Specified Skilled Worker Construction Jobs in Japan

Construction is an SSW field with its own tighter framework. Work is grouped into three categories: civil engineering, building construction, and lifeline and facilities work such as plumbing, electrical and telecommunications installation. For SSW (i) you generally need to pass the construction skills evaluation test for your category, or hold an equivalent national trade skills certificate, together with the JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 or higher. Completing related Technical Intern Training may give an exemption.

Employers face more conditions here than in most fields. A construction company must hold a construction business licence, be registered with the Construction Career Up System, belong to the sector's industry body for SSW, and have its acceptance plan for each foreign worker approved by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism before you start. The plan must include pay at least equal to a Japanese worker of similar skill and a stable monthly salary rather than purely daily pay. Direct employment is required.

A practical tip: ask to see the approved acceptance plan and confirm that your salary is paid monthly, even in rainy weeks when sites close. Check which sites you will travel to and whether the company provides transport from the dormitory. Safety instructions on site are usually in Japanese, so learning site vocabulary early matters. SSW (ii) is open to workers who gain supervisory experience as a team leader and pass the higher-level test.