TOKYO, – Japan has proposed introducing a five-year stay period under its Type 2 Specified Skilled Worker (SSW2) visa, a move aimed at making long-term residence easier for foreign skilled workers and addressing labor shortages.
The Immigration Services Agency of Japan released a draft ministerial ordinance on Tuesday and invited public comments before finalizing the new rules.
The Japanese government plans to implement the revised visa framework in early January 2027, following the completion of the public consultation process.
Longer Stay for Skilled Workers
Under the current system, foreign workers holding the Type 2 Specified Skilled Worker visa receive residence permits valid for six months, one year, two years, or three years, depending on employment conditions, work history, and compliance with immigration requirements.
Applicants seeking longer residence periods must currently satisfy strict conditions, including stable employment records and timely tax payments.
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The proposed policy would allow eligible workers to receive a five-year residence permit, significantly extending the maximum stay available under the visa category.
Support for Permanent Residency
The Japanese government said detailed eligibility requirements for the new five-year visa are still being finalized and will be announced later.
Officials believe the policy will help align the Type 2 Skilled Worker visa with other long-term professional visa categories, including those for nursing care workers, where the maximum residence period is already five years.
The change is expected to benefit foreign workers seeking permanent residency in Japan.
Under Japanese immigration law, applicants for permanent residency generally must hold the maximum available residence status under their current visa category.
By extending the maximum stay from three years to five years, eligible workers will find it easier to meet one of the legal requirements for permanent residence.
Addressing Japan’s Labor Shortage
Japan has expanded its Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program in recent years to attract qualified foreign workers in industries facing severe labor shortages.
The proposed reform reflects Tokyo’s broader strategy to retain experienced international workers, strengthen workforce stability, and support economic growth amid Japan’s aging population and declining birth rate.
If approved, the five-year residence option would provide greater certainty for skilled foreign professionals planning long-term careers and settlement in Japan.
