2026-06-28

“Specified Skilled Worker” is a system designed to connect foreign nationals seeking employment or long-term residence in Japan with Japanese companies facing severe labor shortages. At the heart of this process is the “Specified Skilled Worker Employment Contract.” This article explains the key points and precautions for drafting this contract for foreign nationals who wish to live in Japan, foreign residents considering naturalization or permanent residency, and company representatives considering hiring foreign workers.

Basics and Importance of the Specified Skilled Worker Employment Contract

For foreign nationals who wish to live in Japan or are looking to change jobs within the country, confirming their working conditions is the most important step.

Under the Specified Skilled Worker system, the law mandates that the remuneration for foreign workers must be “equal to or greater than the remuneration paid to Japanese nationals performing equivalent work.” The “Specific Skills Employment Contract” is a document that clearly defines these salary levels, job duties, working hours, and other details; it is a crucial contract that must be submitted when applying to the Immigration Bureau. Japanese companies wishing to hire foreign nationals must enter into contracts with terms that comply with the Immigration Control Act.

On the other hand, for foreign nationals considering naturalization or obtaining permanent residency in Japan in the future, earning a stable income in an appropriate working environment based on this contract and fulfilling obligations such as paying taxes is the first step toward building a favorable track record for future screening.

Points to Note When Drafting the Contract and Support Systems

When Japanese companies wishing to hire foreign nationals draft a Specific Skilled Worker Employment Contract, they must exercise even greater care than with a standard employment contract. In addition to the basic salary and various allowances, essential items include agreements regarding “leave for temporary return to the home country” and “coverage of return travel expenses.”

Furthermore, upon signing the employment contract, companies must formulate a “10-item lifestyle support plan” to support the employee’s personal and professional life after entry into Japan and during their stay. If it is difficult for a company to handle these matters internally, it is possible to outsource support to a “Registered Support Organization.”

If the contract contains omissions, false information, or unfair disparities compared to Japanese employees, not only will the application for a status of residence be denied, but the company may also be deemed to have engaged in misconduct, risking a suspension of its ability to hire foreign nationals for up to five years.

Key Points to Check in the Contract

Foreign nationals living in Japan with the intention of immigrating permanently or seeking future naturalization or permanent residency must carefully review the contents of the Specific Skilled Worker employment contract in detail before signing it. Key points to verify include whether the compensation is equal to or higher than that of Japanese nationals, whether the provisions for overtime pay and allowances are clear, and whether the assigned duties align with your Specific Skills field (such as food service, lodging, or nursing care).

While Specific Skills Category 1 allows for a maximum stay of five years, if you are able to transition to the next level, “Specific Skills Category 2,” there will be no restrictions on renewing your period of stay, and you will also be able to bring your family to Japan. This provides a significant advantage for future applications for naturalization or permanent residency.

To prevent early resignation or disputes due to discrepancies in working conditions, you must receive employment contracts and explanatory documents from the company that include translations (side-by-side) in your native language or English, and review them thoroughly until you are fully satisfied.

Summary

The Specified Skilled Worker Employment Contract serves as a solid foundation for foreign nationals to work and live in Japan with peace of mind, paving the way for future paths such as naturalization. For Japanese companies seeking to hire foreign nationals, it is the first step toward ensuring compliance with laws and regulations and securing talented personnel. Mutual understanding of the contract terms and adherence to proper procedures will help build a successful career for the future.