Hiring under the Specified Skilled Worker “Building Cleaning” category is not automatically available to every cleaning company. It is important to check, in order, the job duties, registration of the receiving business office, candidates’ examinations and other requirements, employment contracts, and support arrangements. We accept consultations nationwide from companies about hiring and recruitment, and from foreign nationals themselves, reviewing the necessary documents and individual circumstances.
Check whether the work is covered based on the job duties
The official name of the field is “Building Cleaning.” For Specified Skilled Worker (i), the main work is interior cleaning of buildings other than residences that are used by many people. The specific tasks are governed by the scope of the evaluation test. Specified Skilled Worker (ii) also covers work such as supervising multiple workers while managing a worksite, and management duties such as preparing plans and managing progress. Work inside factories, tasks outside buildings, and waste collection or processing are not automatically covered just because of their names. Resource Circulation (waste disposal〔intermediate treatment〕) is a separate field.
Requirements for the accepting company to check before hiring
The hiring company must have a registration from the prefectural governor for either building cleaning services or comprehensive building environmental sanitation management at the business office where it plans to accept workers. Registration is for each business office, not the corporation as a whole. In addition, the company must join the field-specific council and cooperate with the council’s measures, surveys, and other activities. Employment must be direct. Before advertising a position, check the work location, validity of the registration, council procedures, and employment contract terms.
Review candidates’ test results and Status of Residence requirements
For Specified Skilled Worker (i), applicants generally need to pass the Building Cleaning Field Specified Skilled Worker (i) Evaluation Test and meet the Japanese-language requirement (JFT-Basic at A2 level or equivalent, or JLPT N4 or above). Those who have satisfactorily completed Technical Intern Training (ii) in this field are exempt from the skills test. Those who have satisfactorily completed Technical Intern Training (ii) in any occupation are exempt from the Japanese-language test. Specified Skilled Worker (ii) requires a separate skills test and other requirements, as well as practical experience as a site manager. Check each candidate’s training completion record, test results, and intended duties.
Clarify the job posting, Support Plan, and scope of outsourcing
State the work location, main cleaning duties and ancillary duties, working hours, wages, and direct-employment status specifically in the job posting, and ensure the information provided matches the Specified Skilled Worker employment contract. For Specified Skilled Worker (i), prepare and submit a Support Plan and provide occupational, daily-life, and social-life support as planned. Even if all support is outsourced to a Registered Support Organization, check the scope of the contract and that the registration is valid. Support with Status of Residence applications by an administrative scrivener and candidate referrals through paid employment placement are separate services. Confirm the scope of any recruitment or placement request and the necessary licences in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can general work inside factories and waste-related duties also be accepted under the Building Cleaning field?
No. Check whether the duties qualify as cleaning inside buildings by reviewing the job description, Q&A and actual work assignments. Work in factories or waste collection and processing is not automatically covered; Resource Circulation is a separate field.
Do candidates always need to have passed the examinations?
As a general rule, Specified Skilled Worker (i) candidates must meet the skills-test and Japanese-language requirements. However, people who have satisfactorily completed Technical Intern Training (ii) in this field may be exempt from the skills test and, in certain cases, the Japanese-language test. Check each person’s completion history.
If we outsource support, can we also ask the provider to handle recruitment and applications as one package?
Outsourcing to a Registered Support Organization concerns implementation of the Support Plan for Specified Skilled Worker (i). Employment placement and recruitment, and support with applications for Status of Residence, should be considered separately. Check the other party’s licence or registration status and the scope of the contract.
Official Resources and Related Consultation Services
Systems and public consultation services may change. Please check the latest official information when proceeding with an application. Public consultation services are separate from our office.
- Building Cleaning Field | Immigration Services Agency of Japan
- Support for Specified Skilled Worker (i) and Registered Support Organizations | Immigration Services Agency of Japan
- Specified Skilled Worker System and Employment for Skill Development System in the Resource Circulation Field | Ministry of the Environment
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We accept inquiries from companies nationwide about hiring foreign workers, job openings, and checking statuses of residence. We do not guarantee successful recruitment or approval of a status of residence.
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