Specified Skilled Worker (i) - Required Documents
Specified Skilled Worker (i) is a residence status for foreign nationals engaged in work requiring considerable knowledge or experience in specific industrial fields.
| Applicable Activities | Activities involving work that requires skills demanding a considerable degree of knowledge or experience in specific industrial fields |
|---|---|
| Period of Stay | Period individually designated by the Minister of Justice (not exceeding 3 years) |
| Cumulative Limit | 5 years in principle |
| Family Accompaniment | Not permitted in principle |
Eligible Fields (16 Fields)
- Nursing Care
- Building Cleaning
- Industrial Products Manufacturing
- Construction
- Shipbuilding and Marine Industry
- Automobile Maintenance
- Aviation
- Accommodation
- Motor Vehicle Transportation
- Railway
- Agriculture
- Fisheries
- Food and Beverage Manufacturing
- Food Service
- Forestry
- Wood Industry
Document Structure
The required documents for Specified Skilled Worker residence status are broadly organized into three categories:
- Table 1 — Documents regarding the applicant: Application form, employment contract, health examination certificate, support plan, tax and social insurance documents, etc.
- Table 2 — Documents regarding the affiliated organization: Certificate of registered matters, proof of labor insurance and social insurance payments, tax-related documents, etc. (Table 2 is not required for extension applications)
- Table 3 — Documents regarding the field: Skills test and Japanese language test certificates by field, etc. (varies by field)
Note: Affiliated organizations that have already accepted Specified Skilled Workers within the same fiscal year are exempt from submitting documents corresponding to Tables 2-1~3.
Required Documents by Application Type
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility (New)
- Application for Change of Status of Residence
- Application for Extension of Period of Stay
Important Notes Before Applying
- For questions regarding how to fill out application forms and required documents, please contact the Immigration Information Center. (TEL: 0570-013904)
- If your application is submitted with incomplete documents, the examination may be significantly delayed or your application may be denied.
- All certificates issued in Japan must be submitted within 3 months of the date of issuance.
- Documents written in a foreign language must be accompanied by a Japanese translation.
- Submitted documents will not be returned in principle. If you wish to have them returned, please inform the counter at the time of application.
- Additional documents may be requested during the examination process.
- Various forms can be downloaded from the List of Specified Skilled Worker Application and Notification Forms.
Application for Certificate of Eligibility (New)
This is the application for those who wish to enter Japan for the first time with Specified Skilled Worker (i) residence status.
(1) Documents Regarding the Applicant (Table 1)
1. One return envelope
Write the recipient’s address and name on a standard envelope and affix stamps for simplified registered mail. Letter Pack Plus is also acceptable. This will be used to return the application result (Certificate of Eligibility, etc.).
2. Applicant list (if applicable)
Required when multiple foreign nationals are being applied for simultaneously by the same accepting organization.
3. Document checklist (including cover page)
Submit Table 1 (including cover page), the applicable one from Tables 2-1~3, and the applicable field from Tables 3-1~16.
4. One Application for Certificate of Eligibility
Attach a clear photograph (4cm height x 3cm width) taken from the front without headwear and with no background, taken within 6 months before the application. Write the applicant’s name on the back of the photograph.
5. Explanation of remuneration for the Specified Skilled Worker (if applicable)
- (1) Explanation of remuneration for the Specified Skilled Worker (Reference Form No. 1-4)
- (2) Copy of wage regulations — Required when remuneration is determined based on wage regulations
Organizations that have already accepted Specified Skilled Workers within the same fiscal year, or organizations with a certain track record where proper acceptance is expected, may omit this.
6. Copy of the Specified Skilled Worker employment contract
Reference Form No. 1-5. The applicant’s signature and description in a language the applicant fully understands are required.
7. Employment conditions, etc.
- (1) Copy of employment conditions (Reference Form No. 1-6) — Applicant’s signature and description in a comprehensible language required
- (2) Copy of wage payment details (Reference Form No. 1-6 Appendix) — Description in a comprehensible language required
- (3) Copy of annual calendar — Required when adopting a variable working hours system on a one-year basis (bilingual in a comprehensible language)
- (4) Copy of agreement on the variable working hours system on a one-year basis — Required when adopting the applicable system
8. Documents regarding employment history (if applicable)
- (1) Explanation of employment history (Reference Form No. 1-16) — Applicant’s signature and description in a comprehensible language required
- (2) Printout of the “Human Resources Service Comprehensive Site” screen regarding the employment placement business — Required when there is a party that brokered the conclusion of the employment contract
Organizations with acceptance records within the same fiscal year, or organizations with a certain track record where proper acceptance is expected, may omit this.
