Tokutei Ginou (特定技能 — Specified Skilled Worker) is a work visa introduced by Japan in 2019 to address severe labour shortages in several key industries. It is the single biggest opportunity Vietnamese workers have ever had to work legally in Japan on the same pay as Japanese nationals.
How does Tokutei Ginou differ from the older programme?
Before Tokutei Ginou existed, most Vietnamese people went to Japan through the Technical Intern Training Programme (技能実習 — Ginou Jisshuu) — a scheme widely criticised for low pay, a ban on changing employers, and harsh living conditions. Tokutei Ginou was created to gradually replace it.
The key differences:
- You may change employers within the same industry (unlike technical interns, who are tied to one company)
- Pay equal to Japanese nationals — there is no lower "trainee" pay scale
- Tokutei 2 lets you bring your family and has no limit on length of residence
- You can sit the exams in Vietnam — there is no need to go to Japan first
The 16 industries that recruit under Tokutei Ginou
The Japanese government has designated 16 industries for the Tokutei Ginou visa:
- 👴 Nursing care (介護)
- 🧹 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)
Requirements for applying for Tokutei Ginou
To be granted a Tokutei Ginou visa you must meet both of the following conditions:
1. Pass the industry skills test
Each industry has its own skills test run by the body that governs it. The test usually consists of a multiple-choice section on industry knowledge plus a practical skills section. It is held in Vietnam 2–4 times a year depending on the industry.
2. Pass JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic
You must demonstrate enough Japanese to communicate at a basic level at work. There are two routes:
- JLPT N4 — the international standard Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, held twice a year
- JFT-Basic — the Japan Foundation's test, easier and held more frequently
Exception: if you have completed the three-year Technical Intern Training Programme, you are exempt from both tests.
Tokutei Ginou salaries in 2024
This is the most attractive part of the programme. Tokutei Ginou pay is no lower than that of a Japanese national in the same position. According to a 2024 field survey:
- Food and beverage manufacturing: ¥170,000 – ¥220,000/month
- Agriculture: ¥160,000 – ¥200,000/month
- Construction: ¥200,000 – ¥280,000/month
- Nursing care: ¥190,000 – ¥250,000/month
- Automobile maintenance: ¥200,000 – ¥260,000/month
After tax and insurance, actual take-home pay is roughly ¥130,000 – ¥200,000/month, equivalent to 22–34 million VND.
The application process from Vietnam
- Study Japanese to N4 / JFT-Basic level (3–12 months depending on your starting point)
- Register for and sit the industry skills test in Vietnam
- Find a Japanese employer through a support organisation (such as Nexora) or apply directly
- Sign the contract and file the visa application at the Embassy of Japan
- Fly to Japan and start work
Important warning: Many brokers charge very high fees (20–60 million VND), which is illegal. Japanese regulations prohibit recruiting companies from charging fees to foreign workers. Work with reputable organisations and read your contract carefully before signing.
Tokutei 1 vs Tokutei 2 — what is the difference?
Tokutei 1 (Type 1): Maximum five years, no family members allowed, applies to all 16 industries.
Tokutei 2 (Type 2): Renewable indefinitely, spouse and children may join you, but as of 2024 it applies only to Construction and Shipbuilding. Further industries are expected to be added in 2025.
How can Nexora help you?
Nexora is a registered support organisation (登録支援機関) licensed by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. We provide:
- Advice on choosing the industry that fits your experience
- Document preparation and introductions to reputable Japanese employers
- Support from the day you arrive in Japan until you have settled in
- No fees charged to workers — costs are paid by the Japanese employer