2025-12-14

For companies accepting foreign workers under the Specified Skilled Worker system, “Registered Support Organizations” are indispensable. This article explains what these organizations are, what roles they perform, and how to choose effectively, from an expert perspective.

What is a Registered Support Organization?

A Registered Support Organization is an institution that supports foreign workers under the Specified Skilled Worker System, enabling them to work and live in Japan without issues. Acting on behalf of the accepting company, it creates a “Support Plan” and provides living and employment support to help foreign workers settle in.

Only organizations that have filed a notification with the Ministry of Justice and been granted registration can operate as Registered Support Organizations. A wide range of entities are registered, such as certified administrative scrivener corporations, certified social insurance and labor consultant corporations, supervisory organizations, and companies.

Under the Specified Skilled Worker System, companies accepting foreign workers bear the obligation to provide support. However, if a company cannot provide this support internally, it can outsource it to a Registered Support Organization. Utilizing a Registered Support Organization is a highly effective option, particularly for companies lacking sufficient personnel, knowledge, or expertise, to establish a framework for accepting Specified Skilled Foreign Workers.

Role of Registered Support Organizations

The primary role of registered support organizations is to create an environment where foreign workers can continue working with peace of mind. Specifically, they provide a total of 11 support items, including pre-arrival guidance, airport pick-up, assistance with securing housing and necessary living procedures, Japanese language learning opportunities, regular interviews, and monitoring workplace conditions.

They also have an obligation to regularly report the status of support implementation to the accepting company, helping to reduce the company’s operational burden. Utilizing a Registered Support Organization can help prevent issues with foreign workers, promote long-term retention, and improve workplace environments.

As a result, it significantly reduces hiring risks for companies. Organizations with higher-quality support better assist in creating a comfortable working environment for foreign workers and facilitate smoother labor management for the company.

How to Select a Registered Support Organization

Key points when choosing a Registered Support Organization are: support track record, support structure, fee structure, languages offered, and follow-up support system for foreign workers.

First, agencies with extensive experience supporting Specified Skilled Workers are more familiar with the system and administrative procedures, offering greater peace of mind. Next, verify that the agency has a robust support structure, including sufficient staff and multilingual capabilities. Additionally, always check not only the monthly fee but also any additional charges and the contract period. Furthermore, agencies offering comprehensive follow-up support for foreign workers, such as Japanese language education and career counseling, tend to achieve higher retention rates.

When selecting an agency, compare multiple options and choose one that can provide support tailored to the host company’s industry and the nationalities of its foreign workers. This approach will lead to securing long-term talent.

Summary

Registered Support Agencies are specialized institutions that provide life and employment support services on behalf of foreign workers. They significantly contribute to the retention of foreign workers and the reduction of burdens for host companies. When choosing an agency, it is crucial to compare their support track record, organizational structure, and fees to find the one best suited to your company.