9. Health examination documents
- (1) Individual health examination record (Reference Form No. 1-3) — Must include all examination items from the reference form. A Japanese translation is also required if written in a foreign language.
- (2) Examinee’s declaration (Reference Form No. 1-3 Appendix) — To be completed after undergoing the health examination
10. Support plan for Specified Skilled Worker (i)
Reference Form No. 1-17. The applicant’s signature and description in a language the applicant fully understands are required. This is a mandatory document applicable only to Specified Skilled Worker (i).
11. Explanation regarding the support entrustment contract with the registered support organization (if applicable)
Reference Form No. 1-25. Required when the entire implementation of the support plan is entrusted to a registered support organization.
12. Documents regarding procedures to be observed under bilateral agreements (if applicable)
Applicable nationalities: Cambodia, Vietnam (as of September 2025). For details, please refer to the Immigration Services Agency website.
(2) Documents Regarding the Affiliated Organization (Table 2)
Submit the applicable one from Table 2-1 (simplified), Table 2-2 (corporation), or Table 2-3 (sole proprietor) depending on the type of affiliated organization.
Table 2-1 -- Simplified Documents (Applicable Organizations)
Organizations that have not received guidance recommendations or improvement orders in the past 3 years, that file all residence-related applications online and submit various notifications electronically, and that fall under one of the following:
- Companies listed on a Japanese stock exchange
- Mutual companies operating in the insurance business
- Innovation-creating enterprises
- Enterprises meeting certain conditions, etc.
- Organizations or individuals whose withholding tax amount on the previous year’s total table of withholding tax receipts for employment income is 10 million yen or more
- Corporations that have continuously accepted workers as Specified Skilled Worker affiliated organizations for 3 years and have not had excess liabilities in the past 3 years
Table 2-2 -- For Corporations
Main required documents:
- Overview of the Specified Skilled Worker affiliated organization (Reference Form No. 1-11-1)
- Certificate of registered matters
- Copy of resident record of officers involved in business execution (without My Number, with registered domicile)
- Written oath regarding officers of the Specified Skilled Worker affiliated organization (if applicable)
- Certificate of payment of labor insurance premiums, etc. (proof of no arrears)
- Response form on social insurance premium payment status, or copies of receipts for health insurance and employees’ pension insurance premiums for the most recent 24 months
- Tax payment certificate (No. 3) — Withholding income tax and special reconstruction income tax, corporate tax, consumption tax and local consumption tax
- Municipal resident tax payment certificate for the most recent one fiscal year
Table 2-3 -- For Sole Proprietors
Similar to the documents for corporations, but submit tax payment certificates (income tax, etc.) and the business owner’s own resident record, as appropriate for sole proprietors. Please refer to the Table 2-3 form for details.
(3) Documents Regarding the Field (Table 3)
Submit the applicable Table 3 for the field of employment. Field-specific documents such as skills test and Japanese language test certificates are included.
| Field | Download |
|---|---|
| Nursing Care | Excel |
| Building Cleaning | Excel |
| Industrial Products Manufacturing | Excel |
| Construction | Excel |
| Shipbuilding and Marine Industry | Excel |
| Automobile Maintenance | Excel |
| Aviation | Excel |
| Accommodation | Excel |
| Motor Vehicle Transportation | Excel |
| Railway | Excel |
| Agriculture | Excel |
| Fisheries | Excel |
| Food and Beverage Manufacturing | Excel |
| Food Service | Excel |
| Forestry | Excel |
| Wood Industry | Excel |
Application for Change of Status of Residence
This is the application for those already residing in Japan with a different residence status who wish to change to Specified Skilled Worker (i). If you wish to engage in activities corresponding to a different residence status by changing your activities, please apply promptly. Your residence status may be revoked if you are not engaging in activities based on your current residence status.
(1) Documents Regarding the Applicant (Table 1)
1. Applicant list (if applicable)
Required when multiple foreign nationals are being applied for simultaneously by the same accepting organization.
2. Document checklist (including cover page)
Submit Table 1 (including cover page), the applicable one from Tables 2-1~3, and the applicable field from Tables 3-1~16.
3. One Application for Change of Status of Residence
Attach a clear photograph (4cm height x 3cm width) taken from the front without headwear and with no background, taken within 6 months before the application. Write the applicant’s name on the back of the photograph.
