Feature | Column | Status of Residence Required for Working in Japan

The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program has emerged as one of Japan’s most important solutions to its nationwide labor shortage. Since its launch in 2019, the program has continued to expand, and in 2027, a new initiative—the Developmental Employment Program—is scheduled to be introduced.

Drawing on official information from JITCO (Japan International Training Cooperation Organization) and the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, this article provides a clear and practical overview of the SSW system, its advantages, key differences from the Technical Intern Training Program, and what the future holds for companies and foreign professionals alike.

1. What Is the Specified Skilled Worker Status? A Residence Status for “Job-Ready” Talent

The Specified Skilled Worker status was established in April 2019 to enable Japan to employ foreign professionals with proven skills and experience in industries facing acute labor shortages.

Unlike training-based programs, SSW is designed to welcome individuals who can contribute from day one. The program focuses on immediate productivity, allowing companies to strengthen their workforce without lengthy training periods.

Sixteen Priority Industries Facing Labor Shortages

SSW acceptance is limited to designated industries where labor shortages persist despite productivity improvements and domestic recruitment efforts.

As of a Cabinet decision in 2024, the program now covers 16 industrial fields:

1. Nursing Care

2. Building Cleaning Management

3. Manufacturing of Industrial Products

4. Construction Industry

5. Shipbuilding and Machinery Industry

6. Automobile Repair and Maintenance

7. Aviation Industry

8. Accommodation Industry

9. Automobile Transportation Business (new)

10. Railway (new)

11. Agriculture

12. Fishery and Aquaculture Industries

13. Manufacture of Food and Beverages

14. Food Service Industry

15. Forestry (new)

16. Wood Industry (new)

The expansion into the fields of automobile transportation business, railway, and forestry highlights how deeply labor shortages affect Japan’s economy.

Skilled Professionals Ready to Perform Without Additional Training

While the Technical Intern Training Program emphasizes skills development, the SSW program is built around verified competence.

To obtain Specified Skilled Worker (i) status, candidates must demonstrate their ability by passing:

• An industry-specific skills examination, and

• A Japanese language proficiency test

This ensures that SSW professionals are fully prepared to perform their duties upon arrival.

2. Specified Skilled Worker vs. Technical Intern Training: Three Essential Differences

Although often confused, the two systems are fundamentally different in purpose and structure.

Purpose: International Cooperation vs. Workforce Securing

• Technical Intern Training:
  Officially focuses on international contribution by transferring skills to trainees, who are expected to return home and support economic development in their home countries.

• Specified Skilled Worker:
  Explicitly aims to secure labor for Japanese industries, recognizing foreign nationals as full-fledged members of the workforce.

Career Flexibility and Job Mobility

• Technical Intern Training:
  Job changes are generally not permitted. Participants typically remain with one employer for the duration of their stay.

• Specified Skilled Worker:
  Job changes are allowed within the same industry or related job categories, giving workers greater career flexibility. As a result, companies are encouraged to create attractive and sustainable working environments.

Compensation and Equal Treatment

The SSW framework legally requires employers to offer wages equal to or higher than those paid to Japanese workers in similar roles.

Compared to the Technical Intern Training Program—where wages often hovered near the minimum level—SSW professionals are compensated as skilled and experienced workers.

3. The Link Between the Specified Skilled Worker Program and the

Japan is currently preparing to replace the Technical Intern Training Program with the Developmental Employment Program, scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2027.

This new system is designed as a structured pathway leading directly to Specified Skilled Worker status.

A Clear Career Path from Entry-Level to Long-Term Residence

This new system is designed as a structured pathway leading directly to Specified Skilled Worker status.

• Developmental Employment (3 years):
  Begin working with limited experience while building skills.

• Specified Skilled Worker (i):
  Transition after completion and examination; total stay up to 5 years.

• Specified Skilled Worker (ii):
  Advanced proficiency with long-term residence and the option for permanent settlement.

This structure benefits both sides: foreign workers gain a clearer future in Japan, while companies can build a stable, long-term workforce.

4. Specified Skilled Worker (i) vs. (ii):Key Differences in Residence and Family Accompaniment

SSW status is divided into two categories based on skill level.

