Steps to Working in Japan

Are you interested in working in Japan?

What kind of work do you want to do in Japan? Where in Japan do you want to live? Of the 16 industrial fields in Japan that accept workers under the status of residence of Specified Skilled Worker, which one would you like to work in? While you consider the kind of work you would like to do, look into the Specified Skilled Worker system to learn about the things you should consider with regard to living and working in Japan.

Learn more about "Specified Skilled Worker" status of residence

“Specified Skilled Worker” is a status of residence that was created to allow foreign nationals to immediately become valuable employees in Japan. There are two types of Specified Skilled Worker status of residence: type (i) and type (ii). Type (ii) requires more advanced skills than type (i). In order to work under the status of residence of Specified Skilled Worker (i), you need to pass both a skills test and a Japanese language test. (In general, you do not need to pass these tests if you have successfully completed Technical Intern Training (ii). However, to work in a different field, you need to pass a skills test in the field in which you wish to work.) Afterward, if you sign a contract with a company, you can apply for the status of residence of Specified Skilled Worker.

Passing a skills test and a Japanese language test

To qualify for the status of residence of Specified Skilled Worker (i), you need to pass a skills test for the industry fields you will be working in, as well as either the Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic) or the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) level N4 or higher.*
For test overviews and schedules, please visit the following websites.

• *To work as a Automobile transportation business (taxi drivers and bus drivers)" , and "Railway (train operation works)" , you need to pass Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) level N3 or higher.
• *To work in the field of nursing care, you need to pass the Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test in addition to JLPT N4.

Finding a sending institution in your home country

If you are from a country for which require placement through a sending organization, you need to find a sending organization. When selecting a sending organization, check the website that provides information on sending organization for various countries to check which ones are licensed and whether the fees they charge are reasonable. The procedure may vary according to the country, so please start by checking what the required procedure is for your own country.

Finding a job

Once you have registered at a sending organization, your job search begins. The sending organization should assist you in your job search. If you do not use a sending organization, you will need to find a job on your own. If you are looking for a job on your own without using a sending organization, you could try searching on corporate hiring websites or attending job fairs for foreign nationals.

Sign a contract with a company.

Once you find a job, you should apply for an interview with the company. If you pass the interview, you will sign a contract with the company. Ask for a clear explanation regarding the nature of the job, and find out details such as the work location and salary. The company must provide workers with a written notice of its employment conditions. When you sign the contract, make sure you look over the employment conditions thoroughly. We recommend that you visit the JP-MIRAI Portal article “What companies must NOT do.”

Submitting a status of residence application to Immigration

After you have finalized your employment contract with the company, you must apply to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau for a certificate of eligibility for status of residence. The application may be submitted on your behalf by an employee of the company that is hiring you. It takes one to three months to issue a certificate of eligibility for status of residence, so please apply well in advance. Once you have received the certificate of eligibility for status of residence, you must apply for a visa at an embassy or consulate in your country. When you apply for the visa, be sure to check the website of international diplomatic missions in your home country.

Getting picked up upon arrival

When you come to Japan, bring your passport, certificate of eligibility for status of residence, and visa. Someone from the company or a registered support organization will pick you up when you arrive in Japan. Please confirm the details, such as the location at the airport where a person from the company or a registered support organization you have contacted in advance will meet you.

Get started on life and work in Japan!

When you arrive in Japan and begin your life and work there, you can receive orientation assistance from your registered support organization or employer. Please ask them about the things you need to consider for living and working in Japan. Feel free to ask questions about anything you don’t understand.

After you’ve been in Japan for a while

Even after getting used to life in Japan, some people find that they do not fit in at the company that hired them, and they want to work for a different company. If you want to change jobs, use a resource like the Hello Work office to find a company where you would like to work instead.* Please note that you must change your status of residence before you begin working at a different company. You will be working illegally if you do not change your status of residence.

*Please be aware that changing your employment to a different field is not permitted.

Encountering problems in Japan

If you encounter problems related to living or working in Japan, there are support services available to assist you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to these resources rather than trying to handle everything on your own.