4. Explanation of remuneration for the Specified Skilled Worker (if applicable)
- (1) Explanation of remuneration for the Specified Skilled Worker (Reference Form No. 1-4)
- (2) Copy of wage regulations — Required when remuneration is determined based on wage regulations
Organizations with acceptance records within the same fiscal year, or organizations with a certain track record where proper acceptance is expected, may omit this.
5. Copy of the Specified Skilled Worker employment contract
Reference Form No. 1-5. The applicant’s signature and description in a comprehensible language are required.
6. Employment conditions, etc.
- (1) Copy of employment conditions (Reference Form No. 1-6) — Applicant’s signature and description in a comprehensible language required
- (2) Copy of wage payment details (Reference Form No. 1-6 Appendix)
- (3) Copy of annual calendar — Required when adopting a variable working hours system on a one-year basis
- (4) Copy of agreement on the variable working hours system on a one-year basis — Required when adopting the applicable system
7. Documents regarding employment history (if applicable)
- (1) Explanation of employment history (Reference Form No. 1-16)
- (2) Printout of the “Human Resources Service Comprehensive Site” screen regarding the employment placement business
Organizations with acceptance records within the same fiscal year, or organizations with a certain track record where proper acceptance is expected, may omit this.
8. Health examination documents
- (1) Individual health examination record (Reference Form No. 1-3) — Must include all examination items from the reference form
- (2) Examinee’s declaration (Reference Form No. 1-3 Appendix)
9. Individual resident tax payment certificate (if applicable)
Individual resident tax payment certificate for the most recent one fiscal year for which all payment periods have passed. Issued by the municipality where the address was registered as of January 1. May be omitted if already submitted in a residence-related application within the past year (and the content has not changed).
10. Individual resident tax assessment certificate (if applicable)
Assessment certificate for the same fiscal year as the tax payment certificate. May be omitted if already submitted within the past year.
11. Copy of withholding tax receipt for employment income (if applicable)
For the same fiscal year as the assessment certificate. If there are multiple withholding tax receipts and year-end adjustment was not performed at the last workplace for that fiscal year, a tax payment certificate (No. 3) issued by the tax office after filing a final return is also required.
12. Medical insurance qualification information (if applicable)
Required when the applicant is a National Health Insurance policyholder at the time of application. A copy of medical insurance qualification information downloaded from My Na Portal or a copy of the qualification confirmation. The insurer number and the policyholder’s symbol and number must be masked (blacked out).
13. National Health Insurance premium (tax) payment certificate (if applicable)
For the most recent one fiscal year. Required when the applicant is a National Health Insurance policyholder at the time of application.
14. Insured person record inquiry response form (if applicable)
Issued by the Japan Pension Service or pension office. Required when the applicant is a National Pension policyholder at the time of application. May be omitted if copies of National Pension insurance premium receipts for the 24 months up to two months before the month of application are submitted.
15. Documents regarding National Pension insurance premium payment (if applicable)
Insured person record inquiry (Payment II) or copies of National Pension insurance premium receipts for the 24 months up to two months before the month of application.
16. Documents regarding public obligations that should have been fulfilled at the time of the previous application (if applicable)
Required when a written oath was submitted at the time of the previous application because tax obligations or social insurance obligations could not be fulfilled.
17. Written oath regarding fulfillment of public obligations (if applicable)
Reference Form No. 1-26. Required when there are arrears in any of No. 9, 11, 13, or 15.
18. Support plan for Specified Skilled Worker (i)
Reference Form No. 1-17. The applicant’s signature and description in a language the applicant fully understands are required. This is a mandatory document applicable only to Specified Skilled Worker (i).
19. Explanation regarding the support entrustment contract with the registered support organization (if applicable)
Reference Form No. 1-25. Required when the entire implementation of the support plan is entrusted to a registered support organization.
20. Documents regarding procedures to be observed under bilateral agreements (if applicable)
Applicable nationalities: Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam (as of September 2025). For details, please refer to the Immigration Services Agency website.
(2) Documents Regarding the Affiliated Organization (Table 2)
Same as for new applications. Submit the applicable one from Tables 2-1~3 depending on the type of affiliated organization. For details, please refer to Table 2 of the new application.
