2026-06-15

Against the backdrop of Japan’s severe labor shortage, the “Specified Skilled Worker” status is gaining attention. “Registered Support Organizations for Specified Skilled Workers” serve as a bridge between foreign residents and Japanese companies seeking to hire talented foreign workers. This article explains the role of these support organizations and how to make use of the “list” of registered organizations.

What Are Registered Support Organizations for Specified Skilled Workers?

When hiring foreign nationals under the Specific Skills status, host companies (Specific Skills Affiliated Organizations) are legally required to implement a “Support Plan.” This plan covers a wide range of items, from pre-arrival lifestyle guidance to securing housing, Japanese language learning support, life orientation, and job change support.

However, it is by no means easy for companies lacking the necessary expertise to handle all of these tasks perfectly on their own. This is where “Registered Support Organizations for Specified Skilled Workers” come in. With legal authorization from the Immigration Services Agency (ISA), these organizations act on behalf of companies to handle all of these support tasks.

For Japanese companies, they serve as partners to whom they can entrust cumbersome procedures and post-arrival support. For foreign workers, they are a reliable ally who safeguards their living and working conditions in Japan. Thus, they play an extremely important and indispensable role for both parties.

How to Use the “List”

The official websites of the Ministry of Justice and the Immigration Bureau provide a “List” (in PDF or Excel format) of all registered support agencies nationwide, which is available for free and can be viewed and downloaded by anyone. This “List” offers significant benefits depending on the user’s perspective.

First, for Japanese companies looking to hire foreign workers, it serves as a “list of potential contractors” for comparing and selecting reputable support agencies that cater to their specific industry and region.

On the other hand, for foreign nationals hoping to immigrate to Japan or considering naturalization, it serves as a “reassuring indicator” to confirm which languages (native language support) the support agencies offer. Finding an agency with a robust support system in one’s native language should help prevent daily life difficulties and isolation, and lead to building a stable residency record toward future naturalization.

How to Choose a Support Organization

Since the official “list” contains over several thousand registered organizations, it is difficult to find one that suits your company or your needs simply by browsing through it. When narrowing down your options, you need to keep the following three points in mind.

The first is “languages supported.” For foreign nationals, the ability to communicate smoothly in their native language is a top priority, while for companies, the ability to communicate smoothly in the language of the talent they wish to hire is paramount. The second is “fields (industries) of Specific Skilled Labor covered.” Since the required knowledge varies by sector—such as food service, hospitality, nursing care, and construction—it is crucial to verify the agency’s track record in these areas. Third is “the scope of support and transparency of fees.” Companies should confirm whether they will receive support commensurate with the fees paid, while foreign nationals should verify that there is a system in place to consult with the agency even at night when they face genuine difficulties.

Select a few candidates from the “List” and assess their sincerity through actual interviews or inquiries.

Summary

Selecting a reliable “Registered Support Organization for Specified Skilled Workers” is essential for the success of the Specified Skilled Worker Program and for building a bright future in Japan. By properly utilizing the latest “List” published by the Immigration Bureau and comparing supported languages and areas of expertise, you can find the optimal partner without any mismatches.