"The pay isn't enough." "The working environment is tough." "I want to change jobs, but what happens to my visa?" — These are concerns shared by many foreign workers in Japan holding a Specified Skilled Worker (SSW / Tokutei Ginou / 特定技能) visa.
The good news: changing jobs on an SSW visa is legally permitted. Unlike the Technical Intern Training (Ginou Jisshu / 技能実習) visa, SSW holders have the freedom to choose their employer. This guide covers everything you need to know about making a job change in Japan on your Tokutei Ginou visa.
Can You Change Jobs on an SSW Visa?
In short — yes, you can. Both SSW Category 1 (特定技能1号) and Category 2 (特定技能2号) visa holders are legally allowed to change employers in Japan.
How SSW Differs from Technical Intern Training
Technical Intern Training (技能実習): Changing jobs is essentially not permitted. You are tied to a specific company for the duration of your program.
Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能): Changing jobs is legally allowed. You can switch employers of your own free will.
This is one of the biggest advantages of the SSW visa. You do not need your employer's permission to leave. The only requirement is to follow the proper procedures through the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (出入国在留管理庁).
In fact, according to government surveys, approximately 22.4% of SSW visa holders have already changed jobs at least once. This shows that job changes are not only possible but relatively common.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Changing Jobs
The process of changing jobs on an SSW visa can be broken down into five clear steps:
Find a New Company
Search for a new employer through a licensed recruitment agency (like TreeGlobalPartners) or Hello Work (ハローワーク), Japan's public employment service. Make sure the company is approved for your SSW designated field (分野).
Sign an Employment Contract with the New Company
Once you receive a job offer (内定) from the new company, sign a Specified Skilled Worker Employment Contract (特定技能雇用契約). Carefully confirm the salary, working hours, holidays, and other conditions before signing.
Submit Your Resignation to Your Current Employer
The standard notice period (退職届) is two weeks under Japanese labor law, though your contract may specify a longer period (typically one month). It is professional courtesy to submit a written resignation.
Prepare Documents and Apply at Immigration
File a "Change of Status of Residence" application (在留資格変更許可申請) at the regional Immigration Services Bureau (出入国在留管理局). Required documents include: the application form, your new employment contract, employer documentation, skills test certificate, and more.
Start Working at Your New Company After Approval
Approval typically takes 1 to 3 months. You cannot start working at the new company until the change of status is officially approved. Plan your timeline accordingly.
Application fee: 4,000 yen (increasing to 6,000 yen from April 2025)
Total process time: Approximately 2 to 4 months from start to finish
What Is the "3-Month Rule"?
Under Japan's Immigration Control Act, if a visa holder does not engage in the activities designated by their status of residence for 3 months or more (i.e., not working), the Immigration Services Agency has the authority to revoke that visa. This is commonly referred to as the "3-month rule."
Important: After leaving your current company, you should start a new job or at least have a pending application within 3 months.
However, if you have a "justifiable reason" (正当な理由), this is not a problem. Examples of justifiable reasons include:
- Actively searching for a new employer
- Having already submitted a visa change application and waiting for the result
- Being temporarily unable to work due to health issues
What You Can and Cannot Do During the Gap Period
Allowed: Job searching, attending interviews, taking Japanese language classes, filing your immigration application
Not allowed: Working at another company (until your new status is approved), taking unauthorized part-time jobs (アルバイト without permission)
5 Important Things to Know Before Switching
01Switching Fields Requires Passing a New Skills Test
Under SSW Category 1, you can only change jobs within the same industry field (分野). To switch to a different field, you must pass the skills test for that new field.
02Check Your Remaining Visa Duration
SSW Category 1 has a maximum stay of 5 years. Check how much time you have left. If your visa is close to expiring, the job change process may become more complicated.
03Handle Social Insurance and Taxes Properly
When leaving your current company, make sure to properly handle your health insurance (健康保険), pension (年金), and any outstanding resident tax (住民税). Neglecting these can cause issues with your immigration application.
04Confirm the New Company Has a Registered Support Organization
Check whether your new employer works with a Registered Support Organization (登録支援機関). This organization provides life support, Japanese language assistance, and help resolving workplace issues.
05Choose a Trustworthy Recruitment Agency
Beware of agencies that charge illegal fees to workers. Use a government-licensed agency like TreeGlobalPartners to find jobs safely. Under Japanese law, it is illegal for recruitment agencies to charge fees to workers.
Your Legal Rights and Obligations
Right to Resign (Civil Code Article 627): Under Japanese Civil Code Article 627, workers on unlimited-term contracts can resign by giving at least 14 days advance notice. Your employer cannot legally prevent you from quitting.
Freedom of Occupation (Constitution Article 22): The Japanese Constitution Article 22 guarantees freedom to choose your occupation. No employer can force you to stay.
14-Day Immigration Notification: After leaving your job, you MUST submit a "Notification of Change of Affiliated Organization" (契約機関に関する届出) to the Immigration Bureau within 14 days. This is a legal requirement.
Penalty for Non-Reporting: Failure to submit the 14-day notification may result in a fine of up to 200,000 yen (approx. $1,300).
Free Consultation Hotline: Foreign Workers' Consultation Hotline: 0120-76-2199 (Free, multilingual support available)
Questions About Changing Jobs on Your SSW Visa?
TreeGlobalPartners provides free support for foreign workers looking to change jobs in Japan. We help with job placement, visa procedures, and settling into your new position — all at no cost to you.
Get Free Consultation →Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
- Changing jobs on an SSW (Tokutei Ginou) visa is legally permitted
- You do not need your employer's permission — a key advantage over the Technical Intern Training visa
- The process: find a new company → sign a contract → apply at immigration → start work after approval
- Be aware of the "3-month rule" — but having a justifiable reason (like actively job hunting) is sufficient
- You can only switch within the same field (passing a new skills test is required for a different field)
- Always use a licensed recruitment agency — workers should never be charged fees
If you have any questions about changing jobs on your Specified Skilled Worker visa in Japan, reach out to TreeGlobalPartners for a free consultation. We are here to guide you every step of the way.
Free Support for Your SSW Job Change
TreeGlobalPartners — your complete partner for job placement, visa procedures, and building a stable life in Japan. No fees charged to workers, ever.
Get Free Consultation →Disclaimer: The information in this article is accurate as of March 2026 and is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered legal advice. Laws and regulations are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please consult the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (出入国在留管理庁) or a qualified professional (行政書士 / attorney). TreeGlobalPartners accepts no liability for actions taken based on this article.