Miyazaki: Construction Ranks 5th (199 Workers)｜Plan Approval Takes 2 Months

Among the 3,012 Specified Skilled Worker (i) foreign nationals working in Miyazaki Prefecture, the construction sector accounts for 199 people (approx. 6.6%), making it the 5th largest sector. Nationally, the construction sector is the 4th largest with 49,323 people (12.9%), but in Miyazaki, agriculture, food and beverage manufacturing, and nursing care are significantly larger, and the proportion of construction is only about half of the national average. On the other hand, the construction sector is also the sector with the most additional requirements imposed on accepting companies, such as “Construction Business License,” “Registration with the Construction Career Up System,” “Membership in JAC (Japan Association for Construction Human Resources),” “Monthly Salary System,” and “Certification of the Construction Specified Skilled Worker Acceptance Plan by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.” This article will first confirm the actual situation in Miyazaki based on the latest statistics from the Immigration Services Agency (as of the end of December 2025), and then organize the unique requirements for Specified Skilled Worker in the construction sector and the preparation process, calculated backward from the time required for certification of the acceptance plan (1.5 to 2 months), in accordance with primary information from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Immigration Services Agency. The content is intended for both construction companies and equipment installation companies in Miyazaki Prefecture and foreign nationals considering working on construction sites.

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1. Conclusion: Construction sector in Miyazaki is 5th with 199 people, requires “six months in advance” due to numerous requirements

First, let’s summarize the key points.

• As of the end of December 2025 (Reiwa 7), there were 3,012 Specified Skilled Worker (i) residents in Miyazaki Prefecture. By sector, construction ranks 5th with 199 people, following agriculture (931 people), food and beverage manufacturing (707 people), nursing care (635 people), and food service industry (203 people) (Immigration Services Agency “Number of Foreign Nationals with Specified Skilled Worker Status of Residence,” Table 5). By municipality, Miyazaki City (81 people), Miyakonojo City (52 people), and Nobeoka City (33 people) account for over 80%.
• The work categories are “Civil Engineering,” “Architecture,” and “Lifeline/Equipment,” and within these categories, workers can engage in multiple types of tasks. Incidental engagement in related tasks such as work preparation, transportation, and cleanup is also permitted.
• Foreign nationals must pass the “Construction Specified Skilled Worker (i) Evaluation Test” or “Skills Test Grade 3” + “Japanese Language Test (JLPT N4 or higher or JFT-Basic).” If they have successfully completed Technical Intern Training (ii) in a construction-related occupation, the examination is waived. This sector also has Specified Skilled Worker (ii), which requires passing the (ii) evaluation test or Skills Test Grade 1 and practical experience as a team leader.
• Accepting companies are required to have a Construction Business Act Article 3 license, business registration with the Construction Career Up System (CCUS), membership in JAC (Japan Association for Construction Human Resources), a monthly salary system with remuneration equal to or greater than that of Japanese nationals, and certification of the “Construction Specified Skilled Worker Acceptance Plan” by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Certification of the acceptance plan takes approximately 1.5 to 2 months from application (excluding correction period), and a copy of the certificate is an attachment to the application to the Immigration Services Agency.
• The national estimated number of acceptances is 76,000 people (FY2024-2028), with 52,132 residents as of the end of June 2026, a fulfillment rate of 68.6%, and an annual increase of 8,533 people.

2. Miyazaki’s Specified Skilled Worker in Construction Sector by the Numbers (as of end of December 2025)

2-1. By Sector: Construction is 5th in Miyazaki, accounting for half of the national proportion

According to the prefectural and sectoral statistics (preliminary figures as of the end of December 2025) published by the Immigration Services Agency, the main sectors in Miyazaki Prefecture are as follows:

Sector (Specified Skilled Worker (i))	Miyazaki Prefecture	Prefectural Proportion	National	National Proportion
Agriculture	931 people	30.9%	37,952 people	9.9%
Food and Beverage Manufacturing	707 people	23.5%	93,393 people	24.4%
Nursing Care	635 people	21.1%	67,871 people	17.8%
Food Service Industry	203 people	6.7%	43,869 people	11.5%
Construction	199 people	6.6%	49,323 people	12.9%
Fisheries	146 people	4.8%	4,590 people	1.2%
Industrial Product Manufacturing	140 people	4.6%	56,736 people	14.8%
Other (Building Cleaning, Automobile Maintenance, etc.)	51 people	1.7%	—	—
Total	3,012 people	—	382,341 people	—

