2025-10-13

The Specific Skills system allows industries facing labor shortages to hire foreign nationals possessing certain skills and Japanese language ability. Employing companies and supporting organizations are obligated to submit periodic reports. We explain this requirement in detail below.

What is Specific Skills?

Specific Skills is a residence status permitting the employment of foreign nationals with specific skills and Japanese language ability in industries experiencing severe labor shortages.

This status was newly established in 2019. It covers 12 fields, including nursing care, food service, and construction. There are two types: “Type 1” and “Type 2.” Type 1 allows a maximum stay of 5 years. Type 2 is for highly skilled foreign nationals and permits family members to accompany them.

Companies accepting foreign workers (accepting organizations) and registered support organizations providing assistance are legally obligated to verify and report on the proper conduct of the foreign workers’ employment and daily lives. One such obligation is the “Periodic Report.” This mechanism ensures foreign workers can continue working at the company with peace of mind. Consequently, it is a crucial system requiring proper management by the companies themselves.

What is the Periodic Report?

The Periodic Report is a document submitted every three months to the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) by the receiving organization employing foreign workers with Specified Skills status or by the registered support organization providing assistance.

Its purpose is to verify that the working conditions and living support for foreign workers with Specified Skills status are being provided appropriately and in accordance with the law. The reported content includes the number of days worked, wage payment status, changes in residence, records of support provided, and results of interviews with the foreign workers. The required form is the “Report Form for Specific Skilled Worker Host Organizations, etc.” Submission methods are by mail or electronic application.

Failure to submit this report or reporting false information will result in guidance from the Immigration Bureau. Furthermore, it may lead to the revocation of the host organization’s certification or cause problems with renewing the residence status of the specific skilled foreign workers. Therefore, accurate and timely submission of this report is essential.

What should be noted for periodic reporting?

Key points for periodic reporting are the “deadline” and the “accuracy of the reported content.”

Reports must generally be submitted within three months of the previous report date. For example, if a report was submitted in April, the next submission deadline is July. Missing this deadline may result in guidance or improvement orders from the authorities.

Furthermore, if the reported details—such as wages, working hours, or support implementation status—differ from actual conditions, it will be deemed a false report. Therefore, it is crucial to organize the supporting documentation (pay stubs, attendance records, support logs, etc.) that forms the basis of the report.

Additionally, when a registered support organization is responsible for supporting the receiving organization, it must specifically document the support provided and share this information with the receiving company. Submission formats and reporting destinations may change, so always check the latest information on the Immigration Services Agency’s official website.

Summary

Periodic reporting is an obligation imposed on both host organizations and registered support agencies. However, it is not merely a reporting duty; it is a system designed to maintain an environment where foreign workers can work in Japan with peace of mind. Accurate reporting and appropriate support contribute to building trust in the company.