Work in Japan overview在留

Choose a legal route

Compare Specified Skilled Worker and professional work statuses before applying.

Front and back of a sample Japanese residence card.
Choose a legal routePhoto: Iwate Prefecture Government website · CC BY 4.0
特定技能Route A

Specified Skilled Worker

Best fit
Eligible field-based work
Core evidence
Skills and Japanese tests
Support
Defined support structure

The official SSW site lists current fields, tests, and support requirements.

Check official SSW requirements
就労ビザRoute B

Professional work status

Best fit
Specialist or professional duties
Core evidence
Relevant degree or experience
Match
Duties must fit the status

Includes engineering, humanities, instruction, academia, and other categories.

Review official work visas
SSW examples from the supplied reference
  • Nursing care
  • Food service
  • Manufacturing
  • Agriculture

Examples only. Use the official list for current eligible fields.