The Tokutei Ginou (特定技能 - Specified Skilled Worker) visa is a golden opportunity for those who want to work in Japan with higher salaries than Technical Interns (TITP) and rights equal to Japanese citizens.
This visa was introduced in 2019 to address severe labor shortages in 14 specific industries.
PART 1: WHAT IS TOKUTEI GINOU?
| Criteria | Tokutei Ginou | TITP (Internship) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Official Work | Learning / Training |
| Salary | Same as Japanese (18-25 man) | Low (12-16 man) |
| Duration | 5 years (Renewable) | 3-5 years (Non-renewable) |
| Change Job | Permitted | Not permitted |
| Family | Allowed (Level 2) | Not allowed |
PART 2: 14 INDUSTRIES RECRUITING
- Nursing Care (Kaigo): Elderly care.
- Construction (Kensetsu): Building, welding, electrical.
- Agriculture (Nougyou): Crops and livestock.
- Fishery (Gyogyou): Fishing and aquaculture.
- Food & Beverage Service (Inshoku): Restaurants.
- Food Manufacturing (Shokuhin Seizou): Food processing.
- Hotel Industry (Shukuhaku): Hotels and Ryokans.
- Building Cleaning: Professional cleaning services.
- Machine Parts & Tooling: CNC, metal processing.
- Industrial Machinery: Factory operation.
- Electric & Electronic Info: Electronics assembly.
- Automobile Maintenance: Car repair.
- Aviation: Airport services and maintenance.
- Shipbuilding: Welding and painting ships.
PART 3: ELIGIBILITY & HOW TO PASS
Requirements:
- Japanese Language: JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic (A2 Level).
- Skills Test: Pass the specific skills exam for your chosen industry.
- Age: 18+ years old.
Transition from Internship (TITP) to Tokutei:
If you have completed 3 years as a Technical Intern, you can transition to Tokutei WITHOUT taking the skills exam (only the Japanese test might be required).
PART 4: SALARY & BENEFITS
Real Average Salaries (2024 Survey):
- Nursing Care: 180k - 220k JPY/month.
- Construction: 200k - 250k JPY/month.
- Food Processing: 180k - 200k JPY/month.
Benefits:
- Health Insurance and Pension (Nenkin).
- Paid Leave (10+ days/year).
- Right to change companies within the same industry.
CONCLUSION
Tokutei Ginou is a great choice for those looking for freedom, better pay, and a long-term career in Japan. Start planning your transition today!