Specified Skilled Worker 1 (Tokutei Ginou 1)

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–3 months

Estimated Cost

JPY ¥56,500

Stay Duration

5 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Japan

Cost of Living

32% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary¥3,240,000

Quality of Life

181/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Work visa for skilled workers in 16 designated industries requiring Japanese language and skills tests.

The Specified Skilled Worker (i) visa lets workers fill labor shortages in 16 designated Japanese industries — including nursing care, construction, agriculture, food service, and shipbuilding — without a university degree. Applicants must pass an industry skills test and show Japanese at JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic A2.

The visa allows a cumulative stay of up to 5 years via renewable 1-year periods; no family accompaniment is permitted. Employers must meet strict labor-condition standards and provide worker support. Holders can convert to SSW(ii) or Engineer/Specialist status, but the visa does not lead to permanent residence.

This visa is ideal for skilled tradespeople who can communicate in basic Japanese and want hands-on employment in Japan without a degree requirement.

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