Skilled Labor
Workers with specialised craft or trade skills such as foreign-cuisine chefs, sommeliers, pilots and animal trainers.
The Skilled Labor is a Japanese work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~¥4,000 on grant; Certificate of Eligibility is free) and processing time (~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Skilled Labor is for
Workers with specialised craft or trade skills such as foreign-cuisine chefs, sommeliers, pilots and animal trainers.
Counts toward the 10-year residence rule for permanent residence.
Skilled Labor - eligibility criteria
- Job offer requiring specialised industrial skills
- Substantial experience in the trade (often 10 years; less for some roles)
- Salary at Japanese-national-equivalent levels
- Employer willing to sponsor
Skilled Labor cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Skilled Labor (Japan) is ~¥4,000 on grant; Certificate of Eligibility is free, with an indicative processing time of ~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Certificate of Eligibility filed in Japan; visa issued at a consulate abroad |
| Length of stay | 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months (renewable) |
| Work rights | Work in the specialised skilled trade |
| Study rights | Study allowed alongside work |
| Government fee | ~¥4,000 on grant; Certificate of Eligibility is free |
| Processing time | ~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility |
| Route to PR | Counts toward the 10-year residence rule for permanent residence. |
Pathway & next steps
Counts toward the 10-year residence rule for permanent residence.
Many applicants also compare Engineer / Humanities · Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services, SSW Type 1 · Specified Skilled Worker (i). Run a free VisaChief check to see which Japanese route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Skilled Labor pitfalls we fix
Skilled Labor - frequently asked questions
How much does the Skilled Labor cost?
The Skilled Labor government fee is ~¥4,000 on grant; Certificate of Eligibility is free. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Immigration Services Agency of Japan before applying.
How long does the Skilled Labor take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Skilled Labor lead to permanent residence?
Counts toward the 10-year residence rule for permanent residence.
Can I work on the Skilled Labor?
Work rights: Work in the specialised skilled trade.
Who can apply for the Skilled Labor?
Workers with specialised craft or trade skills such as foreign-cuisine chefs, sommeliers, pilots and animal trainers.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Japan government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan - official Japan immigration authority