Japan's Immigration Services Agency has proposed allowing certain highly skilled foreign workers under the Specified Skilled Worker No. 2 program to receive residence periods of up to five years. Currently, these workers generally receive permits ranging from six months to three years depending on factors such as employment stability and tax records. The longer status would provide greater stability for foreign workers and employers that rely on skilled international labor. The proposal reflects Japan's efforts to address labor shortages while creating a more predictable system for workers who plan to remain employed in the country long term.
See "Japan to add five-year stay period for Type 2 foreign workers", Staff, The Japan Times, August 5, 2026