{"id":1313,"date":"2025-08-12T06:56:05","date_gmt":"2025-08-11T21:56:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.japan-workers.com\/?p=1313"},"modified":"2025-08-12T06:56:06","modified_gmt":"2025-08-11T21:56:06","slug":"specified-skilled-worker-ssw-no-2-requirements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.japan-workers.com\/?p=1313","title":{"rendered":"Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) No. 2 requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In Osaka, the number of industries eligible for the &#8220;Specified Skilled Worker  No. 2&#8221; residence status, which allows skilled foreign workers to reside permanently, has been expanded, and it is said that &#8220;the momentum for Kansai companies to employ foreign talent is growing&#8221; (Osaka City: Number of foreigners moving in exceeds that of Japanese, the largest increase in the country, What makes it a &#8220;city of choice&#8221;?, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sankei.com\/article\/20250807-ZKQHLOKZCJJ5BOPUEWUNVNKXVA\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" title=\"\">2025-08-07 Sankei Shimbun<\/a>). Let&#8217;s summarize the requirements for &#8220;Specified Skilled Worker No. 2&#8221;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Purpose and Overview of the System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) No. 2<\/strong> status of residence is granted to foreign workers who possess advanced skills and practical abilities to work in Japan\u2019s labor-shortage industries.<br>Compared to SSW No. 1, it has the following characteristics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No limit on the total period of stay (SSW No. 1 allows up to five years) (<a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/global-saponet.mgl.mynavi.jp\/visa\/20131?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">global-saponet.mgl.mynavi.jp<\/a>, <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mofa.go.jp\/mofaj\/ca\/fna\/ssw\/jp\/overview\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">mofa.go.jp<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Family members (spouse and children) can accompany the worker (generally not allowed under No. 1) (<a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mofa.go.jp\/mofaj\/ca\/fna\/ssw\/jp\/overview\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">mofa.go.jp<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>May satisfy requirements for permanent residency (easier long-term settlement in Japan) (<a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/global-saponet.mgl.mynavi.jp\/visa\/2685?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">global-saponet.mgl.mynavi.jp<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No obligation for an employment support plan (required for No. 1) (<a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/global-saponet.mgl.mynavi.jp\/visa\/20131?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">global-saponet.mgl.mynavi.jp<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It covers 11 industrial sectors, excluding nursing care (which has a separate pathway). The eligible sectors are construction, shipbuilding\/marine, manufacturing, agriculture, fisheries, accommodation, automobile maintenance, aviation, building cleaning, food and beverage manufacturing, and food service (<a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/global-saponet.mgl.mynavi.jp\/visa\/20131?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">global-saponet.mgl.mynavi.jp<\/a>, <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/kit-office.jp\/tokuteigino2go-youken\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">kit-office.jp<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Common Basic Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The following general requirements apply across all sectors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Age and Health<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Must be at least 18 years old at the time of entry (<a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/visa-nextstep.com\/visa\/tokuteiginou\/2gou_jouken\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">visa-nextstep.com<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Must be in good health, with a medical certificate proving fitness for work in Japan (may include TB screening) (<a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/visa-nextstep.com\/visa\/tokuteiginou\/2gou_jouken\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">visa-nextstep.com<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Proof of Skills<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Must pass the sector-specific <strong>SSW No. 2 Skills Evaluation Test<\/strong> or hold a National Skills Test Level 1 in the relevant field (<a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/visa-nextstep.com\/visa\/tokuteiginou\/2gou_jouken\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">visa-nextstep.com<\/a>, <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/jac-skill.or.jp\/columns\/point\/about-specific-skills-no2.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">jac-skill.or.jp<\/a>, <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sswm.go.jp\/exam\/about-ssw2\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">sswm.go.jp<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Work Experience (Supervisory\/Managerial)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Must have worked in a supervisory role (e.g., team leader, foreman) managing and directing multiple workers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In most sectors, at least 2\u20133 years of such experience is required (<a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/visa-nextstep.com\/visa\/tokuteiginou\/2gou_jouken\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">visa-nextstep.com<\/a>, <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/kit-office.jp\/tokuteigino2go-youken\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">kit-office.jp<\/a>, <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sswm.go.jp\/exam\/about-ssw2\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">sswm.go.jp<\/a>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Other Conditions<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Must hold a valid passport issued by the home country\u2019s government (<a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/visa-nextstep.com\/visa\/tokuteiginou\/2gou_jouken\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">visa-nextstep.com<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No collection of deposits, asset management requirements, or penalty clauses by the employer (<a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/visa-nextstep.com\/visa\/tokuteiginou\/2gou_jouken\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">visa-nextstep.com<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Compliance with sending-country procedures, agreement on costs, etc. (<a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/visa-nextstep.com\/visa\/tokuteiginou\/2gou_jouken\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">visa-nextstep.com<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Former Technical Intern Trainees must make efforts to transfer skills to their home country (<a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/visa-nextstep.com\/visa\/tokuteiginou\/2gou_jouken\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">visa-nextstep.com<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Japanese Language Ability<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No formal Japanese language test requirement for most sectors; however, fisheries and food service sectors may require JLPT N3 or equivalent (<a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.myanmarunity.jp\/tokutei_ginou\/180934\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">myanmarunity.jp<\/a>, <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/kit-office.jp\/tokuteigino2go-youken\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">kit-office.jp<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Sector-Specific Requirements (Examples)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Construction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pass the \u201cConstruction SSW No. 2 Skills Evaluation Test\u201d or hold National Skills Test Level 1.