Reviewed by: Yuki Ando, Certified Immigration Legal Specialist (Gyoseishoshi)
This article is a translation of the original Japanese version.
However, not all nursing and welfare facilities are eligible to employ foreign nationals. These sectors are governed by multiple legal frameworks, and determining whether a facility qualifies to accept foreign workers requires a comprehensive understanding of the relevant laws.
This article provides a clear explanation of the types and classifications of facilities where foreign nationals under the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving) status can be employed.
We also outline key considerations for accepting such workers and summarize the main points of related regulations for each facility type.
Our aim is to offer practical guidance that enables on-site personnel to make informed decisions.
Table of Contents
What Is the Specified Skilled Worker Program
The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) status is a type of residence status established to allow the employment of foreign nationals who can immediately contribute to industries in Japan that are facing severe labor shortages.This system is divided into two categories: SSW Type 1, for individuals with a certain level of skill, and SSW Type 2, which requires more advanced and specialized skills. However, in the caregiving field, only SSW Type 1 is permitted.
This is because the caregiving sector already has a residence status known as “Caregiver,” which is granted to those who have obtained the national qualification of Certified Care Worker (Kaigo Fukushishi). This qualification ensures the level of expertise required for more skilled caregiving roles, making the establishment of SSW Type 2 inapplicable to this sector under the current framework.
Job Responsibilities under the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving) Status
The primary responsibilities under the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving) status involve providing physical care tailored to each resident’s physical and mental condition, such as assistance with bathing, eating, and toileting—essential activities of daily living.In addition, caregivers are expected to support recreational activities and rehabilitation programs, taking on a wide range of roles within the care environment.
They may also engage in related support tasks, such as managing bulletin boards and restocking supplies—duties typically performed by Japanese caregiving staff. However, it is important to note that workers are not permitted to be assigned exclusively to these support tasks.
Their primary role must always involve direct physical caregiving as the central focus of their employment.
Six Categories of Facilities Eligible for Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving) Employment
Facilities that are eligible to accept workers under the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving) status are clearly categorized.From this point forward, we will provide a detailed explanation of each category and its characteristics, so you can review the information according to your specific circumstances.
Facilities and Services under the Child Welfare Act
The Child Welfare Act is designed to establish protective and supportive systems that ensure all children can grow and develop in a healthy environment.Under this law, the following types of facilities are authorized to accept foreign workers under the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving) status:
These facilities offer a range of services tailored to the diverse needs of children, supporting their development through specialized care and programs. Foreign caregivers can be employed under the Specified Skilled Worker program to contribute to these efforts.
Facilities and Services under the Comprehensive Support Act for Persons with Disabilities
The Comprehensive Support Act for Persons with Disabilities aims to establish an integrated support system that enables individuals with disabilities to live independently and with dignity, while actively participating in society.Under this framework, the following types of facilities are eligible to accept foreign workers under the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving) status:
These facilities and services provide tailored, person-centered care that takes into account each user’s living conditions and personal goals, with the aim of improving the overall quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
Facilities and Services under the Elderly Welfare Act and the Long-Term Care Insurance Act
The Elderly Welfare Act is designed to promote the health and stable living conditions of older adults by implementing necessary measures across society.The Long-Term Care Insurance Act, on the other hand, establishes a system for providing care services through insurance benefits to those in need of long-term care.
The primary types of facilities and services covered under these laws include:
These facilities provide tailored support to meet the diverse needs of older adults and contribute to building a community where seniors can live with peace of mind.
The acceptance of foreign caregivers under the Specified Skilled Worker program is also actively being promoted in these settings.
Facilities under the Public Assistance Act
The Public Assistance Act is a law designed to provide essential support to individuals facing financial hardship, ensuring a minimum standard of living while also promoting their independence.Under this law, the primary facilities eligible for acceptance include:
These facilities aim to support daily living and social reintegration, offering a stable environment where users can live with peace of mind and prepare for the next stage of their lives.
Other Social Welfare Facilities and Services
There are also several other types of social welfare facilities where employment under the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving) status is permitted.These include community welfare centers and day service programs at community integration centers, as well as highly specialized institutions such as Nozomi-no-Sono, the National Center for Severe Intellectual Disabilities, and sanatoriums for individuals affected by Hansen’s disease.
In addition, facilities that specifically support individuals with unique needs—such as welfare homes for atomic bomb survivors, day services for atomic bomb survivors, and short-stay care programs for atomic bomb survivors—are also eligible to accept foreign caregivers under the Specified Skilled Worker framework.
Other qualifying institutions include special long-term care facilities for workers’ compensation cases and similar establishments.
Hospitals and Clinics
Hospitals and clinics are also permitted to employ foreign nationals under the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving) residence status.In such settings, it is common for foreign workers to serve as nursing assistants or nurse aides after obtaining the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving) status.
Their primary duties involve supporting patients’ daily living needs under the supervision of medical professionals. This includes assistance with meals, hygiene, toileting, bathing, and mobility.
In recent years, opportunities for foreign caregivers to contribute in medical environments have been steadily increasing.
Requirements for Obtaining a Residence Permit under the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving) Status
To obtain the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving) residence status, applicants must meet several requirements.This section outlines the key screening criteria, including the necessary skill levels, Japanese language proficiency, and the allowable number of foreign workers that can be accepted.
Foreign Nationals Must Pass Three Examinations
To obtain a residence status under the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving) category, foreign nationals are required to pass three qualifying examinations.Specifically, applicants must pass the following:
Additional Requirements for Engaging in Home-Based Caregiving Services
When foreign nationals under the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving) status engage in home-based caregiving services, the following additional requirements must be met:Regarding the “at least one year of work experience” requirement, the experience must be in caregiving duties at a facility authorized to accept Specified Skilled Workers. The law does not specify the number of working days or hours within that period, so it is interpreted that full-time employment is not necessarily required.
Limitations on the Number of Accepted Workers
In the caregiving sector, there are limits on the number of Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) foreign nationals that can be accepted, and these limits are applied on a per-facility basis.Specifically, the number of SSW foreign workers cannot exceed the total number of full-time caregiving staff classified as “Japanese, etc.”
The category of “Japanese, etc.” includes the following:
On the other hand, technical intern trainees, EPA care worker candidates, and international students are excluded from this headcount.
In addition, clerical staff and those working in roles unrelated to caregiving are not counted toward the personnel limit.
Summary
This article has provided a detailed overview of the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving) program, covering the types of eligible facilities, job responsibilities, limits on the number of foreign workers that can be accepted, and the necessary administrative procedures.It also outlined the specific rules applicable to each facility type, additional requirements for home-based caregiving services, and the examinations and qualifications required to obtain a residence permit under this status.
For those considering hiring foreign personnel in the caregiving field, it is essential to first confirm whether your facility qualifies, check the maximum allowable number of foreign workers, and ensure that all necessary documentation is in order.
By thoroughly understanding the system and making appropriate preparations, you can build a supportive environment where foreign staff can work with confidence and contribute effectively.
Supervisor’s Comment
The Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving) category is limited to a single occupational field—caregiving—making the scope of work relatively straightforward.However, the caregiving and welfare sectors are governed by multiple laws, and with the introduction of additional requirements for home-visit care services starting in April 2025, the regulations for obtaining a residence permit have become increasingly complex. Even as a professional, I often find it challenging to fully grasp the details of the system.
If you are unsure about any aspect of the program, I strongly recommend consulting with a certified administrative scrivener or a reputable staffing agency experienced in handling these matters.
This article is a translation of the original Japanese version.
