How to Step Up from “Development Employment / Specified Skilled Worker” to Permanent Residency

How to Step Up from “Development Employment / Specified Skilled Worker” to Permanent Residency

When you work in Japan and get used to daily life, many people start thinking:

• “I want to stay in Japan longer.”
• “I want to bring my family to Japan.”

If you are currently working under Technical Intern Training, Development Employment (starting April 2027), or Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Type 1, your stay in Japan has a maximum time limit.

But you do not need to give up. If you understand the correct steps and prepare properly, you can move toward visas that allow long-term work, and eventually Permanent Residency.

This column explains the “routes” and “important things to watch out for” in simple English.

1. What changes depending on your visa?

The key points are “length of stay” and “bringing your family.”

Here is a comparison of your current visa and the visas you may aim for:

Visa Type	Maximum Stay in Japan	Can You Bring Your Family?
Development Employment (starts April 2027 / formerly Technical Intern Training)	Up to 5 years	No
Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Type 1	Up to 5 years	Generally No
Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Type 2	No limit (renewable indefinitely)	Yes
Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services	No limit	Yes

If you obtain SSW Type 2 or Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, you can:

• Work in Japan for a long time
• Live together with your spouse and children

These visas are a big step toward stability and family life in Japan.

2. Four Routes to Move Up to a Higher Visa

You can move up to SSW Type 1 or Type 2 through several routes. It is not only from Development Employment.

Here are the four main routes for foreign workers:

Route 1: Development Employment → SSW Type 1

(This becomes the main route after April 2027)

Technical Intern Training will end in April 2027 and change to Development Employment.

If you work seriously under Development Employment, you can move directly to SSW Type 1.

Benefits of moving from Development Employment to SSW Type 1

• Higher salary potential
• More types of work allowed
• Longer stay in Japan
• In some fields (like construction), the SSW skills test may be exempted

Route 2: SSW Type 1 → SSW Type 2

(This route brings you closer to Permanent Residency)

What you must do:

Pass the SSW Type 2 Skills Evaluation Test in your field.

Helpful experience:

Experience as a team leader or supervisor on-site is very useful.

Benefits of SSW Type 2

• No limit on your stay in Japan
• You can bring your family
• You become much closer to Permanent Residency

As of 2026, SSW Type 2 is available in “Construction” and “Shipbuilding/Marine Industry.” More fields may be added in the future.

Route 3: International Students → SSW Type 1

If you are a student in Japan, you can become SSW Type 1 by passing:

• The SSW Skills Test
• The Japanese Language Test

Many students choose SSW in fields like food service, caregiving, or hospitality.

Route 4: Family Stay / Other Visas → SSW Type 1

People with Family Stay or other visas can also become SSW Type 1 if they pass the required tests.

However, Family Stay visa holders can only work up to 28 hours per week, so balancing work and study is important.

❗ Important: If you quit Technical Intern Training early, you may not move to SSW immediately

If you left Technical Intern Training (or Development Employment) early due to:

• Running away
• Improper completion
• Leaving without permission

you may face stricter conditions for moving to SSW.

However, if you left because:

• The company closed
• You were treated unfairly
• You had a valid reason

you may still be able to move to SSW.

This depends on each case, so consulting an immigration professional is recommended.

3. Three Things You Must Follow Now if You Want Permanent Residency

If you want Permanent Residency someday, your daily life right now is extremely important.

Immigration checks carefully whether you follow Japanese rules.

These three points are especially important. Even one mistake can make Permanent Residency difficult.

① Pay taxes, pension, and health insurance on time

Immigration checks not only whether you paid, but whether you paid by the deadline.

If you have taxes that are not automatically deducted from your salary, pay them at a convenience store or bank before the due date.

② Avoid trouble with the police (especially traffic violations)

Even small violations like:

• Speeding
• Not stopping at a stop sign

can negatively affect your Permanent Residency application if they happen repeatedly.

③ Report job changes to Immigration within 14 days

If you quit your job or start a new job, you must report it to Immigration within 14 days (by internet or mail).

Many people forget this, so be careful.

4. New Rules for Residence Cards (from June 14, 2026)

Japan changed the residence card system in 2026.

■ “Specified Residence Card” (combined with My Number) is optional

A new card that combines the residence card and My Number card is available, but only if you apply for it voluntarily.

■ Children’s residence cards now require a photo

Children aged 1 to 16 must now have a photo on their residence card. This improves identity verification.

■ Key points of the 2026 Foreign Employment Management Guidelines

Companies must:

• Check the authenticity and validity of residence cards
• Manage expiration dates
• Prevent illegal employment (employer’s responsibility)
• Provide opportunities for Japanese-language learning
• Create a safe workplace for foreign employees

Compliance is required not only at hiring, but throughout employment.

Summary: We Support Your Life in Japan

Japan’s visa rules are very complex and change every year.

• “Can I move from Development Employment to SSW?”
• “I passed the SSW Type 2 test—what should I do next?”
• “I want Permanent Residency—how do I start?”

If you have questions, please do not worry alone.

As immigration professionals, we will support you so you can live safely and happily in Japan with your family and friends for a long time.