2026-02-14

For companies accepting Specified Skilled Workers, the “Specified Skilled Worker Report” is an essential responsibility that cannot be avoided. Failure to report or submitting incomplete reports may lead to administrative guidance or suspension of acceptance. This article explains the basics of the Specified Skilled Worker system, the contents of the report, and important points to note.

What is Specified Skilled Worker?

Specified Skilled Worker is a residence status allowing foreign nationals with specific expertise or skills to work in Japanese industries facing severe labor shortages. Established in 2019, this status covers 16 sectors including nursing care, construction, food service, and manufacturing.

Specified Skilled Worker comprises “Specified Skilled Worker Type 1” and “Specified Skilled Worker Type 2,” with Type 1 being recognized in most sectors. While Type 1 has a maximum period of stay and generally does not allow family members to accompany the worker, it enables immediate employment as a skilled worker.

Companies accepting Specific Skilled Foreigners (accepting organizations) bear more obligations than standard employers, including ensuring proper employment contracts, providing remuneration equal to or higher than that of Japanese workers, and implementing living support. Among these, submitting various notifications and reports to the Immigration Services Agency is particularly crucial.

What is the Specified Skilled Worker Report?

The Specified Skilled Worker Report is a report submitted periodically or as needed by the accepting organization to the Immigration Services Agency regarding the status of accepting Specified Skilled Workers and the employment/support system. It is formally called the “Periodic Report” or “Ad Hoc Report.”

The Periodic Report is submitted once a year in principle, reporting on the acceptance status, remuneration payment status, implementation of support, etc. Ad hoc reports are submitted when significant events occur, such as resignation/dismissal, changes to contract terms, or modifications to the support plan.

These reports serve to verify the proper operation of the system. They are checked not only for the foreign worker themselves but also for the compliance framework of the accepting company. It is crucial to note that even if the accepting organization delegates the reporting obligation to a registered support organization, the ultimate responsibility remains with the accepting organization.

Key Reporting Considerations

The most critical aspects of Specific Skills reporting are “strict adherence to deadlines” and “accuracy of content.” Missing the deadline for periodic reports, or submitting false or incomplete information, may result in administrative guidance or improvement orders.

Common errors include omissions or mistakes in reporting remuneration amounts, insufficient details on support services provided, and failure to submit ad hoc reports after resignation. Particular attention is required for resignations or long-term absences, as these must be reported within 14 days of occurrence.

Furthermore, even if the receiving company outsources tasks to a registered support agency, “outsourcing everything” is risky. The receiving company itself must fully understand the system and establish a system to verify the content to avoid risks. If you have concerns, we recommend consulting an administrative scrivener or other expert familiar with the Specified Skilled Worker system early on.

Summary

Specific Skills reporting is a critical legal obligation imposed on companies accepting foreign workers under the Specific Skills program. Omissions or deficiencies in reporting pose significant risks to the accepting company. Therefore, correctly understanding the system and responding with awareness of deadlines and content is essential. Establish an appropriate reporting system to aim for secure and stable acceptance.