Skilled Labor & Specified Skilled Worker
Japan
Last updated: December 28, 2025
1 to 5 years (renewable)
$685
1-3 months
Medium
About this Visa
Japan offers two main work paths for skilled foreigners. The ""Specified Skilled Worker"" (SSW) visa is for 16 industries like construction and caregiving, designed to fill labor shortages. The ""Skilled Labor"" (Ginou) visa is for specialized experts like chefs and pilots with years of experience. You must choose the path that fits your background. SSW requires passing skill and language tests, while Ginou requires proving 3 to 10 years of professional experience. Both allow you to work full-time and access national healthcare. While SSW generally does not allow family sponsorship initially, the Ginou visa and the advanced SSW (Type ii) visa allow you to bring your spouse and children. Years spent on the Ginou visa count toward permanent residency.
Key Benefits
- Work Full-Time
- Change Jobs (Same Industry)
- Healthcare (70% Coverage)
- Bring Family (Ginou/SSW-ii Only)
- Path to Permanent Residency (Ginou/SSW-ii)
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be 18 years or older
- Pass a medical health check (SSW)
- Pass JLPT N4 or basic Japanese language test (SSW)
- Pass practical skills exam for your industry (SSW)
- Have 3-10 years of proven professional experience (Ginou)
Financial Requirement
Salary equal to a Japanese national (approx. $1,300 - $1,600/month)
Documents
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE)Permission document obtained by your employer in Japan
- Job ContractSigned agreement stating salary and working conditions
- Skills Test CertificateProof of passing the industry-specific exam (SSW Only)
- Japanese Test CertificateProof of passing JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic (SSW Only)
- Proof of ExperienceOfficial employment letters proving 3-10 years of history (Ginou Only)
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.