Specified Skilled Worker (ii) - Required Documents
The Specified Skilled Worker (ii) status of residence is for foreign nationals engaged in work requiring proficient skills in specific industrial fields. Unlike Specified Skilled Worker (i), there is no upper limit on the period of stay, and family accompaniment is permitted.
| Applicable Activities | Work requiring proficient skills in specific industrial fields |
|---|---|
| Period of Stay | 3 years, 1 year, 6 months |
| Renewal | No upper limit |
| Family Accompaniment | Permitted (spouse and children) |
Eligible Fields (11 Fields)
- Building Cleaning
- Industrial Products Manufacturing (limited to machinery/metal processing, electrical/electronic equipment assembly, and metal surface treatment)
- Construction
- Shipbuilding/Marine Industry
- Automobile Maintenance
- Aviation
- Accommodation
- Agriculture
- Fisheries
- Food and Beverage Manufacturing
- Food Service
Document Submission Structure
The required documents for Specified Skilled Worker status of residence consist of three main categories:
- Table 1 — Documents regarding the applicant: Application form, employment contract, tax and social insurance documents, etc.
- Table 2 — Documents regarding the affiliated organization: Certificate of registered matters, labor insurance/social insurance payment certificates, tax documents, etc. (Table 2 is not required for renewal applications)
- Table 3 — Documents regarding the field: Field-specific skill test certificates, 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 through 2-3.
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 about how to complete applications and required documents, please contact the Immigration Information Center. (TEL: 0570-013904)
- Applications with incomplete documents may result in significant delays in examination or denial of permission.
- All certificates issued in Japan must be submitted within 3 months of the date of issue.
- Documents written in foreign languages 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/Notification Forms.
Application for Certificate of Eligibility (New)
This is the application for those who wish to newly enter Japan with the Specified Skilled Worker (ii) status of residence.
(1) Documents Regarding the Applicant (Table 1)
1. Return envelope - 1
Write the recipient’s address and name on a standard envelope and affix registered mail stamps. 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 applying simultaneously from the same accepting organization.
3. Document checklist (including cover page)
Submit Table 1 (including cover page), the applicable section from Tables 2-1~3, and the applicable field from Tables 3-1~11.
4. Application for Certificate of Eligibility - 1 copy
Affix a clear photograph (4cm height x 3cm width) taken from the front without hat or background, taken within 6 months prior to 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 expected to accept workers appropriately based on past track records, may omit this document.
6. Copy of Specified Skilled Worker Employment Contract
Reference Form No. 1-5. The applicant’s signature and descriptions in a language the applicant can fully understand are required.
7. Employment conditions, etc.
- (1) Copy of employment conditions (Reference Form No. 1-6) — Applicant’s signature and description in an understandable language required
- (2) Copy of wage payment details (Reference Form No. 1-6 appendix) — Description in an understandable language required
- (3) Copy of annual calendar — Required when adopting a one-year variable working hours system (with parallel description in an understandable language)
- (4) Copy of agreement on one-year variable working hours system — Required when adopting this system
8. Documents regarding employment history (if applicable)
- (1) Explanation of employment history (Reference Form No. 1-16) — Applicant’s signature and description in an understandable language required
- (2) Printout of “Human Resources Service Comprehensive Site” screen regarding the employment placement service provider — Required when there is a party that brokered the employment contract
Organizations with acceptance track records within the same fiscal year, or organizations expected to accept workers appropriately based on past track records, may omit this document.
9. Health examination documents
- (1) Health examination individual form (Reference Form No. 1-3) — Must include all examination items in the reference form. If written in a foreign language, a Japanese translation is also required.
- (2) Examinee’s declaration (Reference Form No. 1-3 appendix) — To be completed after the health examination
10. Notification regarding skill transfer (if applicable)
Reference Form No. 1-10. Required if the applicant has previously engaged in technical intern training activities. Applicant’s signature and description in an understandable language required.
11. Documents regarding compliance procedures specified in 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 table from Tables 2-1 (simplified), 2-2 (corporation), or 2-3 (sole proprietor) depending on the type of affiliated organization.
