What Is Tokutei Ginou (特定技能)? A 2026 Guide for Myanmar Nationals in Japan
Aung Khant· Career Advisor
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What Is Tokutei Ginou (特定技能)? A 2026 Guide for Myanmar Nationals in Japan
Among Myanmar nationals working in Japan, you may often hear the term Tokutei Ginou (特定技能).
If you are wondering, “What is Tokutei Ginou?” “What jobs can I do?” “What level of Japanese do I need?” “Can I change jobs?” or “Can I bring my family to Japan?”, this guide explains the key things you should know about Tokutei Ginou in 2026 in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
What Is a Tokutei Ginou Visa?
Tokutei Ginou (特定技能) is officially known as Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) in English.
It is a Status of Residence that allows foreign workers to work in designated industries in Japan where there is a shortage of workers.
In simple terms, Tokutei Ginou is a work status created for foreign workers who have the required skills and Japanese language ability to work in specific industries in Japan.
Tokutei Ginou is mainly divided into two categories:
特定技能1号 (Tokutei Ginou 1 / Type 1)
特定技能2号 (Tokutei Ginou 2 / Type 2)
What Is the Difference Between Tokutei Ginou 1 and 2?
特定技能1号 (Tokutei Ginou 1)
Tokutei Ginou 1 is a Status of Residence for foreign workers who have the required skills and Japanese language ability to work in designated industries.
Key points include:
A relevant Skill Test may be required.
Japanese language proficiency is required.
You must work within a designated industry.
Employers are required to provide certain support to eligible workers.
In general, the total period of stay is limited to up to 5 years.
In principle, you cannot bring your family to Japan under this status.
特定技能2号 (Tokutei Ginou 2)
Tokutei Ginou 2 is designed for foreign workers with a higher level of professional skills. If you meet the requirements for Tokutei Ginou 2:
There is no fixed maximum total period of stay, although you must renew your status as required.
You may be able to bring your family to Japan if you meet the relevant requirements.
You must demonstrate a higher level of professional skills.
Important: You do not automatically move from Tokutei Ginou 1 to Tokutei Ginou 2. You must meet the requirements specified for the relevant industry.
What Jobs Can You Do Under Tokutei Ginou in 2026?
The industries covered by Tokutei Ginou may change depending on Japan’s labor demand and government policies.
Some of the industries commonly associated with Tokutei Ginou include:
👵 Nursing Care (介護)
🏗️ Construction (建設)
🏭 Manufacturing
🏨 Accommodation / Hotel Industry (宿泊)
🌾 Agriculture (農業)
🍱 Food and Beverage Manufacturing (飲食料品製造業)
🍜 Food Service / Restaurants (外食業)
🚗 Automobile Maintenance
✈️ Aviation
🧹 Building Cleaning
🚢 Shipbuilding and Marine Equipment
🚚 Transportation-related industries
Important: Requirements and permitted job duties can differ from one industry to another. Therefore, always check the latest requirements for the specific field you are planning to apply for.
What Are the Requirements for Tokutei Ginou?
The requirements may vary depending on your circumstances, the industry you want to work in, and the route through which you apply.
Japanese Language Proficiency
In general, applicants must meet the required level of Japanese language proficiency.
Depending on the relevant requirements, qualifications such as JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic may be accepted. However, requirements can vary depending on the industry and application route, so make sure to check the latest information before applying.
Skill Test
Depending on the industry you want to work in, you may need to pass a relevant Skill Test.
For example, fields such as nursing care, food service, agriculture, and manufacturing may have their own skill assessments.
Employment
You generally need an employment contract with a company or employer that meets the relevant requirements.
Before accepting a job, carefully check the job duties, salary, working hours, overtime, holidays, and other employment conditions.
Immigration Procedures
You must prepare the required documents and complete the relevant immigration procedures.
You may see information online claiming that applicants must be 20–35 years old, have a specific minimum educational background, or pay an agency fee of USD 1,500.
These should not automatically be treated as general Tokutei Ginou requirements.
Requirements and procedures can differ depending on the employer, support organization, agency, application route, and country. Always verify the latest official information before making any payment or application.
How Much Is the Salary Under Tokutei Ginou?
The salary of Tokutei Ginou workers can vary depending on factors such as:
Type of industry
Location
Work experience
Working hours
Overtime
Allowances
Employer
Therefore, rather than assuming that Tokutei Ginou workers always earn a fixed salary such as ¥170,000–¥220,000 per month, it is more important to carefully review the actual job offer.
Pay particular attention to:
Basic salary
Overtime pay
Allowances
Working hours
Deductions
Taxes and insurance
Also check whether the advertised salary is the gross salary before deductions or the net amount you will actually receive.
Can You Change Jobs Under Tokutei Ginou?
Yes, changing jobs may be possible depending on your circumstances.