Nationally, the construction sector is the 4th largest sector (49,323 people, 12.9%), following food and beverage manufacturing, nursing care, and industrial product manufacturing. In Miyazaki Prefecture, the acceptance of primary industries, food manufacturing, and nursing care is more advanced, so construction remains in 5th place, and its prefectural proportion of 6.6% is about half of the national proportion. Among the seven prefectures in Kyushu, the construction sector (i) numbers are: Fukuoka Prefecture 1,923 people, Kumamoto Prefecture 563 people, Kagoshima Prefecture 344 people, Oita Prefecture 277 people, Saga Prefecture 229 people, Miyazaki Prefecture 199 people, and Nagasaki Prefecture 159 people, making Miyazaki the 6th largest in Kyushu. For agriculture, food and beverage manufacturing, and nursing care sectors, please refer to the respective articles: Agriculture is the Most Common Specified Skilled Worker in Miyazaki, Food and Beverage Manufacturing is 2nd for Specified Skilled Worker in Miyazaki, and Nursing Care is 3rd for Specified Skilled Worker in Miyazaki.

2-2. By Municipality: Over 80% in Miyazaki City, Miyakonojo City, and Nobeoka City

Municipality	Construction Sector (i)	Share within Prefecture
Miyazaki City	81 people	40.7%
Miyakonojo City	52 people	26.1%
Nobeoka City	33 people	16.6%
Kunitomi Town	12 people	6.0%
Hyuga City	6 people	3.0%
Kadogawa Town	4 people	2.0%
Others (Kobayashi City, Mimata Town, Takaharu Town, Takachiho Town: 2 people each; Kushima City, Saito City, Takanabe Town: 1 person each)	11 people	5.5%
Miyazaki Prefecture Total	199 people	—

Unlike the Agriculture sector (dispersed across agricultural areas in central to southern prefectures like Kawaminami Town and Miyakonojo City) and the Food and Beverage Manufacturing sector (over 40% concentrated in Miyakonojo City), the Construction sector is concentrated in the three urban areas of the prefecture (Miyazaki City, Miyakonojo City, and Nobeoka City). Since the statistics are compiled based on the individual’s place of residence rather than the business location, it is believed that the actual workplaces are spread throughout the prefecture.

2-3. By Nationality: Three-quarters are Vietnamese

According to Table 6 (Construction Sector by Nationality), among the 199 people in the construction sector in Miyazaki Prefecture, 152 people (76.4%) are Vietnamese, 20 people (10.1%) are Indonesian, 10 people (5.0%) are Filipino, 9 people (4.5%) are Chinese, 4 people are Myanmar, 2 people are Cambodian, and 2 people are Bhutanese. Nationally, Vietnam also accounts for the largest number in the construction sector with 30,159 people (61.1%), but in Miyazaki, this ratio is even higher, and the order of Indonesia and the Philippines following is the same as the national trend.

2-4. Specified Skilled Worker (ii): Construction is the second largest sector nationwide, Miyazaki has 1 person

Among the 7,955 Specified Skilled Worker (ii) nationwide, the construction sector accounts for 1,799 people, making it the second largest sector after food and beverage manufacturing (2,251 people) (Table 5, Type 2). The construction sector has been a target for Type 2 since the inception of the system, and the transition to Type 2 has been progressing early. In Miyazaki Prefecture, only 1 person (in Miyakonojo City) out of 30 Type 2 workers is in the construction sector. However, since the maximum Period of Stay for Type 1 is a total of 5 years, it is expected that more people in the prefecture will aim to transition to Type 2 in the future. The differences between Type 1 and Type 2 are summarized in Differences between Specified Skilled Worker (i) and (ii).

3. Duties that can be performed: 3 categories of “Civil Engineering,” “Construction,” and “Lifelines/Facilities”

The job categories in the construction sector were integrated into 3 categories from the conventional 19 categories on August 30, 2022 (Reiwa 4). The duties to be performed in each category are defined as follows in the operational policy by sector (Appendix 5):

Job Category	Duties performed by Specified Skilled Worker (i)	Duties performed by Specified Skilled Worker (ii)
Civil Engineering	Work related to the new construction, renovation, maintenance, and repair of civil engineering facilities, etc., under the instruction and supervision of a leader.	Engaging in the same work, etc., while supervising multiple construction skilled workers, and managing processes.
Construction	Work related to the new construction, extension, renovation, relocation, repair, and remodeling of buildings, etc., under the instruction and supervision of a leader.	Same as above.
Lifelines/Facilities	Work related to the maintenance, installation, modification, and repair of telecommunications, gas, water, electricity, and other lifelines/facilities, etc., under the instruction and supervision of a leader.	Same as above.