Table 2-1 -- Simplified Documents (Applicable Organizations)
Organizations that have not received guidance/recommendation notices 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 Japanese stock exchanges
- Mutual companies operating insurance businesses
- Innovation-creating companies
- Companies meeting certain conditions
- Organizations/individuals whose withholding tax amount on the previous year’s aggregate table of withholding tax on 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 had no excess liabilities in the past 3 years
Table 2-2 -- For Corporations
Main required documents:
- Overview of 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)
- Oath by officers of specified skilled worker affiliated organization (if applicable)
- Certificate of payment of labor insurance premiums (proof of no arrears)
- Social insurance premium payment status response form, or copies of health insurance/employees’ pension insurance premium receipts for the most recent 24 months
- Tax payment certificate (No. 3) — Withholding income tax/special reconstruction income tax, corporate tax, consumption tax/local consumption tax
- Certificate of payment of individual resident tax for the most recent fiscal year
Table 2-3 -- For Sole Proprietors
Similar to corporate documents, but submit tax payment certificates appropriate for sole proprietors (income tax, etc.) and the proprietor’s own resident record. For details, please refer to the Table 2-3 form.
(3) Documents Regarding the Field (Table 3)
Submit the applicable Table 3 for the field of work. Field-specific documents such as skill test certificates are included.
| Field | Download |
|---|---|
| Building Cleaning | Excel |
| Industrial Products Manufacturing | Excel |
| Construction | Excel |
| Shipbuilding/Marine Industry | Excel |
| Automobile Maintenance | Excel |
| Aviation | Excel |
| Accommodation | Excel |
| Agriculture | Excel |
| Fisheries | Excel |
| Food and Beverage Manufacturing | Excel |
| Food Service | Excel |
Application for Change of Status of Residence
This is the application for those already residing in Japan with a different status of residence who wish to change to Specified Skilled Worker (ii). If you wish to change your activities to those corresponding to a different status of residence, please apply promptly. If you are not engaging in activities based on your original status of residence, your status may be revoked.
(1) Documents Regarding the Applicant (Table 1)
1. Applicant list (if applicable)
Required when multiple foreign nationals are applying simultaneously from the same accepting organization.
2. Document checklist (including cover page)
Submit Table 1 (including cover page), the applicable section from Tables 2-1~3, and the applicable field from Tables 3-1~11.
3. Application for Change of Status of Residence - 1 copy
Affix a clear photograph (4cm height x 3cm width) taken from the front without hat or background, taken within 6 months prior to 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 track records within the same fiscal year, or organizations expected to accept workers appropriately based on past track records, may omit this document.
5. Copy of Specified Skilled Worker Employment Contract
Reference Form No. 1-5. Applicant’s signature and description in an understandable language required.
6. Employment conditions, etc.
- (1) Copy of employment conditions (Reference Form No. 1-6) — Applicant’s signature and description in an understandable language required
- (2) Copy of wage payment details (Reference Form No. 1-6 appendix)
- (3) Copy of annual calendar — Required when adopting a one-year variable working hours system
- (4) Copy of agreement on one-year variable working hours system — Required when adopting this system
7. Documents regarding employment history (if applicable)
- (1) Explanation of employment history (Reference Form No. 1-16)
- (2) Printout of “Human Resources Service Comprehensive Site” screen regarding the employment placement service provider
Organizations with acceptance track records within the same fiscal year, or organizations expected to accept workers appropriately based on past track records, may omit this document.
8. Health examination documents
- (1) Health examination individual form (Reference Form No. 1-3) — Must include all examination items in 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 fiscal year for which all payment periods have passed. Issued by the municipal office of the address as of January 1. May be omitted if already submitted in a residence-related application within the past year (with no changes in content).
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 certificate on employment income (if applicable)
For the same fiscal year as the assessment certificate. If there are multiple withholding certificates and year-end adjustment was not performed at the last workplace for that year, a tax payment certificate (No. 3) issued by the tax office after filing a final tax return is also required.
12. Medical insurance eligibility information (if applicable)
Required if the applicant is a National Health Insurance policyholder at the time of application. Copy of medical insurance eligibility information downloaded from My Number Portal, or copy of eligibility confirmation. Insurer number and policyholder symbol/number must be masked (blacked out).
13. National Health Insurance premium payment certificate (if applicable)
For the most recent fiscal year. Required if 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 if the applicant is a National Pension policyholder at the time of application. May be omitted if copies of National Pension insurance premium receipts for 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 24 months up to two months before the month of application.
