SSW, Ikusei Shuro or Engineer/Specialist — which to choose?
There are several residence statuses for hiring foreign workers, and the best fit changes with the work, duration and headcount. Below we compare Specified Skilled Worker (i), Ikusei Shuro and Engineer/Specialist from an employer's point of view.
Operated by a real registered companyCOSTA LINK株式会社 · Fukuoka · 法人番号 8290001057441Company profile
| Axis | Specified Skilled Worker (i) | Ikusei Shuro | Engineer / Specialist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Secure ready-to-work staff | Develop talent on-site | Hire professional / technical roles |
| Target work | Designated fields (care, food, construction, manufacturing…) | Fields being aligned with SSW | Work needing academic / specialist knowledge (engineering, IT, translation…) |
| Key requirement | Pass skills & Japanese tests | Stepwise requirements under design | Degree/major related to the work |
| Typical duration | Up to 5 years total (i) | ~3 years toward SSW level | Renewable — long-term possible |
| Japanese guide | Around N4 and up | Stepwise | Higher, per the role |
| Japan-side involvement | Registered support organization | Supervision (supervising → supervising support org) | Employer + administrative scrivener |
| Fits when | You need people who can work on-site soon | You want to develop over the medium term | You need specialists / international work |
Ikusei Shuro details are still being finalized via ordinances (enforcement expected around 2027); items above marked as 'under design / direction' may change.
Not sure which fits?
Tell us the work, headcount and timing. We propose the route and the Japan-side structure, and — as the sending side — introduce candidates that fit. See the cost picture first if you like.
FAQ
- Which is best for immediate staffing?
- Specified Skilled Worker (i): candidates who passed skills and Japanese tests can work in designated fields relatively soon.
- What if we want to develop people over time?
- Ikusei Shuro is designed to develop workers to SSW level over about three years, with a path to Specified Skilled Worker.
- We need engineers or translators.
- The Engineer/Specialist (gijinkoku) status fits university/college graduates for technical, IT and international roles, where the degree/major relates to the work.
- Can you help us decide?
- Yes. Tell us the work, headcount and timing and we'll propose the route and the Japan-side structure — free.