However, having a new employment contract does not necessarily mean you can immediately start working for the new employer.
When changing jobs, you generally need to:
Find a new job → Check the employment conditions and contract → Prepare the required immigration procedures → Submit the necessary notifications/applications → Start the new job only after meeting the relevant requirements
Your new job must also meet the requirements of your Tokutei Ginou field and Status of Residence.
How Early Should You Prepare Before Changing Jobs?
If you are planning to change jobs while working in Japan under Tokutei Ginou, preparing around 3–4 months in advance can give you enough time to complete the necessary procedures.
1. Around 4 Months Before Leaving: Prepare Your Documents
Prepare important documents such as:
履歴書 (Japanese resume/CV)
Skill Test certificate
Japanese language certificate
Documents showing your current work experience
Other required employment-related documents
It is also a good time to update your Japanese CV and organize your work experience so that you can clearly explain your skills during interviews.
2. Around 3–2 Months Before Leaving: Job Search and Interviews
Start actively looking for your next job and attend interviews.
Once you receive a job offer, carefully review documents such as:
内定通知書 (Job Offer / Notice of Appointment)
雇用契約書 (Employment Contract)
Salary
Working hours
Holidays
Overtime conditions
Do not focus only on the monthly salary. Make sure you understand the complete employment conditions before signing.
3. Around 2 Months Before Leaving: Prepare Immigration Documents
Prepare the documents required for your immigration application or notification.
Depending on your situation, these may include tax-related documents, employment documents, and other supporting documents.
You should also confirm that the new job, job duties, and industry are compatible with your Tokutei Ginou status.
4. Before Leaving Your Current Job: Complete the Necessary Procedures
Inform your current employer about your resignation and officially confirm your final working date.
When changing employers, make sure you complete any required notifications to Immigration within the applicable deadline.
Do not assume that your employer or support organization will automatically complete every procedure for you. Confirm what you personally need to submit.
5. Between Your Old and New Jobs
If there is a period between leaving your current job and starting your new one, carefully check what activities you are legally permitted to undertake under your Status of Residence.
Do not automatically start another job or part-time work without confirming that you are legally permitted to do so.
5 Things to Watch Out for When Looking for a Tokutei Ginou Job
Don’t Believe “100% Visa Guarantee” Claims
No one can guarantee that your visa application will be approved 100%.
Be especially careful if an agency or individual claims that approval is guaranteed.
Check Agency Fees Carefully
Before paying any money, clearly understand:
Who you are paying
How much you are paying
What the payment is for
Whether there are additional fees
Always ask for a clear written explanation or contract.
Read the Job Description Carefully
Make sure the actual job duties match the relevant Tokutei Ginou industry and your permitted scope of work.
Do not accept a job based only on the job title.
Understand Gross vs. Net Salary
A salary shown in a job advertisement may be the amount before taxes and insurance deductions.
Make sure you understand how much you are expected to receive after deductions.
Check the Latest Official Information
Immigration rules, industry requirements, and procedures can be updated.
Before making an important decision, always check the latest information from the relevant Japanese government authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tokutei Ginou
What is Tokutei Ginou?
Tokutei Ginou (特定技能), also known as Specified Skilled Worker (SSW), is a Status of Residence that allows eligible foreign workers to work in designated industries in Japan.
What is the difference between Tokutei Ginou 1 and 2?
Tokutei Ginou 1 generally allows a total stay of up to 5 years and has restrictions on bringing family members to Japan. Tokutei Ginou 2 can be renewed without a fixed maximum total period of stay, provided the requirements are met, and eligible workers may bring their spouse and children to Japan.
Do I need JLPT N4 for Tokutei Ginou?
A Japanese language requirement generally applies. JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic may be accepted depending on the applicable requirements and route. Always check the requirements for your specific field.
Can I change jobs under Tokutei Ginou?
Yes, changing jobs may be possible. However, you must follow the applicable immigration procedures and ensure that your new employment meets the requirements of your Status of Residence.
Can I bring my family under Tokutei Ginou 2?
Eligible Tokutei Ginou 2 holders may be able to bring their spouse and children to Japan under the relevant dependent status, provided they meet the applicable requirements.
Conclusion
Tokutei Ginou (特定技能) is an important work status for foreign nationals who want to work in designated industries in Japan.
However, Tokutei Ginou is not simply a visa that you receive after passing an exam.
You need to carefully consider every step:
Field → Japanese Language → Skills → Job Offer → Employment Contract → Immigration Procedures
If you are planning to change jobs under Tokutei Ginou, preparing around 3–4 months in advance can give you more time to find a suitable job and complete the necessary procedures.
For Myanmar nationals living in Japan, iorUp Platform provides information about jobs, housing, and everyday life in Japan, helping you discover opportunities and useful information in one place.
