For foreign nationals

Looking to work or hire someone
as a Specified Skilled Worker?

With our support, both workers and employers can benefit
from the Specified Skilled Worker program.

March 12, 2024

Information on job-matching events and job fairs has been updated.
We’ve decided to hold an additional overseas job fair.

March 8, 2024

Information on Tests Related to the Specified Skilled Worker Program

About the Specified Skilled
Worker Program

Specified Skilled Worker is a status of residence created to give foreign nationals more opportunities to work in Japan. There are two types of Specified Skilled Worker status of residence: type (i) and type (ii). The type (ii) status of residence requires more specialized skills than type (i). For more details, see the menu below.

About the Specified Skilled
Worker Program

How to Obtain the Specified Skilled Worker Status of Residence

Videos Introducing the Program

Program Introduction Video

Videos about the 12 Occupational Fields of the Specified Skilled Worker Program

Learn about the advantages and key points of the 12 occupational fields of the Specified Skilled Worker program through videos.

This video was posted in December 2020. In May 2022, three fields — the Machine Parts and Tooling Industries, the Industrial Machinery Industry, and the Electric, Electronics and Information Industries — were merged to create the Machine Parts and Tooling / Industrial Machinery / Electric, Electronics and Information Industries.
In August 2023, the following nine fields were added to the Specified Skilled Worker (ii) program: Building Cleaning Management, Machine parts and tooling/Industrial machinery/Electric, electronics and information industries, Automobile Repair and Maintenance Industry, Aviation Industry, Accommodation Industry, Agriculture Industry, Fishery and Aquaculture Industries, Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industries, and Food Service Industry. All work categories in the Shipbuilding and Ship Machinery Field other than welding were also added.

Frequently Asked Questions

Immigration Information Center

Foreign nationals who want to work under a Specified Skilled Worker status of residence can telephone the call center if there is anything about the procedures they don’t understand. It can assist with filling out paperwork and other procedures.

Tel: 0570-013904

(VoIP, PHS, and international calls: 03-5796-7112)
Business Days and Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m.

A Daily Life Support Portal for Foreign Nationals

The Daily Life Support Portal for Foreign Nationals provides information about matters that are important or necessary for living in Japan with peace of mind. (It is part of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan website.) You can find notices and other information from the Japanese government in a variety of languages here.

Job-Matching Events and Job Fairs

Job-matching events and job fairs will also be held in FY2023 (Apr. 2023–Mar. 2024)!

If you are interested in attending an orientation session or interview with a company, please submit an application.

Specified Skilled Worker Program Guidebook