In Japan's hotel industry, hiring foreign workers is becoming increasingly important against the backdrop of recovering inbound demand and labor shortages.

However, selecting the appropriate residence status that matches the job duties is essential when employing foreigners. This article thoroughly explains and compares the two major residence statuses commonly used in the hotel industry—“Specified Skilled Worker” and “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services”—from the employer's perspective.

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Table of Contents

1. What is "Specified Skilled Worker"? (Accommodation Sector)

2. What is "Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services"?

3. Comparison in the Hotel Industry

4. Key Points for Hiring Managers to Note

5. Support Services That We Provide

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1. What is "Specified Skilled Worker"? (Accommodation Sector)

“Specified Skilled Worker” is a new residence status established in April 2019, specifically aimed at accepting foreign workers in fields experiencing severe labor shortages.

In the hotel industry, “Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 (Accommodation Field)” applies.

● Basic Overview of "Specified Skilled Worker" (accommodation field)

• Target business:
  Front desk operations, planning/public relations, guest services, guest room cleaning, facility cleaning, bed making, restaurant service, facility management, etc.
• Requirements:
  (1) Pass the Accommodation Industry Skills Assessment Test

(2) Pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (at N4 level)

or have successfully completed Technical Intern Training Program Type 2.

• Period of stay:
  Renewable for 1 year, 6 months, or 4 months, with a maximum cumulative period of 5 years.
• Accompanying family members:
   Basically not allowed.

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◆ Case Study: Foreign Staff Working under Specific Skills Type 1

Example: Mr. Nguyen (22) from Vietnam

Mr. Nguyen passed the Specific Skills test for the accommodation industry in his home country of Vietnam and was hired by a Japanese hotel chain as a guest room cleaning staff member. His duties primarily include bed making, bathroom cleaning, inventory management, and general facility cleaning. As the work involves simple tasks, it cannot be covered under the “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services” visa, but is perfectly suitable under the “Specified Skilled Worker” visa.

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Features and Benefits of Specific Skills in the Accommodation Sector

• Reduce Operational Burden

Hire foreign staff ready to contribute immediately, handling tasks like bed-making and cleaning.

• Diversify Workforce

Accept personnel from multiple countries, including Vietnam, Myanmar, and Nepal.

• Enable Quick Deployment

Since candidates have already passed skill tests, reduce post-hire training periods.

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Points to Note When Hiring Specific Skills Type 1 Workers

• Long-term employment is difficult.

While upgrading to “Specific Skills Type 2” is possible, otherwise the maximum cumulative period of stay is 5 years.

• Cannot immediately become permanent residents or highly skilled professionals.

While upgrading to “Specific Skills Type 2” is possible, otherwise they cannot apply for permanent residency.

• Family members cannot be accompanied them.

You can become a "Specified Skilled Worker No. 2", but if you do not, you will not be able to invite your family to Japan with your own work qualifications.

• Field-specific procedures exist (e.g., construction): e.g., mandatory submission of an acceptance plan.

Companies must establish an acceptance system and submit applications or notifications to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) and other relevant ministries either after the fact or in advance.

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2. What is "Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services"?

"Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services" is one type of so-called “work visa,” a residence status for engaging in work requiring specialized knowledge or skills.

Unskilled labor is not permitted; academic background, specialized knowledge, and practical experience are emphasized.

● Overview of "Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services" Visa

• Eligible Occupations:

(1) Technical Fields: IT Engineers, Architectural Design, System Development
(2) Humanities Knowledge Fields: Accounting, General Affairs, Legal Affairs, Hotel Front Desk, Planning and Marketing

(3) International Business Fields: Interpretation, Translation, Overseas Transactions, Overseas Customer Support

• Requirements:

(1) Educational background: Graduation from a university, junior college, or vocational school (specialized course) in a related field

or

(2) Work experience: 10+ years of relevant experience (exceptions apply)

• Length of stay: 1, 3, 5 years (renewable, no limit).
• Family Accompaniment: Possible (Spouse and child obtains family visas)

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◆Case Study: Foreign Staff Working under "Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services" Status

Example: Ms. Ayu (26) from Indonesia

Ms. Ayu studied tourism at a university in Indonesia and graduated. After passing the Japanese Language Proficiency Test N2, she was hired as a front desk staff member at a luxury hotel in Japan. Her primary duties include checking in/out foreign tourists, managing reservations, providing tourist information, and handling English inquiries. As these tasks require expertise, language proficiency, and interpersonal skills rather than simple operations, hiring under the “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services” visa is possible.

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Features and Benefits of Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services

• Securing Highly Skilled Personnel

Allows hiring staff with expertise in languages, tourism, marketing, etc.

• Enables Long-Term Employment

No renewal restrictions facilitate long-term development and career building.

• Allows Family Sponsorship

Enables bringing highly skilled individuals to Japan with their families, stabilizing their living foundation.

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Points to Note When Hiring Under Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services

• Unskilled Labor is Prohibited

Tasks like cleaning, luggage handling, food service, or dishwashing are excluded.

• Verification of Academic Background and Expertise Required

Graduation certificates, transcripts, and the relevance to job duties must be thoroughly examined.

• High Barriers in Immigration Screening

A system capable of compiling and appropriately explaining documents such as job descriptions, employment contracts, and company profiles is required.

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3. Comparison in the Hotel Industry

“Specified Skilled Worker” vs. "Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services"

Below are key comparison points hotel hiring managers should consider.

item	Specified Skilled Worker  (Accommodation Field)	Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
Target business	General lodging operations (including cleaning and bed making)	Front desk, planning, public relations, and overseas customer service (simple labor is not allowed)
requirements	Pass skill assessment test & Japanese language test	Bachelor's/vocational degree (related field) or 10 years practical experience
Period of Stay	Up to 5 years in total	No renewal limit (long-term employment possible)
Family Companions	Not permitted	Permitted (Family Stay Visa obtainable)
Recruitment benefits	Immediately productive hospitality personnel / Simple tasks permitted / Reduces on-site burden	Recruitment of highly skilled personnel / Long-term development and management possible / Career development
Recruitment disadvantages	Limited employment period / Limited number of renewals / No family members allowed	Simple tasks are not allowed / Occupations are limited

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4. Key Points for Recruiters to Note

Verifying residence status is essential

• Verify status, duration, and permitted activities via the Residence Card.

Confirm job duties fall within the visa scope

• “Specified Skilled Worker” permits simple labor.
• Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services primarily covers specialized roles.

Establish an appropriate labor contract

• Clearly state terms in the Notice of Working Conditions and Employment Contract.

Understanding the risk of immigration law violations

• Assigning tasks outside the visa scope may constitute aiding illegal employment.

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5. Support Services That We Provide

Tanishima Legal Firm Group provides total support for hiring foreigners in the hotel industry.

• Status of Residence Verification and Advice
• Preparation of application documents for specified skilled workers, technology, knowledge of humanities, and international services
• Support for the development of recruitment schemes and employment systems
• Immigration procedures, renewal/change procedures

Tanishima Legal Firm Group provides one-stop support from pre-employment consultation, visa application, and subsequent management of residence status.

In order to successfully recruit foreigners and achieve safe and stable employment, please feel free to contact our group for consultations regarding the recruitment of foreigners in the hotel industry.