The Specified Skilled Worker visa is a status of residence that allows foreign nationals to work in 19 industries facing severe labor shortages in Japan.
The Specified Skilled Worker system is divided into “Type 1” and “Type 2,” each with significantly different rules regarding the period of stay, family accompaniment, and skill level. For this reason, it is essential to understand the entire system before hiring foreign workers.
In Hiroshima Prefecture, many companies in sectors such as nursing care, manufacturing, construction, and automobile maintenance are actively utilizing the Specified Skilled Worker program.
| Category | Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 | Specified Skilled Worker Type 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Period of Stay | Up to 5 years in total | No upper limit (renewable) |
| Skill Level | Skills requiring a certain level of knowledge and experience | Highly advanced, proficient skills |
| Japanese Language Requirement | Daily conversational level | High-level communication required for work |
| Family Accompaniment | Not permitted in principle | Permitted (with conditions) |
| Support Plan | Required | Not required |
In January 2026, three additional sectors were added, bringing the total to 19 eligible industries.
Caregiving,Building Cleaning,Manufacturing (3 sectors),Construction,Shipbuilding / Marine Industry,Automobile Maintenance,Aviation, Hospitality,Agriculture,Fishery,Food and Beverage Manufacturing,Restaurant Services（New applications suspended as of April 13, 2026）, Forestry,Wood Industry
To obtain the Specified Skilled Worker (Type 1) visa,
both the applicant and the employer must meet specific requirements.
The required documents vary depending on the type of application, the applicant’s nationality, and the specific industry.
Required Documents
| Category | Required Documents | Certificate of Eligibility Application (COE) | Application for Change of Status of Residence | Application for Extension of Period of Stay | Explanations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applicant Documents | Application Form | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Use the designated Immigration form. |
| Photo | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 4cm × 3cm, taken within 6 months, front-facing, no hat, plain background. | |
| Passport | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | For identity verification and confirmation of residence status. | |
| Residence Card | - | ✔ | ✔ | Same purpose as above. | |
| Skills Test Certificate or TITP Level 2 Completion | ✔ | ✔ | - | Proves the applicant has the required skill level. | |
| Japanese Language Test Certificate | ✔ | ✔ | - | JLPT N4 or higher. Not required for TITP Level 2 graduates. | |
| Specified Skilled Worker Employment Contract | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Must clearly state obligations, working conditions, and support details. | |
| Employment Conditions Statement | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Must show the same working hours as Japanese employees. | |
| Health Check Sheet (Specified Skilled Worker) | ✔ | ✔ | - | Different from a general medical certificate; SSW-specific format. | |
| Individual Tax Certificates | - | ✔ | - | Issued by the municipality where the applicant lived on January 1. | |
| Withholding Tax Slip | - | ✔ | - | Must match the same fiscal year as the tax certificate. | |
| Company Documents | Organization Overview Sheet | ✔ | ✔ | - | Explains company structure, business activities, employment system, and support system. |
| Certificate of Registered Matters | ✔ | ✔ | - | Proves company details (name, address, officers, capital). Obtained from the Legal Affairs Bureau. | |
| Resident Record of Executives | ✔ | ✔ | - | Confirms identity and address of company executives. | |
| Executive Compliance Pledge | ✔ | ✔ | - | Executives pledge compliance with laws and regulations. | |
| Explanation of Remuneration | ✔ | ✔ | - | Must show salary equal to or higher than Japanese employees. | |
| Support Plan (Type 1) | ✔ | ✔ | - | Required unless outsourced to a Registered Support Organization. | |
| Explanation of Hiring Background | ✔ | ✔ | - | Explains hiring process and necessity; proves appropriateness. | |
| Corporate Tax Certificate (No. 3) | ✔ | ✔ | - | Proves the company has fulfilled tax obligations. | |
| Corporate Resident Tax Certificate | ✔ | ✔ | - | Same purpose as above. | |
| Labor Insurance Payment Certificate | ✔ | ✔ | - | Proves no unpaid labor insurance premiums. | |
| Social Insurance Payment Status Report | ✔ | ✔ | - | Proves no unpaid social insurance premiums. | |
| Documents Required for Procedures Specified Under the Bilateral Arrangement | ▲ | ▲ | - | Required for applicants from MOC countries (Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, etc.). | |
| Industry Council Membership Certificate | ✔ | ✔ | - | Required for all receiving organizations. | |
| Sector‑Specific Documents | ✔ | ✔ | - | Additional documents required depending on the industry. | |
For more details, please refer to the blog article below.
Excluding tax
Actual costs will be charged, as fees vary depending on the language and volume. The applicant may handle the translation themselves or request our office to do so.
Excluding tax
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