The "Specified Skilled Worker" (SSW) visa system, introduced by the Japanese government to address severe labor shortages, is reaching a new turning point. This is highly encouraging news for foreign residents living in Japan and those planning to work there in the future. According to recently released government statistics, the number of SSW visa holders has surpassed 440,000 for the first time in history, with a particularly explosive increase in holders of the "Specified Skilled Worker No. 2" visa, which allows for long-term residency.
According to preliminary statistics on the "Number of Foreign Residents with Specified Skilled Worker Status" as of the end of June 2026, released by the Immigration Services Agency, a total of 444,256 foreign nationals are residing in Japan under this visa. This represents a 13.8% increase in just half a year compared to the end of December 2025, once again breaking the all-time record.
Simultaneous Growth of SSW No. 1 and No. 2... "No. 2" Visas Surge More Than Twofold
The most striking aspect of these statistics is the dramatic increase in SSW No. 2 visa holders. The detailed breakdown by residency status is as follows:
- Specified Skilled Worker No. 1: 425,961 people (an 11.4% increase compared to the end of December 2025)
- Specified Skilled Worker No. 2: 18,295 people (approximately a 2.3-fold increase compared to the end of December 2025)
The SSW No. 1 is a visa granted to foreign nationals with a certain level of skills and Japanese language proficiency. Its maximum period of stay is limited to five years, and in principle, bringing family members is not permitted. On the other hand, the SSW No. 2 is granted to highly skilled personnel, has no limit on the number of residency renewals, and offers the benefit of bringing family members to Japan.
Previously, the SSW No. 2 visa had a high barrier to entry, resulting in very few holders. However, the fact that it has more than doubled in the last six months is a highly notable shift. This indicates that the Japanese government has lowered institutional barriers to secure skilled foreign labor, and on-site workers are actively transitioning from No. 1 to No. 2.
Vietnamese Nationals Maintain Overwhelming Lead, Accounting for About 40% of the Total
An analysis by nationality and region shows that residents from Vietnam still account for an overwhelming share. A total of 176,915 Vietnamese nationals hold SSW visas, representing 39.8% of all SSW residents. Vietnam firmly maintained its top position as the leading country of origin for both No. 1 and No. 2 visas.
The specific status and preferred industries of Vietnamese SSW residents are as follows:
- Vietnamese SSW No. 1: 163,154 people in total (a 2.9% increase from the previous period)
- The most common sector is "Food and Beverage Manufacturing," with 57,442 people working in this field.
- Vietnamese SSW No. 2: 13,761 people in total (an approximate 2.35-fold surge from the previous period)
- The sector with the largest number of workers is "Construction," recording 4,776 people.
- This is followed by the "Food and Beverage Manufacturing" sector in second place with 3,671 people.
These statistics prove that skilled foreign workers, including those from Vietnam, play a pivotal role in key industries experiencing chronic labor shortages in Japan, such as construction and manufacturing.
Implications for Foreign Residents: A Path to Long-Term Settlement in Japan Opens
These statistical results hold significant meaning for international students, working holiday participants, and current SSW No. 1 workers who wish to build a career in Japan.
First, the realization of a career path. In the past, it was difficult to plan for a long-term future due to the five-year limit on the SSW No. 1 visa. However, as the transition to the No. 2 visa gains momentum, the path to stable, long-term residency in Japan has widened.
Second, improved conditions for family accompaniment and settlement. With the surge in SSW No. 2 visa holders, various support measures and community revitalization efforts to help foreign families settle in Japanese society are expected in the future.
In particular, for those working in or considering entering industries where transitions to SSW No. 2 are active—such as construction or food and beverage manufacturing—preparing in advance for the transition requirements, such as passing the skilled exams, will be of great help in planning a stable life in Japan.
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Source: VIETJOベトナムニュース