Specified Skilled Worker (i): Defined Support and a 5-Year Framework

For SSW (i), companies or registered support organizations must provide comprehensive assistance under legally defined support obligations, ensuring stable employment and daily life in Japan.

Specified Skilled Worker (ii): Long-Term Stability in Japan

SSW (ii) is intended for experienced professionals ready to take leadership roles. With no renewal limits, family accompaniment, and eligibility for permanent residence, it offers a realistic path toward long-term settlement.

5. Two Ways to Obtain Specified Skilled Worker (i) Status

There are two primary routes into the SSW system.

Route ①: Skills Examination + Japanese Language Test

This is the standard option for overseas candidates and international students in Japan.

• Skills Test: Assesses technical competencies required for the industry.

• Japanese Language Test: 
  　○Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT), or
  　○Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N4 or higher.

Route ②: Transition from Technical Intern Training (ii) Without Exams

The most common pathway is transitioning from the Technical Intern Training Program.

・Foreign nationals who have successfully completed Technical Intern Training (ii) are exempt from both the skills examination and the Japanese language examination.

※1. The candidate must have completed at least 2 years and 10 months of Technical Intern Training.
※2. The candidate must have either passed the Level 3 Skills Test, passed the Technical Intern Training Evaluation Test (Practical), or obtained an evaluation report issued by the training organization certifying successful completion of the program.

・This pathway allows workers to make full use of the experience gained during their training period, making it a highly practical and efficient option for both employers and candidates.

6. Registered Support Organizations and the Value of Outsourcing

Employers accepting Specified Skilled Worker (i) professionals are required to provide extensive support. Registered Support Organizations can take on these responsibilities on behalf of companies.

The 10 Mandatory Support Categories

Support includes:

1. Pre-entry guidance

2. Airport pick-up and departure assistance

3. Housing and life contract support

4. Daily life orientation

5. Japanese language learning support

6. Multilingual consultation services

7. Community and cultural exchange support

8. Job transition support

9. Regular interviews (at least once every three months)

10. Assistance with administrative procedures

In-House Support vs. Outsourcing

• In-house: Lower external costs but requires internal expertise and multilingual staff.

• Outsourcing: Ensures compliance, reduces administrative burden, and allows companies to focus on core operations.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

【For Employers】

Q1. How do we start recruiting SSW workers via CROSSY GLOBAL?
A1. Begin by creating a corporate account through the login page. After posting company and job information, our team will guide you through the process, including support organization coordination.

Q2. What types of candidates are available?
A2. Our talent pool includes fully qualified SSW candidates, Japanese learners, and individuals highly motivated to work and live in Japan.

Q3. Which nationalities are eligible?
A3. Japan has signed cooperation agreements with 17 countries.

Philippines, Cambodia, Nepal, Myanmar, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Thailand, India, Malaysia, Laos, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.
CROSSY GLOBAL currently focuses on candidates from Vietnam and Indonesia (as of June 2026).

Q4. How long does the process take from hiring to entry?
A4. Approximately 4–5 months for SSW and 7–8 months for Technical Intern Training, depending on procedures.

【For Job Seekers】

Q1. What exams are required for SSW (i)?
A1. An industry-specific skills test and a Japanese language test (JLPT N4 or JFT A2 or higher).

Q2. Can I change jobs while holding SSW status?
A2. Yes, as long as you pass the required evaluation for the new field.

8. Summary

The Specified Skilled Worker system represents a shift from “training” to building partnerships with skilled professionals who support Japanese industry.

With the introduction of the Developmental Employment Program in 2027, foreign talent will play an even greater role in shaping Japan’s future workforce. Companies that understand the system and provide the right support will be best positioned to succeed in this evolving labor market.

As the Specified Skilled Worker system becomes more complex and demands higher-quality support, efficient, system-driven management is no longer optional—it is essential.

CROSSY GLOBAL is a trusted platform that leverages technology to streamline the complex procedures and support operations required under the Specified Skilled Worker system, seamlessly connecting companies with global talent.

Through secure, compliance-focused operations and the creation of accurate, mismatch-free employment opportunities, CROSSY GLOBAL contributes to building a more inclusive and prosperous society beyond borders.

Whether you are a company considering the effective use of foreign talent, or a job seeker aspiring to build a career in Japan, we invite you to consult with CROSSY GLOBAL.