What is Tokutei Ginou (特定技能)?
Tokutei Ginou (特定技能 — Specified Skilled Worker) is a Japanese work visa programme introduced by the Japanese government in 2019. It allows foreign nationals — including Vietnamese citizens — to work legally in Japan in 16 industries facing severe labour shortages.
It is currently the fastest and most stable route to working in Japan: no university degree is required, no lengthy work experience is needed, and you only have to pass the skills test and reach a minimum Japanese level of JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic.
The two types of Tokutei Ginou — what is the difference?
| Tokutei Ginou 1 (特定技能1号) | Tokutei Ginou 2 (特定技能2号) | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Up to 5 years (renewed annually) | Unlimited (renewed periodically) |
| Family | Family members may not accompany you | Spouse and children may accompany you |
| Industries | 16 industries | 11 industries (being expanded) |
| Requirements | JLPT N4 / JFT-Basic plus the skills test | A higher-level skills test |
| Next step | Move up to TG2 or return home | Eligible to apply for permanent residence (永住) |
In short: TG1 suits newcomers who want to start working in Japan quickly. TG2 is the long-term goal — a stepping stone towards settlement.
The 16 industries eligible under Tokutei Ginou 1
As of 2026, 16 fields accept Tokutei Ginou 1 workers:
- 👴 Nursing care (介護) — requires N4 or above
- 🧹 Building cleaning (ビルクリーニング)
- 🏭 Industrial product manufacturing (工業製品製造業)
- 🏗️ Construction (建設)
- 🚢 Shipbuilding and marine industry (造船・舶用工業)
- 🚗 Automobile maintenance (自動車整備)
- ✈️ Aviation (航空)
- 🏨 Accommodation (宿泊)
- 🚚 Automobile transportation (自動車運送業)
- 🚆 Railway (鉄道)
- 🌾 Agriculture (農業)
- 🐟 Fisheries and aquaculture (漁業)
- 🥩 Food and beverage manufacturing (飲食料品製造業)
- 🍽️ Food service (外食業)
- 🌲 Forestry (林業)
- 🪵 Wood industry (木材産業)
Eligibility requirements for applying from Vietnam
To be eligible to apply, you must meet all three requirements:
1. Japanese — JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic
You do not need N3 or N2, as many people mistakenly believe. N4 or JFT-Basic A2 is the minimum for most industries, with the exception of nursing care, which requires N4 or above. JFT-Basic (the Japan Foundation Test) is easier to pass than the JLPT and is held frequently in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
2. The industry skills test
Each industry has its own skills test administered by the relevant Japanese ministry. Nexora provides exam preparation and helps you register for the skills test in Vietnam.
3. No criminal record
You must have no criminal record in either Vietnam or Japan. You will need to submit a judicial record certificate from your provincial or municipal Department of Justice.
The process for going to Japan under Tokutei Ginou, step by step
- Study for and sit the Japanese exam (JFT-Basic or JLPT N4) — 3–6 months
- Study for and sit the industry skills test — held in Vietnam
- Connect with a Japanese employer through Nexora — online interview
- Sign an employment contract with the Japanese company
- Apply for the COE (在留資格認定証明書) — the Japanese company files with the Immigration Services Agency; processing takes 4–8 weeks
- Apply for the visa at the Embassy of Japan in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City — around five working days
- Fly to Japan and start work
Total time from start to departure: approximately 6–12 months, depending on the industry and how quickly you prepare.
Reference salaries for Tokutei Ginou in 2026
| Industry | Base monthly salary | With overtime (reference) |
|---|---|---|
| Food service | ¥180,000 – ¥220,000 | ¥230,000 – ¥280,000 |
| Construction | ¥220,000 – ¥280,000 | ¥300,000 – ¥380,000 |
| Food processing | ¥180,000 – ¥210,000 | ¥220,000 – ¥260,000 |
| Nursing care | ¥200,000 – ¥250,000 | ¥270,000 – ¥320,000 |
| Industrial product manufacturing | ¥210,000 – ¥260,000 | ¥280,000 – ¥340,000 |
| Building cleaning | ¥170,000 – ¥200,000 | ¥210,000 – ¥250,000 |
Important changes in 2026–2027
育成就労 (Ikusei Shuro) — replacing the Technical Intern Programme from April 2027: The Technical Intern Training Programme (技能実習) will be abolished and replaced by "Ikusei Shuro". The major difference: workers will be permitted to change employer after one year, and the route up to Tokutei Ginou 1 will be shortened to three years.
Frequently asked questions
Does Tokutei Ginou require a university degree?
No. Tokutei Ginou does not require a university degree — this is the major difference from the Engineer/Specialist visa (Gijinkoku). You only need to pass the skills test and reach N4 / JFT-Basic in Japanese.
Can I move from Tokutei Ginou 1 to Tokutei Ginou 2?
Yes, but you must pass the level 2 skills test for your industry. Once on TG2 you may remain in Japan indefinitely and bring your family.
How much does it cost to go to Japan under Tokutei Ginou?
Nexora charges candidates nothing. The main costs are Japanese lessons, the skills test fee, the visa fee and the airfare. The total is estimated at 15–30 million VND, part of which may be covered by the Japanese employer.
What support does Nexora provide during the Tokutei Ginou application?
Nexora supports the entire process: advice on choosing an industry, skills test preparation, introductions to suitable Japanese employers, preparation of the COE documents, and support for your first 12 months after arriving in Japan.