Want to work in Japan? The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa, known as Tokutei Ginou (特定技能) in Japanese, is one of the best pathways for foreign workers to build a career in Japan. It covers 16 industries and offers real employment protections, including equal pay with Japanese workers.

But the process can feel confusing. What tests do you need? How do you find a job? What documents are required for the visa? Many workers give up or get taken advantage of simply because they don't understand the steps.

This guide breaks it down into 5 clear steps. Whether you're applying from overseas, already living in Japan, or transitioning from Technical Intern Training (技能実習), you'll find the exact process and timeline here.

How long does it take?

Want free consultation about working in Japan? Contact us here →

Overview: What is the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa?

The Specified Skilled Worker visa allows foreign nationals to work in Japan across 16 designated industry sectors. Unlike older programs that limited workers' freedom, SSW was designed to give foreign workers real employment rights and protections.

Two Types of SSW Visa

SSW Type 1 (特定技能1号): Up to 5 years total. You cannot bring family members. You must pass a skills test and Japanese language test (or have completed Technical Intern Training Level 2).

SSW Type 2 (特定技能2号): Renewable indefinitely. You can bring your spouse and children. Currently available in 11 sectors. Requires a higher-level skills test.

Three Routes to SSW — Timeline Overview

Your SituationTimelineKey Details
Applying from overseas4-6 monthsRequires Certificate of Eligibility (COE) + visa at embassy
Already in Japan2-4 monthsChange of residence status application
From Technical Intern Training2-3 monthsBoth skills test and language test are waived

Important: In all cases, the visa processing stage (1-3 months) takes the longest. Plan ahead and start preparing early to avoid unnecessary delays.

Step 1: Prepare Your Qualifications (2-4 weeks)

Before you can work in Japan under SSW, you need to prove two things: that you have the skills for your chosen industry, and that you can communicate in Japanese at a basic level.

Skills Test (Sector-Specific)

You must pass the skills evaluation test for your specific industry sector. Tests are available for all 16 SSW sectors:

Tests are held in multiple countries throughout the year. Check the specific schedule for your sector and country.

Japanese Language Test

You need to pass one of the following:

JFT-Basic (国際交流基金日本語基礎テスト): Computer-based test offered monthly in many countries. Fee: approx. 7,000 yen. Results come quickly, and you can retake it soon if needed.

JLPT N4 or higher (日本語能力試験): Paper-based test held twice a year (July and December). Fee: approx. 7,500 yen. More widely recognized but offered less frequently.

For most people, the JFT-Basic is the faster option since it's offered monthly and you get results quickly.

Exception: Technical Intern Training Completers

Great news for former technical interns: If you completed Technical Intern Training Level 2 (技能実習2号) satisfactorily, you are exempt from BOTH the skills test and the Japanese language test — as long as you apply for the same industry sector. This makes the transition much faster.

Country-Specific Documents

Depending on your nationality, you may need additional documents from your home country:

Check with your country's relevant agency well in advance, as these documents can take time to obtain.

Step 2: Find a Job (2 weeks - 2 months)

Once you have your qualifications, it's time to find an employer in Japan. There are several ways to do this.

Recruitment Agencies (Recommended)

Licensed recruitment agencies like TreeGlobalPartners connect you with employers looking for SSW workers. The key advantage?

Recruitment is FREE for workers. In Japan, it is the employer who pays recruitment fees (typically 100,000-200,000 yen per hire). You should NEVER pay a recruitment fee to get a job in Japan. If anyone asks you to pay, it may be a scam.

Hello Work (Public Employment Service)

If you're already living in Japan, you can use Hello Work (ハローワーク) — Japan's free public employment service. They have offices across the country and can help you search for SSW-eligible positions.

Online Job Platforms

Various job websites and social media groups list SSW positions. However, be cautious and verify that any employer is properly registered to accept SSW workers.

Remember: You do NOT pay any recruitment fees. This is Japanese law. Employers pay these fees, not workers. If someone asks you for money to find you a job, report it immediately.

Step 3: Employment Contract (2-4 weeks)

Once you've been selected by an employer, you'll sign an employment contract. Japanese law provides strong protections for SSW workers at this stage.

Your Rights Under the Contract

Pre-Employment Orientation

Before you start working, your employer (or their support organization) must conduct a pre-employment guidance session of approximately 3 hours. This covers:

This orientation is conducted in your language, so you can fully understand everything.

Health Check & Support Plan

You'll also need to undergo a health examination, and your employer will create a support plan covering the 10 mandatory support items required by law.

Looking for a Job in Japan?

TreeGlobalPartners provides free job matching for foreign workers. Our group includes an administrative scrivener firm (行政書士法人Tree) that specializes in immigration procedures, so your visa paperwork is handled by experts. Consultation is completely free.

