How to obtain a Specified Technical Visa (Specified Technical Skills No. 1 and No. 2)

How to obtain a Specified Technical Visa (Specified Technical Skills No. 1 and No. 2)

The Specified Technical Visa is a new visa status established in 2019 against the backdrop of a serious labor shortage in Japan. It is attracting attention as a system that allows foreign workers to work in Japan on a mid- to long-term basis, and standards have been established for each type of industry, including tests and Japanese language skills.

Table of Contents

• What is a Specified Technical Visa?
• Difference between Specified Skills No. 1 and No. 2
• Target Industries and Activities
• Application Requirements and Required Documents
• Obligations of the accepting company
• Transition from technical training
• Steps to Obtaining a Visa
• Support by administrative scriveners

What is a Specified Technical Visa?

The "Specified Technical Skills" status allows foreigners with a certain level of expertise and skills to work in Japan in "fields where human resources should be accepted." As of 2025, Specified Technical Skills 1 and 2 are limited to 12 and 2 fields, respectively, and the system is designed to allow for long-term residence and the possibility of bringing family members.

Difference between Specified Skills No. 1 and No. 2

(data) item	Specified Skills 1	Specified Skills No. 2
period of stay	Up to 5 years (renewable)	Renewal system (indefinite)
bringing one's family along (to a warship, etc.)	not allowed	Yes (spouse/children)
target area	12 Fields	Construction, Shipbuilding and Marine Industry
skill level	Pass the examination or complete Technical Internship No. 2	Proficiency skills required

Target Industries and Activities

The main industries recognized under the specific skills 1 category are as follows

• care
• building cleaning
• agriculture
• fishing (industry)
• restaurant industry
• lodging business
• Industrial machinery manufacturing
• automobile maintenance
• aviation
• construction
• Shipbuilding & Marine Industry
• Food and beverage manufacturing

In both cases, field-level, ready-to-work personnel are required.

Application Requirements and Required Documents

• Passed proficiency measurement test
• Passed JLPT (N4 or above) or JFT-Basic
• employment contract
• Support plan (by registered support organization)
• Establishment of a system for housing and livelihood support

Obligations of the accepting company

• Regular life support and interviews
• Guarantee of adequate working conditions
• Support for the provision of Japanese language education
• Periodic reports to immigration authorities

Transition from technical training

Those who have successfully completed Technical Internship No. 2 can transfer to Specified Skill No. 1 only in the same field. Many trainees take advantage of this system as they are exempted from the examination.

Steps to Obtaining a Visa

1. Securing a host company and concluding an employment contract
2. Passed Proficiency Test and Japanese Language Test
3. Support system development and support plan development
4. Application for Certificate of Eligibility
5. Visa acquisition and entry procedures

Support by administrative scriveners

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding the recruitment of foreign personnel or "Designated Activities (No. 1 and No. 2)" status of residence.

At Horiuchi Gyoseishoshi Lawyer Office, we provide flexible support according to the circumstances of each company and help create a smooth acceptance system.