16. Documents regarding public obligations to be fulfilled at the time of the previous application (if applicable)
Required if 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 if there are arrears in No. 9, 11, 13, or 15.
18. Notification regarding skill transfer (if applicable)
Reference Form No. 1-10. Required if the applicant has previously engaged in technical intern training activities.
19. Documents regarding compliance procedures specified in bilateral agreements (if applicable)
Applicable nationalities: Cambodia, Vietnam (as of September 2025).
(2) Documents Regarding the Affiliated Organization (Table 2)
Same as for new applications. Submit the applicable table from Tables 2-1~3 depending on the type of affiliated organization. For details, please refer to Table 2 for new applications.
(3) Documents Regarding the Field (Table 3)
| Field | Download |
|---|---|
| Building Cleaning | Excel |
| Industrial Products Manufacturing | Excel |
| Construction | Excel |
| Shipbuilding/Marine Industry | Excel |
| Automobile Maintenance | Excel |
| Aviation | Excel |
| Accommodation | Excel |
| Agriculture | Excel |
| Fisheries | Excel |
| Food and Beverage Manufacturing | Excel |
| Food Service | Excel |
Application for Extension of Period of Stay
This is the application for those already residing in Japan with Specified Skilled Worker (ii) status who wish to extend their period of stay. Table 2 (affiliated organization documents) is not required for renewal applications.
(1) Documents Regarding the Applicant (Table 1)
1. Applicant list (if applicable)
Required when multiple foreign nationals are applying simultaneously from 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 renewal applications.
3. Application for Extension of Period of Stay - 1 copy
Affix a clear photograph (4cm height x 3cm width) taken from the front without hat or background, taken within 6 months prior to the application. Write the applicant’s name on the back of the photograph.
4. Copy of Specified Skilled Worker Employment Contract
Reference Form No. 1-5. Applicant’s signature and description in an understandable language required.
5. Employment conditions, etc.
- (1) Copy of employment conditions (Reference Form No. 1-6) — Applicant’s signature and description in an understandable language required
- (2) Copy of wage payment details (Reference Form No. 1-6 appendix)
- (3) Copy of annual calendar — Required when adopting a one-year variable working hours system
- (4) Copy of agreement on one-year variable working hours system — Required when adopting this system
6. Individual resident tax payment certificate (if applicable)
Individual resident tax payment certificate for the most recent fiscal year for which all payment periods have passed. May be omitted if already submitted in a residence-related application within the past year (with no changes in content).
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 certificate on employment income (if applicable)
For the same fiscal year as the assessment certificate. If there are multiple withholding certificates and year-end adjustment was not performed at the last workplace for that year, a tax payment certificate (No. 3) issued by the tax office after filing a final tax return is also required.
9. Medical insurance eligibility information (if applicable)
Required if the applicant is a National Health Insurance policyholder at the time of application. Copy of medical insurance eligibility information downloaded from My Number Portal, or copy of eligibility confirmation.
10. National Health Insurance premium payment certificate (if applicable)
For the most recent fiscal year. Required if 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 if 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 24 months up to two months before the month of application.
13. Documents regarding public obligations to be fulfilled at the time of the previous application (if applicable)
Required if 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 if there are arrears in No. 6, 8, 10, or 12.
(3) Documents Regarding the Field (Table 3)
| Field | Download |
|---|---|
| All fields (excluding Agriculture/Fisheries) | Excel |
| Agriculture | Excel |
| Fisheries | Excel |
Differences from Specified Skilled Worker (i)
| Item | Specified Skilled Worker (i) | Specified Skilled Worker (ii) |
|---|---|---|
| Skill Level | Considerable knowledge/experience | Proficient skills |
| Period of Stay | Maximum 5 years total | No limit |
| Family Accompaniment | Not permitted in principle | Permitted |
| Japanese Ability | Required (N4 or higher) | Depends on examination |
| Permanent Residence | Not permitted in principle | Possible |
| Eligible Fields | 16 fields | 11 fields |
Reference Links
- Immigration Services Agency - Status of Residence “Specified Skilled Worker” (Japanese)
- Specified Skilled Worker System Guide (Japanese)
- List of Specified Skilled Worker Application/Notification Forms (Japanese)
- Document Checklist - New Application Table 1 (Excel)
- Document Checklist - Change Application Table 1 (Excel)
- Document Checklist - Renewal Application Table 1 (Excel)
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