Free Consultation

Step 4: Visa Application (1-3 months)

With your contract signed and support plan ready, it's time to apply for your visa. The process differs depending on where you are.

Three Application Routes

Your SituationApplication TypeProcessing TimeNext Steps
From overseasCertificate of Eligibility (COE)1-3 monthsAfter COE is issued, apply for visa at Japanese embassy, then enter Japan
Already in JapanChange of Status of Residence1.5-2 monthsApply at regional immigration bureau
From Technical Intern TrainingChange of Status of Residence1-2 monthsSimpler documents since tests are waived

Documents You Need to Prepare

Application Fees

Certificate of Eligibility (COE): FREE (no government fee)

Change of Status of Residence: 6,000 yen at the counter (5,500 yen if applied online)

Note: Your employer typically handles the application through their administrative scrivener (行政書士). You don't usually need to go to immigration yourself.

What If Your Application Is Rejected?

If your visa application is denied, don't panic. You can ask immigration for the specific reason, fix the issue, and re-apply. In some cases, you may be able to apply for a "Designated Activities" (特定活動) visa as a bridge while you resolve the problem.

Step 5: Start Work & Receive Support

Congratulations — you've made it! Once your visa is approved and you arrive at your workplace, your employer and their support organization will help you settle in.

Arrival Support (If Coming from Overseas)

Life Orientation (8+ hours)

Within your first few days, you'll receive a comprehensive life orientation of at least 8 hours, conducted in your language. This covers:

Help with Public Procedures

Your support organization will accompany you to complete essential registrations:

Ongoing Support

Know Your Rights

You can change jobs! Unlike Technical Intern Training, SSW workers have the legal right to change employers. If your working conditions are bad, you don't have to stay. Read our detailed guide: How to Change Jobs as an SSW Worker

No one can take your passport or residence card. If your employer or anyone else tries to confiscate your passport or residence card, this is illegal under Japanese law. Contact the foreign worker hotline immediately:

English consultation hotline: 0570-001-701 (Mon-Fri)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the whole process take?

It depends on your situation. Applying from overseas takes 4-6 months, applying from within Japan takes 2-4 months, and transitioning from Technical Intern Training takes 2-3 months. The visa processing stage (1-3 months) is the longest part. Start preparing your qualifications early to avoid unnecessary waiting.

Do I have to pay recruitment fees?

Absolutely not. In Japan, employers pay all recruitment fees. You should NEVER pay a recruitment fee to get an SSW job. This is the law. If anyone — a recruiter, a broker, or anyone else — asks you to pay money to find you a job in Japan, it is likely a scam. Report it to the consultation hotline: 0570-001-701 (English, Mon-Fri).

What support will I receive after starting work?

Your employer or their registered support organization must provide 10 mandatory support items:

  1. Pre-employment guidance
  2. Airport pickup (if from overseas)
  3. Housing assistance
  4. Life orientation (at least 8 hours, in your language)
  5. Help with public procedures (address registration, bank account, etc.)
  6. Japanese language learning support
  7. Complaint and consultation service
  8. Support for community exchange activities
  9. Job change support (if needed, e.g., if the company goes bankrupt)
  10. Regular interviews (every 3 months)
Can I change jobs after starting work?

Yes! This is one of the biggest advantages of SSW over Technical Intern Training. SSW workers can freely change jobs within the same industry sector. You'll need to apply for a change of status at immigration, but you have the legal right to switch employers. No one can stop you. For a detailed guide, see: How to Change Jobs as an SSW Worker

What if I completed Technical Intern Training?

If you completed Technical Intern Training Level 2 (技能実習2号) satisfactorily, you're in a great position. You are exempt from both the skills test and the Japanese language test, as long as you apply for the same industry sector. The visa process is also faster — typically just 2-3 months. You can transition smoothly without any test preparation.

Summary

Here's the complete roadmap to working in Japan as a Specified Skilled Worker:

  1. Prepare your qualifications Pass the skills test and Japanese language test (or be exempt as a former technical intern)
  2. Find a job Use a recruitment agency like TreeGlobalPartners — it's FREE for workers
  3. Sign your employment contract Equal pay, full-time, with pre-employment orientation in your language
  4. Apply for your visa Your employer handles most of the paperwork; processing takes 1-3 months
  5. Start work and receive support Airport pickup, housing help, life orientation, and ongoing support

Key things to remember:

Ready to Work in Japan?

TreeGlobalPartners connects foreign workers with employers across Japan — completely free of charge. Our group includes immigration lawyers (行政書士法人Tree) who handle all visa paperwork, so you don't have to worry about complicated procedures. From finding a job to getting your visa approved, we support you every step of the way.

Free Consultation

Disclaimer: Information in this article is current as of March 2026. Laws and regulations may change. For the latest information, check the Immigration Services Agency of Japan website or contact us for personalized advice.