The System
To employ foreign workers in Japan, a status of residence (visa) matching the purpose is required.
Our cooperative supports both systems: Technical Intern Training / Employment for Skill Development, and Specified Skilled Worker.
Two Systems
-
Technical Intern Training / Employment for Skill Development
- Purpose
- Acquire skills while working on-site, serving as a stepping stone to home-country development or long-term employment in Japan.
- Duration
- In principle 3 years (Technical Intern Training up to 5 years)
- The current TITP remains available, but it is scheduled to transfer to the new “Employment for Skill Development” system in April 2027
- Workers can step up to Specified Skilled Worker status upon completion
-
Specified Skilled Worker
- Purpose
- A system for accepting foreign workers with a certain level of expertise and skill as an immediate workforce in labor-shortage sectors.
- Duration
- Type 1: up to 5 years total／Type 2: renewable for long-term employment
- Available in 19 fields (from April 2027)
- Transitioning to Type 2 removes the residency limit and allows family accompaniment
- A highly skilled workforce for long-term utilization
Technical Intern Training / Employment for Skill Development
Current System: Technical Intern Training Program
A program designed to transfer Japanese technology, skills, and knowledge to workers from developing countries, contributing to their home countries’ economic development.
In principle 3 years, up to a maximum of 5 years, acquiring skills through practical work at Japanese companies.
Scheduled to Take Effect in April 2027 — New System: Employment for Skill Development
A newly established system that will supersede the Technical Intern Training Program. It aims to let workers acquire needed skills while working in labor-shortage sectors, leading to medium- to long-term employment.
Workers gain experience through in-principle 3-year employment, with a path envisioned toward Specified Skilled Worker status and beyond.
Specified Skilled Worker System
A status-of-residence system for accepting foreign workers with a certain level of expertise and skill in labor-shortage sectors. It has two categories, Type 1 and Type 2, depending on skill level.
-
Specified Skilled Worker Type 1
- Eligibility
- Workers with basic to intermediate-level skills
- Period of Stay
- Up to a total of 5 years
- Family Accompaniment
- Not permitted
- Transition Route
- Smooth transition possible from Technical Intern Training / Employment for Skill Development
-
Specified Skilled Worker Type 2
- Eligibility
- Workers with advanced, skilled expertise
- Period of Stay
- No limit on renewals
- Family Accompaniment
- Spouse and children may accompany
- Future Outlook
- Able to continue working by making full use of their highly skilled expertise
Career Step
Workers can start with Technical Intern Training / Employment for Skill Development and step up to Specified Skilled Worker status.
-
STEP 1
Technical Intern Training / Employment for Skill Development
3 yearsAcquiring skills through practical work
-
STEP 2
Specified Skilled Worker Type 1
5 yearsBasic to intermediate specialized skills
-
STEP 3
Specified Skilled Worker Type 2
No limit on renewalsAdvanced skills / family accompaniment allowed
Transition may not be possible depending on the sector or examination results.
This enables long-term workforce utilization, with outstanding workers able to work long-term as Specified Skilled Worker Type 2.
Contact Us
Feel free to start with just a consultation. Even if this is your first time accepting foreign workers, we will organize the system and procedures clearly.
By phone
Reception: ZENKOKU KEIYUKAI, Foreign Worker Support Division
03-5157-3323Hours: 9:00–12:00 / 13:00–17:30 (closed on weekends and holidays)
Enquiry form
Sales and business proposals are not accepted here. Please use the sales & PR enquiry form (Japanese) instead.
Go to the enquiry form