Types of Status of Residence in Japan
What is a Status of Residence?
A “status of residence” is a qualification required for a foreigner to reside in Japan.
*The status of residence is a qualification that allows one to stay and work in Japan. It is often treated similarly to a visa, but a visa is like a letter of recommendation to enter Japan, while a status of residence is a qualification to stay and work in Japan and is technically different.
For each status, the activities that can be performed in Japan are determined by law. One person cannot have two statuses of residence at the same time, and can only have one status at a time.
As of February 2025, there are 29 types of statuses.
List of statuses of residence | Immigration Services Agency of Japan
In this article, we will talk about the status of residence required to work in detail.
For studying in Japan, click here!
Purpose of Studying Abroad and Schools
Let’s take a look at the different types of schools and how to choose the right one when studying in Japan.
Main Types of Status of Residence
The following are the three main types of status of residence for working in Japan.
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
This is a status of residence required if you work for a company as a technician or office worker.
Specified Skilled Worker
This status of residence allows you to work in 12 specific industries, including nursing care and construction.
Technical Intern Training
This is a status of residence for foreigners to work at Japanese companies for the purpose of learning skills and technologies.
※The Technical Intern Training Program is scheduled to be discontinued in 2027 and replaced with the Skilled Worker Development Program.
Please refer to the detailed articles on each of them.
Various Ways to Obtain GIJINKOKU Visa
There are various ways to obtain a Status of Residence, GIJINKOKU Visa (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services). The following are the common methods.
What is a Specified Skilled Worker? What are the Requirements and How to Obtain it?
Is it true that there is a Status of Residence that allows you to work in Japan regardless of your education or work experience? For those who are interested in this visa, please refer to the Status of Residence for Specified Skilled Worker.
Technical Intern Training System – Brief Explanation –
Do you know the most common status of residence among foreigners (other than permanent residents) working in Japan? They are technical intern trainees (as of the end of June 2021). There are many foreigners who have succeeded in the technical intern training program, but there are also foreigners who pay unjustified fees or are treated unfairly by the company where they received their training. You should apply after you are well aware of the system of technical intern training.
Conditions for Statuses of Residence
The following is a quick overview of statuses of residence including ones not explained above. The type of work you can do, and the conditions are different for each status of residence.
| Status of Residence | Description | Employment | Accompanying family members | Changing jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services | To work for a company as a technician or office worker | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| Specified Skilled Worker | To work in 16 specific industries, including nursing care and construction | ○ | △*1 | ○ |
| Technical Intern Training | To work at Japanese companies for the purpose of learning technology ※The Technical Intern Training Program is scheduled to be discontinued in 2027 and replaced with the Skilled Worker Development Program. | ○ | × | △*2 |
| Nursing Care | To work in a nursing home To work as a care worker | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| Skilled Labor | To work in jobs that require a high level of skill, such as foreign cuisine chefs | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| Business Manager | For foreigners who run or manage a business in Japan, etc. | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| Student | For international students | △*3 | ○ | ○*4 |
| Dependent | Spouses and children (under age 20) of foreign nationals with ESI or Student visa | △*3 | × | ○*4 |
| Temporary Visitor | Commercial visa, travel (tourist) visa, medical visa, to visit relatives, etc. | × | × | × |
*1: Family members cannot accompany for Specified Skilled Worker (i), but can for Specified Skilled Worker (ii).
*2: If the host company does not comply with the law, you can transfer to another company with the support of the OTIT(Organization for Technical Intern Training).
*3: Part-time job is possible if you obtain a permission to engage in activities other than permitted under the status of residence.
*4: It is possible to change your part-time job if your status of residence is Student or Dependent.
Part-time Job and Immigration Control Act
If you are an international student working part-time in Japan, there is a rule that you can work up to 28 hours per week. However, there are other important things to know in addition to this ‟28 hours per week” rule. Let’s take a look at regulations on part-time work.
If you want to know more, check here!
Working in Japan｜JICA-Net Library
On Working in Japan｜JICA-Net Library
Designing Your Career｜JICA-Net Library
Notification of Residence and Affiliated Institution Registration｜Immigration Services Agency
Overview of the Skilled Worker Development Program｜Immigration Services Agency
Foreigner Skill Training System ｜Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
