labor insurance programs
• Complying with all relevant laws and regulations (including immigration laws, labor laws, social insurance regulations, and tax-related laws)
• Preparing and properly implementing a support plan for the Specified Skilled Worker
Under the Specified Skilled Worker program, it is mandatory for companies to provide support to foreign employees. Employers must prepare a support plan and carry out the required support appropriately. If it is difficult for the company to provide this support on its own, it may outsource the tasks to a Registered Support Organization, in which case the requirement is considered fulfilled and employment becomes possible.
• Not collecting security deposits or imposing penalty clauses on the foreign worker
• Membership in the Food Service Industry Council for Specified Skilled Workers
Companies that accept Specified Skilled Workers in the food service sector are required to become members of the Food Service Industry Council for Specified Skilled Workers. This council, established by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, aims to ensure the proper operation of the Specified Skilled Worker program, protect foreign workers, and promote coexistence with local communities.Membership must be obtained before submitting the residence status application. Since the screening process takes about two to three months, early procedures are necessary. For the time being, both the admission fee and annual membership fee are waived.
5. Procedures for Hiring Foreign Workers under the “Specified Skilled Worker (Food Service Industry)” Status
Step 1: Find a prospective foreign candidate for employment
Step 2: Join the Food Service Industry Council for Specified Skilled Workers
Step 3: Prepare and conclude the Specified Skilled Worker employment contract
You will enter into an employment contract with the foreign worker. The compensation must be equal to or higher than that of a Japanese employee, and the employment must be full‑time and direct.
Step 4: Prepare the support plan
Before hiring the foreign worker, you must prepare the Support Plan for Specified Skilled Worker (Type 1).If it is difficult for your company to provide the required support on its own, you may outsource these tasks to a Registered Support Organization.
Step 5: Apply for the residence status
You will prepare the required documents and submit the application to the immigration office.
Step 6: Start of employment
At our office, we carefully assess the circumstances of both the applicant and the employer through thorough consultations, allowing us to provide support tailored to each situation.If you are a food service business in the Chugoku region (Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori) or elsewhere and are considering hiring Specified Skilled Workers, we offer free consultations. Please feel free to contact us at any time.We are fully committed to supporting restaurant owners as well as foreign nationals who wish to work under the Specified Skilled Worker program.
