An Explanation of the Limitations of Specific Skilled Worker Category 1 and What Comes Next (Category 2, Returning Home, and Changing Jobs) from a Practical Perspective

Introduction

This article is intended for companies that are considering hiring foreign workers under the Specified Skilled Worker program or are already employing such workers, and who:

• Want to know how long they can employ workers under Specified Skilled Worker Category 1

• Are concerned about whether they will be able to continue employing them in the future

• Want to know the conditions for transitioning to Specified Skilled Worker Category 2

• Want to understand how to handle situations such as job changes or return to their home country

This content is aimed at individuals with these concerns.

 

Conclusion

“Specific Skilled Worker Type 1” is a status of residence valid for up to five years and is not a system based on the premise of permanent employment.

To ensure continued employment, it is necessary to design the program with one of the following in mind:

 

・Transition to Specific Skilled Worker Category 2

・Change to Another Status of Residence

・Support for Changing Jobs

・Workforce Planning Based on the Assumption of Return to Home Country

 

Period of Stay for Specific Skilled Worker Category 1

The maximum total period of stay for Specific Skilled Worker Category 1 is five years.

While renewals are possible, you cannot remain in Japan for more than a total of five years.

 

[Length of Stay Granted]

・Determined by the Immigration Bureau for a period not exceeding 3 years

*Effective October 2025, the restriction on the length of stay—which was previously determined by the Immigration Bureau for a period not exceeding 1 year—has been relaxed.

 

Key Features of Specific Skilled Worker Category 1

・Period of Stay: Up to a total of 5 years

・Bringing Family Members: Generally not permitted

・Application for Permanent Residency: Generally not eligible

・Changing Jobs: Permitted within the same field

・Obligation to Provide Support: Lies with the host organization

*However, if a foreign national meets the requirements for a new field, they may change jobs to that field.

*This program is a work program designed to address labor shortages.

 

The Limitations of Specific Skilled Worker Category 1

① The period of stay is limited to 5 years.

This system is not designed with long-term employment in mind.

 

② Family members are not permitted to accompany the foreign national.

This affects the foreign national’s personal life plans.

 

③ There is no direct path to permanent residency.

This poses a constraint for individuals who hope to settle in the country in the future.

 

Options Going Forward

① Transition to Specified Skilled Worker (Category 2)

Transitioning to Specified Skilled Worker (Category 2) enables long-term employment.

 

[Key Features]

・No upper limit on the number of times the period of stay can be renewed

・Family members may accompany the worker

・Skilled expertise is required

 

② Change to Other Status of Residence

Depending on the nature of the work and the individual’s background, a change to one of the following statuses of residence may be considered:

・Engineer, Specialist in Humanities, and International Business

・Business Management and Administration

 

③ Changing Jobs

Foreign nationals with “Specified Skilled Worker” status are permitted to change jobs within the same field.

*The total period of stay, including the time before and after the job change, is limited to a maximum of 5 years.

 

④ Returning Home

Upon expiration of the period of stay, the individual must return home. Companies are required to plan ahead to secure personnel.

 

Key Practical Points

① Design an exit strategy from the time of hiring

・Are you aiming to transition to Category 2?

・Will you have them return to their home country after a certain period?

 

② Check the regulations for each sector

Eligibility for transition to Specific Skilled Worker Category 2 varies by sector.

 

③ Retention support becomes a management challenge

・Appropriate compensation

・Establishment of a training system

・Enhanced living support

 

Important Message

Hiring foreign workers isn’t just about “recruitment”; “operational planning” is key.

 

Summary

・The maximum total period of stay for Specific Skilled Worker Category 1 is 5 years.

・Transitioning to Specific Skilled Worker Category 2 is essential for long-term employment.

・It is necessary to develop a human resources plan that anticipates job changes or return to the home country.

・Designing an exit strategy from the time of hiring is the key to success.

 

If you are unsure about how to proceed, we recommend consulting with an expert in advance.

If you have any specific questions, please feel free to contact us.