2026-07-25

Interest in the “Specified Skilled Worker” system is growing among foreign nationals seeking employment in Japan and Japanese companies looking to expand their hiring of foreign workers. However, once they actually begin living in Japan, it’s not uncommon for foreign nationals to feel that their current workplace or support environment isn’t a good fit. In fact, if certain conditions are met, it is possible to change your “Registered Support Organization” or switch jobs while holding a Specified Skilled Worker visa. Here, we explain the procedure flow and key points for success for foreign residents, those considering naturalization, and employing companies.

Reasons for Wanting to Change Registered Support Organizations or Jobs

The main reasons foreign nationals working on a Specific Skills visa wish to “change their Registered Support Organization” are dissatisfaction with the support system and a desire for career advancement to secure a better working environment. A trustworthy Registered Support Organization is essential for ensuring a smooth life and work experience in Japan.

However, there is a growing number of cases where individuals consider changing agencies—and consequently changing jobs—due to frustrations such as “the agency doesn’t respond when I consult them about daily life issues” or “support in my native language is insufficient.”

In particular, highly skilled individuals who are considering permanent residency or naturalization in Japan in the future tend to be more inclined to choose companies or support agencies with more comprehensive support systems in order to stabilize their foundation.

Legal Procedures and Points to Note When Making a Change

When a Japanese company that employs foreign nationals (a “Specific Skilled Worker Affiliated Organization”) changes its registered support agency, or when it accepts a new foreign national who wishes to change agencies, strict legal procedures must be followed with the Immigration Bureau.

First, when terminating a contract with an existing registered support agency or entering into a new contract, a “notification” must be submitted to the Immigration Bureau within 14 days of the date the event occurred. It is important to note that failure to meet this deadline may result in corrective action.

Furthermore, when selecting a new agency, it is essential for the company’s stable operations to carefully evaluate whether the agency can accommodate the language spoken by the foreign national in question and has a proven track record of working with the Immigration Bureau, drawing lessons from past shortcomings such as inadequate support.

Key Points for Choosing a Registered Support Organization Without Mistakes and Ensuring a Smooth Transition

The most important factor in changing a Registered Support Organization for the Specified Skilled Worker program and ensuring a successful life and employment in Japan is preventing mismatches. Foreign job seekers should carefully verify in advance whether the new support agency “always has a consultation desk open in their native language” and “to what extent it will assist with finding housing and administrative procedures.”

On the other hand, Japanese companies wishing to hire foreign nationals should not choose an agency based solely on low support costs; it is important to compare and evaluate agencies based on factors such as the speed of response when problems arise and their level of expertise in immigration procedures.

By selecting an agency that satisfies both parties, you can prevent work visa issues during the transition period and ensure that foreign workers can continue their work and daily lives in Japan with peace of mind.

Summary

“Changing Registered Support Organizations” under the Specified Skilled Worker program is a proactive option designed to ensure a secure life in Japan for foreign workers and safeguard the smooth operation of businesses. Understanding the correct immigration procedures and finding a trustworthy partner (Registered Support Organization) is the first step toward achieving major goals such as future naturalization or long-term employment.