Home └Pathways to Working in Japan └Official Pathways to Work in Japan

Pathways to Working in Japan

0 %

Completed

Course content

Official Pathways to Work in Japan

10 XP
Prev Next
Fullscreen Share

Official Pathways to Work in Japan

There are several official pathways to work in Japan. Each one has its own purpose, requirements, and rules. Knowing the differences helps you choose the right pathway and makes you harder to deceive.

In Japan, your permission to stay is called 在留資格 (zairyuu shikaku, residence status). This residence status decides what kind of work you are allowed to do.

The four pathways covered

  • Tokutei Ginou (特定技能, workers with specified skills), known in English as Specified Skilled Worker (SSW).
  • Ikusei Shuro (育成就労, working while developing skills), which replaces the Technical Intern Training Program. It starts on 1 April 2027.
  • Gijinkoku (技術・人文知識・国際業務, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services), for higher education graduates.
  • Student internships, internships for students of universities outside Japan as part of their studies.

Quick comparison

PathwayPurposeGeneral requirementsJapanese languageLength of stayBringing family
Tokutei Ginou 1 (SSW i)Work in sectors facing labor shortagesPass the skills test for the sectorJFT-Basic or JLPT N4 (kaigo/care work: plus the Japanese test for care work)Up to 5 years in totalNot allowed, in principle
Tokutei Ginou 2 (SSW ii)Highly skilled, experienced workersPass the level 2 skills testDepends on the sectorCan be renewed with no limit on the number of renewalsYes (spouse and children), if the requirements are met
Ikusei ShuroDevelop workers up to the SSW i levelAn approved work plan; from a country that has a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) with JapanBefore starting work: A1 level (e.g. JFT-Basic or JLPT N5) or attending equivalent classes3 yearsNot a status under which family members can apply (as of October 2026)
GijinkokuProfessional work that matches your expertiseA degree in a related field, or 10 years of work experienceNo single required test; depends on the job5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 3 months per permit; renewableYes (dependent spouse and children)
Student internshipInternship as part of the curriculumStudents in a degree program; contract between the university and the companyDepends on the companyUp to 1 year, and no more than half of the study periodNot a status under which family members can apply

Each pathway is explained in detail in the next lessons.

What about the Technical Intern Training Program?

The Technical Intern Training Program (技能実習, ginou jisshuu) continues until Ikusei Shuro begins on 1 April 2027. Interns who are still in training on that date can continue under the transitional rules.

The role of Jobagus.id

Jobagus.id is a platform that connects Indonesian candidates with companies and receiving organizations in Japan, mainly in care work (kaigo), food and beverage processing, and manufacturing. JOBAGUS is not a placement agency and does not issue visas.

JOBAGUS never charges a registration fee; beware of brokers (calo). JOBAGUS is a contributor, not a broker, and does not promise placement, salary, a visa, or departure.

Rules may change; check the latest official information on the Immigration Services Agency of Japan website (moj.go.jp/isa) before making any decision.

Official sources to check

  • Immigration Services Agency of Japan: moj.go.jp/isa
  • Official Specified Skilled Worker (Tokutei Ginou) website: ssw.go.jp
  • JFT-Basic test (The Japan Foundation): jpf.go.jp/jft-basic
  • Indonesian Ministry of Migrant Worker Protection (KP2MI): kp2mi.go.id

Four official pathways to work in Japan, a comparison table, what happens to the technical intern program, and the role of Jobagus.id.

Rating
0 0

There are no comments for now.

Join this Course
to be the first to leave a comment.

Chat Admin