Japan's Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能) Visa: Complete Guide 2026

Japan's labor shortage has driven major changes to immigration policy. The Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能) visa, introduced in April 2019, opened a formal pathway for foreign workers worldwide to fill critical gaps in sectors like manufacturing, hospitality, and construction. This guide covers everything you need to know.

Why This Visa Exists

Japan's aging population and shrinking workforce created significant labor shortfalls in key industries. The Specified Skilled Worker framework was designed as a practical solution — allowing foreign nationals who pass skills and language tests to live and work legally in Japan in designated fields. The visa is open to applicants of any eligible nationality.

Type 1 vs. Type 2: Key Differences

💡 Type 2 is the long-term path — it allows family accompaniment and opens the door to permanent residence. Most workers start with Type 1 and work toward Type 2.

The Fields Currently Open

The program launched in 2019 with 14 fields. It now covers 16: the three manufacturing fields were merged into a single industrial-products category, and four new fields — road transport, railway, forestry, and wood products — were added in 2024. In January 2026 the government approved three further fields — logistics warehousing, linen supply, and resource circulation (waste management and recycling) — which will bring the framework to 19 fields as they are phased in through 2026 and 2027.

The 16 fields in operation today:

The three newest fields (logistics warehousing, linen supply, and resource circulation) are being introduced first as Type 1, with Type 2 status still under consideration for them.

📌 Exam availability varies by country and testing period, and each field has its own supervisory authority. Check that authority's website for the current exam schedule and the latest field list before you commit to a field.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the Specified Skilled Worker visa, you must:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Be in good health
• Have no serious criminal record (Japan or home country)
• Pass the relevant industry skills assessment test
• Pass a Japanese language proficiency test (JFT-Basic or JLPT N4+)
• Hold only this status — you cannot combine it with Technical Intern Training. Most applicants come from the trainee program's graduates, who finish Training and then switch to Specified Skilled Worker

📌 Japan is replacing the Technical Intern Training Program with a new "Employment for Skill Development" (育成就労) scheme, rolling out toward 2027. Graduates of both the old and new programs can move into Specified Skilled Worker.

Japanese Language Tests

Two tests are accepted:

Nursing care has an additional Japanese requirement — workers in that field must meet a higher standard.

Preparing for Exams in Your Home Country

1. Register for the JFT-Basic: Book a test slot through the Japan Foundation's JFT-Basic site — sessions are offered regularly in many countries
2. JLPT registration: Through the Japan Foundation office or designated testing organization in your country; exams are typically held in July and December
3. Skills assessment: Register through the industry-specific supervisory authority or their designated testing organization
4. Study resources: The Japan Foundation offers official JFT-Basic prep materials; JLPT prep books are widely available

Application Process: Step by Step

Step 1 — Find a Sponsoring Employer

Find an employer that is registered as a Specified Skilled Worker employer in your target industry. Job matching can happen through:

• Industry-specific hiring fairs (held in many countries)
• Registered job platforms
• Registered "support organizations" (登録支援機関)

Step 2 — Sign an Employment Contract

Your employment contract must meet minimum wage requirements and standard working condition standards. The employer may need to arrange a "support plan" (especially for Type 1 employees without prior Japan residency experience).

Step 3 — Gather Documents

Key documents include:

• Certificate of industry skills test passage
• Certificate of Japanese language test passage
• Copy of passport
• Employment contract
• Employer's registration certificate (特定技能所属機関)
• Support plan documents (if applicable)

Step 4 — Apply for Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

The employer applies to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau in Japan for a Certificate of Eligibility (在留資格認定証明書). The official standard processing time is 1–3 months, and in busy periods it can run longer.

Step 5 — Apply for a Visa at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in Your Home Country

Once the COE is issued, bring it along with required documents to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country to apply for a visa. Processing is typically 5–10 business days.

Step 6 — Enter Japan

After receiving your visa, purchase flights and enter Japan. Complete residence registration within 14 days of arrival and obtain your Residence Card.

Application Fees

Comparison: Specified Skilled Worker vs. Working Holiday vs. Work Visa

Pathway to Permanent Residence

Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 (max 5 years)
    ↓ Pass advanced skills exam
Specified Skilled Worker Type 2 (unlimited, family permitted)
    ↓ Accumulate 10 years of residence (including qualifying status periods)
Permanent Residence (永住)

💡 Type 2 is only available in certain fields. Check current Type 2 eligibility for your target field.

One caveat matters for planning: time spent on Type 1 does not count toward the five years of work-status residence that permanent residence requires, so a Type 1 worker who wants PR has to move to Type 2 (or another qualifying status) first.

Final Takeaway

The Specified Skilled Worker visa is Japan's most practical route into the labor market for people without a university degree. The trade-offs are straightforward: Type 1 gives you up to five years, with no family accompaniment and no path to permanent residence on its own. Type 2 removes the cap, lets your spouse and children join you, and counts toward PR. If Japan is a long-term plan rather than a few years of work, aim for Type 2 from the start — and pick a field where it already exists.