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3+ years of foreman\/supervisor experience managing multiple skilled workers (approx. 645 workdays) (<a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/kit-office.jp\/tokuteigino2go-youken\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">kit-office.jp<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Building Cleaning<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pass the \u201cBuilding Cleaning SSW No. 2 Skills Test\u201d or hold Level 1 certificate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2+ years of experience directing and managing a cleaning crew (<a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/kit-office.jp\/tokuteigino2go-youken\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">kit-office.jp<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Agriculture<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pass the \u201cAgriculture SSW No. 2 Test\u201d (crop or livestock).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2+ years of supervisory experience or 3+ years of field work (<a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/kit-office.jp\/tokuteigino2go-youken\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">kit-office.jp<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fisheries<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pass the \u201cFisheries SSW No. 2 Test\u201d (fishing or aquaculture).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2+ years of supervisory experience on a fishing vessel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>JLPT N3 required (<a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/kit-office.jp\/tokuteigino2go-youken\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">kit-office.jp<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Food &amp; Beverage Manufacturing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pass the sector-specific skills test.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2+ years of supervisory experience (<a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/kit-office.jp\/tokuteigino2go-youken\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">kit-office.jp<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Food Service<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pass the sector-specific skills test.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2+ years as assistant manager\/sub-manager supervising staff and store operations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>JLPT N3 required (<a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/kit-office.jp\/tokuteigino2go-youken\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">kit-office.jp<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Automobile Maintenance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pass the sector-specific skills test or hold a Class 2 mechanic license.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Work experience in a certified repair shop (<a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/kit-office.jp\/tokuteigino2go-youken\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">kit-office.jp<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Manufacturing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pass the \u201cManufacturing SSW No. 2 Test\u201d plus Business Career Test Level 3, or hold Level 1 skills certificate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3+ years of manufacturing work experience (<a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sswm.go.jp\/exam\/about-ssw2\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">sswm.go.jp<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Accommodation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pass the \u201cAccommodation SSW No. 2 Test.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2+ years of supervisory experience in hotel\/guest services (<a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/kit-office.jp\/tokuteigino2go-youken\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">kit-office.jp<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The core requirements for SSW No. 2 are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Skills Certification<\/strong> \u2013 Pass the sector\u2019s Skills Evaluation Test or hold National Skills Test Level 1.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Work Experience<\/strong> \u2013 Typically 2\u20133+ years of supervisory\/managerial experience.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Basic Conditions<\/strong> \u2013 Age, health, passport validity, no deposits, compliance with rules, and sometimes Japanese ability.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>SSW No. 2 can be obtained without first holding SSW No. 1, offering pathways to long-term residence, family accompaniment, and potentially permanent residency (<a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/jac-skill.or.jp\/howto\/qa\/12\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">jac-skill.or.jp<\/a>, <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mofa.go.jp\/mofaj\/ca\/fna\/ssw\/jp\/overview\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">mofa.go.jp<\/a>).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In Osaka, the number of industries eligible for the &#8220;Specified Skilled Worker No. 2&#8221; residence status, which allows skilled foreign workers to reside permanently, has been expanded, and it is said that &#8220;the momentum for Kansai companies to employ foreign talent is growing&#8221; (Osaka City: Number of foreigners moving in exceeds that of Japanese, the &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan-workers.com\/?p=1313\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) No. 2 requirements&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":552,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[40],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1313","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-specified-skilled-worker","entry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.japan-workers.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1313","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.japan-workers.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.japan-workers.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.japan-workers.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.japan-workers.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1313"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.japan-workers.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1313\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1317,"href":"https:\/\/www.japan-workers.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1313\/revisions\/1317"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.japan-workers.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/552"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.japan-workers.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1313"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.japan-workers.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1313"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.japan-workers.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1313"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}