Foreign residents in Japan—including international students, graduates, and job seekers—can advance their professional careers by participating in structured skill development and technical qualification programs. By passing language and industry-specific examinations, qualified candidates can transition into status of residence pathways such as the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) system. Understanding these qualification requirements, government guidelines, and employer support structures helps you prepare effectively for employment in 2026.
What is the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) system in Japan for 2026?
The Immigration Services Agency of Japan oversees the Specified Skilled Worker system, which was established to enable foreign nationals to play an active role across various industrial sectors in Japan. The system is split into two residency statuses based on expertise level:
- Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 (SSW 1): Covers 19 designated operational fields. Foreign nationals must possess foundational industry knowledge and practical language capabilities.
- Specified Skilled Worker No. 2 (SSW 2): Covers 11 designated operational fields. This category requires a higher tier of professional expertise and technical mastery.
Job descriptions and detailed field requirements are maintained on official government job description frameworks to help applicants align their training with industry standards.
What tests do you need to pass to qualify for SSW?
To secure employment under the Specified Skilled Worker residency status, applicants must demonstrate their capabilities through official evaluations:
- Skill Examinations: Candidates must pass the specific technical skills test designated for their chosen industrial field.
- Language Examinations: Candidates must pass an approved Japanese language test demonstrating daily operational language competency.
An exemption from both the skill and language exams applies to individuals who have satisfactorily completed Technical Intern Training No. 2. However, if an individual wishes to transition into a completely different operational sector from their intern training background, passing the skill exam for that new field remains compulsory. Additionally, depending on your nationality, specific home-country administrative procedures may be required before beginning employment in Japan.
What support can you receive from employers during your employment?
Foreign nationals working under the Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 status receive structural support from their hiring company or a designated Registered Support Executive Organization. Japanese framework standards mandate 10 core support services:
- Pre-departure guidance: Detailed explanations of employment contracts and working terms prior to starting.
- Arrival and departure transportation: Airport pickup upon entry to Japan and transfer assistance when returning home upon completing the contract.
- Housing and essential utility setup: Assistance with leasing accommodation, acting as a guarantor, or setting up electricity, water, gas, bank accounts, and mobile phone contracts.
- Life orientation: Guidance regarding Japanese daily life, banking procedures, medical care facilities, legal rules, emergency protocols, and local manners.
- Administrative assistance: Guidance on tax forms, municipal procedures, and immigration filings, including accompanying individuals to official counters when needed.
- Japanese language learning support: Providing access to educational materials, language school options, and enrollment procedures.
- Counseling and complaint management: Direct assistance and consultation for workplace concerns or harassment.
- Community interaction: Support for connecting with local Japanese community events and cultural activities.
- Career transition support: Job placement and introduction assistance if job termination occurs due to employer circumstances.
- Regular consultation interviews: Mandatory formal check-ins conducted by a designated support manager at least once every three months.
Where can foreign residents find public support and guidance in Tokyo?
Foreign residents seeking official consultations regarding residence status, employment guidelines, or daily living rules can visit government facilities. The Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) is situated at Yotsuya Tower 13F, 1-6-1 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo. FRESC consolidates multiple government agencies under one roof to answer inquiries from foreign residents, international students, and employers.
Finding a place to stay
When preparing for vocational training or switching your visa status in Japan, arranging your temporary accommodation is an important step after your eligibility is established and prior to your program start. Having fixed lodging set up early allows you to complete municipal registration smoothly. Many newcomers stay in a furnished monthly apartment first. OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo. No guarantor, no key money and no agency fee; booking is online with a passport or ID and a credit card. Furthermore, the monthly price includes electricity, gas, water and Wi-Fi, allowing you to settle in comfortably without managing separate utility setup procedures.
FAQ
Do I need to take exams to obtain Specified Skilled Worker status?
Yes, candidates must pass both an approved Japanese language examination and a field-specific skill test, unless they have satisfactorily completed Technical Intern Training No. 2 in the relevant field.
What kind of support do companies provide under SSW 1?
Employers or registered support organizations must provide 10 official support services, including airport transportation, assistance with housing and contracts, life orientation, language support, and mandatory interviews at least once every three months.
Where is the government foreign resident support center located in Tokyo?
The Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) is located on the 13th floor of Yotsuya Tower, 1-6-1 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo.
Sources
- 出入国在留管理庁「外国人の方 | 出入国在留管理庁」(checked 2026-10-20)
This article was created by OHAYO Stay based on the sources above (edited, reorganized and translated). It is not an official publication.
Rules and dates can change. Always confirm with the official source before you apply.