(3) Documents Regarding the Field (Table 3)
| Field | Download |
|---|---|
| Nursing Care | Excel |
| Building Cleaning | Excel |
| Industrial Products Manufacturing | Excel |
| Construction | Excel |
| Shipbuilding and Marine Industry | Excel |
| Automobile Maintenance | Excel |
| Aviation | Excel |
| Accommodation | Excel |
| Motor Vehicle Transportation | Excel |
| Railway | Excel |
| Agriculture | Excel |
| Fisheries | Excel |
| Food and Beverage Manufacturing | Excel |
| Food Service | Excel |
| Forestry | Excel |
| Wood Industry | Excel |
Application for Extension of Period of Stay
This is the application for those already residing in Japan with Specified Skilled Worker (i) status who wish to extend their period of stay. Table 2 (affiliated organization documents) is not required for extension applications.
(1) Documents Regarding the Applicant (Table 1)
1. Applicant list (if applicable)
Required when multiple foreign nationals are being applied for simultaneously by the same accepting organization.
2. Document checklist (including cover page)
Submit Table 1 (including cover page) and the applicable field from Tables 3-1~3. Table 2 is not required for extensions.
3. One Application for Extension of Period of Stay
Attach a clear photograph (4cm height x 3cm width) taken from the front without headwear and with no background, taken within 6 months before the application. Write the applicant’s name on the back of the photograph.
4. Copy of the Specified Skilled Worker employment contract
Reference Form No. 1-5. The applicant’s signature and description in a comprehensible language are required.
5. Employment conditions, etc.
- (1) Copy of employment conditions (Reference Form No. 1-6) — Applicant’s signature and description in a comprehensible language required
- (2) Copy of wage payment details (Reference Form No. 1-6 Appendix)
- (3) Copy of annual calendar — Required when adopting a variable working hours system on a one-year basis
- (4) Copy of agreement on the variable working hours system on a one-year basis — Required when adopting the applicable system
6. Individual resident tax payment certificate (if applicable)
Individual resident tax payment certificate for the most recent one fiscal year for which all payment periods have passed. May be omitted if already submitted in a residence-related application within the past year (and the content has not changed).
7. Individual resident tax assessment certificate (if applicable)
Assessment certificate for the same fiscal year as the tax payment certificate. May be omitted if already submitted within the past year.
8. Copy of withholding tax receipt for employment income (if applicable)
For the same fiscal year as the assessment certificate. If there are multiple withholding tax receipts and year-end adjustment was not performed at the last workplace for that fiscal year, a tax payment certificate (No. 3) issued by the tax office after filing a final return is also required.
9. Medical insurance qualification information (if applicable)
Required when the applicant is a National Health Insurance policyholder at the time of application. A copy of medical insurance qualification information downloaded from My Na Portal or a copy of the qualification confirmation.
10. National Health Insurance premium (tax) payment certificate (if applicable)
For the most recent one fiscal year. Required when the applicant is a National Health Insurance policyholder at the time of application.
11. Insured person record inquiry response form (if applicable)
Issued by the Japan Pension Service or pension office. Required when the applicant is a National Pension policyholder at the time of application.
12. Documents regarding National Pension insurance premium payment (if applicable)
Insured person record inquiry (Payment II) or copies of National Pension insurance premium receipts for the 24 months up to two months before the month of application.
13. Documents regarding public obligations that should have been fulfilled at the time of the previous application (if applicable)
Required when a written oath was submitted at the time of the previous application because tax obligations or social insurance obligations could not be fulfilled.
14. Written oath regarding fulfillment of public obligations (if applicable)
Reference Form No. 1-26. Required when there are arrears in any of No. 6, 8, 10, or 12.
(3) Documents Regarding the Field (Table 3)
| Field | Download |
|---|---|
| All fields (except Agriculture and Fisheries) | Excel |
| Agriculture | Excel |
| Fisheries | Excel |
Differences Between Specified Skilled Worker (i) and (ii)
| Category | Specified Skilled Worker (i) | Specified Skilled Worker (ii) |
|---|---|---|
| Skill Level | Considerable knowledge/experience | Proficient skills |
| Period of Stay | Cumulative maximum of 5 years | No limit |
| Family Accompaniment | Not permitted in principle | Permitted |
| Support Plan | Required | Not required |
| Japanese Language Ability | Required (N4 or above) | Depends on the examination |
| Permanent Residency | Not permitted in principle | Possible |
| Eligible Fields | 16 fields | 11 fields |
Reference Links
- Immigration Services Agency - Residence Status “Specified Skilled Worker” (Japanese)
- Specified Skilled Worker System Guide (Japanese)
- List of Specified Skilled Worker Application and Notification Forms (Japanese)
- Document Checklist - New Application Table 1 (Excel)
- Document Checklist - Change Application Table 1 (Excel)
- Document Checklist - Extension Application Table 1 (Excel)
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