Work in Japan with specific skills! Actual status of salary, treatment, and benefits

When looking for a job in Japan, the things you are most concerned about are “How much salary will I receive?” and “What kind of welfare benefits will I receive?” The Specified Skilled Worker Visa (SSW) is different from the previous technical intern trainee visa, and is a visa for solid employment. Therefore, your salary and allowances will be paid in accordance with Japanese company rules. This time, we will explain the salary range of specific skilled foreigners, how to calculate their take-home pay, and treatment such as social insurance.

1. Detailed background and latest trends in Japan

The government strictly stipulates that the salary for foreigners with specific skills must be “same or higher than that of Japanese people.” The average basic salary ranges from 180,000 yen to 250,000 yen per month. Urban areas such as Tokyo and Osaka tend to be a little more expensive, and rural areas tend to be a little lower, but living costs such as rent are low even in rural areas, so the amount of money you can spend is often about the same. In addition, overtime pay (1.25 times the basic hourly wage), late night pay, holiday pay, etc. will be paid in full according to law.

Important data and problem analysis that tell the truth

• First characteristic (rapid expansion of market needs and background): The labor shortage in Japan is a structural problem, and the demand for ready-to-work human resources is rapidly increasing, especially in the manufacturing and service industries. Data has proven that the specific skills system guarantees a certain level of work experience and Japanese language proficiency, so there are very few mismatches in the initial stages of introduction.
• Second feature (required language skills and educational system): To obtain a Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 visa, it is mandatory to pass a Japanese language proficiency test (N4 or JFT-Basic) at a daily conversation level or above, but additional Japanese language training on industry terminology and work safety is effective for smooth instruction transfer on site.
• Third feature (same or higher salary treatment and motivation): Japanese laws and regulations strictly prohibit creating discriminatory disparities in working conditions such as basic pay and bonuses compared to Japanese employees working in the same business within the same company. Having a fair evaluation system in place is the key to preventing employee turnover and boosting morale across the team.

2. Important institutional rules and legal compliance

However, you also need to understand that there are money (deductions) that are deducted from your paycheck. The “take-home pay” that will be transferred to your bank account will be the amount after income tax, resident tax, health insurance premiums, welfare pension insurance premiums, employment insurance premiums, etc. are deducted from your basic salary. For example, if your monthly salary is 200,000 yen, approximately 35,000 to 40,000 yen will be deducted, and your actual take-home pay will be approximately 160,000 to 165,000 yen. Also, if you live in an apartment or dormitory provided by your company, the rent (average price is around 15,000 to 30,000 yen per month) will be deducted from the rent. All of these items will be detailed on your monthly pay slip.

Important check sheet to prevent problems from occurring

1. [Check 1] Multilingualization of employment contract documents: When hiring, it is necessary to obtain the foreigner’s agreement by providing and explaining in advance a “terms of employment” that specifies the wage breakdown, holidays, overtime work rules, etc. in his or her native language, which the foreigner can fully understand.
2. [Check 2] Ensure payment of social insurance and taxes: It is mandatory to enroll in social insurance and to deduct and pay resident tax and pension from your salary. If you are in arrears, your visa renewal application (usually every 1 or 3 years) will be rejected and you will not be able to continue working in Japan.
3. [Check 3] Ensuring appropriate space in the living environment: The legal minimum area for the room in which a foreigner resides is 7.5 square meters or more (bedroom area) per person, and is subject to strict immigration screening.

3. Specific practical points and solutions

Welfare benefits are also extensive. Because you have health insurance, even if you catch a cold or get injured and go to the hospital, you will only have to pay 30% of the medical costs at the counter. Additionally, after 6 months of joining the company, you will be granted at least 10 days of paid vacation per year, allowing you to get paid even if you take time off. Furthermore, many companies allow employees to consult and obtain long-term leave to return to their home country. There are many companies where you can receive a raise or bonus at least once a year if your work performance and evaluations are good.

For detailed information and support plans for safely and effectively utilizing the Specified Skills System, please visit this page on our website.“Search for a job”Please take a look at it and use it to create an appropriate plan.

4. Summary and future prospects

With a specific skill visa, you will be fairly evaluated for your hard work, and there will be a solid support system in place to help you lead a rich and stable life. Before signing a contract, carefully check the translation of the employment terms and conditions (the paper that describes your salary and working hours), and only start working once you are satisfied with the translation.