Skip to content
Updated 2026
Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能, Tokutei Ginō) visa is one of the most important pathways for foreign workers to live and work in Japan — especially in sectors with severe labor shortages. Since its launch in 2019, the program has continued to expand and evolve, making it more accessible and relevant for international talent in 2026.
This article explains how the Specified Skilled Worker visa works in 2026, who it is for, and which industries are currently eligible.
What is the Specified Skilled Worker visa?
The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa allows foreign nationals to work in designated industries where Japan faces serious labor shortages. Unlike many other Japanese work visas, a university degree is not required. Instead, applicants must demonstrate industry-specific skills and Japanese language ability.
There are two categories under this visa system: Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 and Specified Skilled Worker Type 2.
Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 (SSWi)
Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 is the most common entry point into the system.
- Allows foreign workers to stay in Japan for up to five years in total
- Requires passing a skills test and a Japanese language test
- Does not allow family members (spouse or children) to accompany the worker
- Available across a wide range of industries
Official details on the visa framework can be found on the Japanese government’s Specified Skilled Worker portal.
Specified Skilled Worker Type 2 (SSWii)
Specified Skilled Worker Type 2 is intended for workers with more advanced skills and experience.
- Stay period can be renewed without an upper limit
- Family members are allowed to live in Japan with the worker
- Available only in selected industries
- Requires a higher level of technical skill and work experience
Type 2 is often considered a pathway toward long-term residence in Japan for those working in eligible sectors.
Skills and Japanese language requirements
To qualify for a Specified Skilled Worker visa, applicants generally must:
- Pass a skills exam relevant to the industry they are applying for
- Pass a Japanese language exam, usually equivalent to JLPT N4 or the Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic)
More details on exam requirements and exemptions are available through official immigration and labor resources.
Eligible industries under the Specified Skilled Worker visa (2026)
As of 2026, the Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 visa covers 16 industries. This reflects recent government expansions aimed at addressing workforce shortages in transportation, infrastructure, and primary industries.
The current eligible industries are:
- Nursing care
- Building cleaning
- Industrial product manufacturing
- Construction
- Shipbuilding and marine machinery
- Automobile repair and maintenance
- Aviation
- Accommodation (hospitality)
- Agriculture
- Fisheries and aquaculture
- Food and beverage manufacturing
- Restaurant services
- Automobile transportation (bus, taxi, and truck driving)
- Forestry
- Timber industry
- Railways
Industries such as railways, forestry, and automobile transportation were added in response to growing labor shortages and aging workforces, particularly in regional areas.
Documents required for application
While exact requirements vary by country and application route, applicants typically need:
- A valid passport
- Visa application form
- Passport-style photograph
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE), if applying from overseas
Applicants should always confirm requirements with their local Japanese embassy or consulate. General visa guidance is available from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Future developments and possible expansion
The Japanese government continues to review the Specified Skilled Worker system. Discussions are underway regarding the possible addition of new sectors such as logistics, waste management, and linen supply services, which could further expand employment opportunities for foreign workers in the coming years.
At the same time, broader immigration policy reforms planned for the latter half of the 2020s may affect how skill-based work visas are structured. While no formal changes have been implemented yet, applicants should expect the system to continue evolving.
What this means for people who want to work in Japan
The Specified Skilled Worker visa remains one of the most accessible ways to work in Japan without a university degree, particularly for those with hands-on skills and practical experience.
For many people, it offers:
- Entry into Japan’s workforce through clearly defined industries
- A structured system with language and skill benchmarks
- The possibility of moving from Type 1 to Type 2 status over time
However, Japanese language ability and preparation for industry-specific exams remain essential for success.
Is the Specified Skilled Worker visa right for you?
Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker visa plays a central role in addressing labor shortages while opening new pathways for foreign nationals to work and live in the country. With 16 eligible industries in 2026 and potential future expansion, it continues to be a practical option for people seeking long-term employment opportunities in Japan.
If you are considering working in Japan under this system, staying informed about official updates and requirements is crucial.
To learn more about life in Japan, visas, studying abroad, and other topics, check out our blog.