With the integration of categories, for example, individuals accepted under the “Construction” category can engage in multiple tasks belonging to the construction category, such as formwork, plastering, rebar, interior finishing, and carpentry. Furthermore, in any category, it is permissible to incidentally engage in related tasks that Japanese nationals typically perform (such as work preparation, transportation, and cleanup, which are not assessed for specialization in examinations, etc.). However, for tasks requiring special education or skill training based on the Industrial Safety and Health Act, the accepting company must ensure that the education and training are completed.

4. Requirements for Foreign Nationals: Examinations, Japanese Language, and Transition from Technical Intern Training

4-1. Specified Skilled Worker (i)

• Skills: Passing the “Construction Sector Specified Skilled Worker (i) Evaluation Test” (by category: civil engineering, construction, lifelines/facilities) or “Skills Test Grade 3” (corresponding to categories such as formwork construction, rebar construction, scaffolding, plastering, carpentry, piping).
• Japanese Language: Passing the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N4 or higher, or the Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic). The operational policy by sector specifies a level equivalent to A2.2 or higher of the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.”
• Transition from Technical Intern Training: Those who have successfully completed Technical Intern Training (ii) in construction-related occupations and tasks are exempt from the skills test. The Japanese language test is waived if Technical Intern Training (ii) has been successfully completed, regardless of the occupation. Passing the practical examination of Skills Test Grade 3 (or the equivalent Technical Intern Training Evaluation Test Professional Level) at the time of completing Technical Intern Training (ii) serves as proof of “successful completion.”

4-2. Specified Skilled Worker (ii)

• Skills: Passing the “Construction Sector Specified Skilled Worker (ii) Evaluation Test” (by category), or “Skills Test Grade 1” or “Skills Test Single Grade” (corresponding to the category).
• Work Experience: Practical experience as a person who supervises multiple construction skilled workers while engaging in work at a construction site and manages processes (team leader). The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism indicates the necessary number of working days for each occupation, and it is primarily proven by work history accumulated in the Construction Career Up System. If there are periods not accumulated, they are supplemented by a certificate of work experience issued by the affiliated organization.
• Japanese Language: The current operational guidelines do not have a Japanese language test requirement for Type 2, but the operational policy by sector, decided by the Cabinet on January 23, 2026 (Reiwa 8), stipulates a level equivalent to B1 or higher of the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages” for Type 2. The application period and handling are expected to be announced separately in conjunction with the development of ministerial ordinances, etc., so those aiming for Type 2 are advised to proactively prepare for Japanese language proficiency equivalent to N3.

5. Additional Requirements for Accepting Companies: Construction Sector Has the Most Among 19 Sectors

For Specified Skilled Worker accepting organizations in the construction sector, requirements not found in other sectors are stipulated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Public Notice (MLIT Public Notice No. 357 of Heisei 31). We will organize these according to the Sectoral Operational Policy (Appendix 5) and the Separate Volume of the Operational Guidelines.

Requirement	Content
① Construction Business License	Must have a license under Article 3 of the Construction Business Act. Must not have received any administrative disciplinary action under the Construction Business Act within 5 years prior to (and after) the application date for the acceptance plan.
② Efforts to Secure Domestic Personnel	Recruitment with appropriate conditions at Hello Work, treatment of existing Japanese skilled workers according to their experience, etc. If these efforts cannot be confirmed, the plan will not be approved.
③ Remuneration and Salary Increase Equal to or Higher	A contract that provides remuneration equal to or higher than that of Japanese nationals with equivalent skills, paid stably, and includes salary increases according to skill proficiency. A monthly salary system is mandatory (even if other employees are paid daily, Specified Skilled Workers must be paid monthly).
④ Prior Explanation in Native Language	Before concluding the employment contract, explain important matters such as remuneration and job duties by providing written documents in a language that the individual can fully understand.
⑤ Construction Career Up System (CCUS) Registration	Both the company (business registration) and the accepting foreign national (skilled worker registration) must be registered. Foreign nationals newly entering Japan from overseas must submit their skilled worker ID to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism within approximately one month after entry.
⑥ Membership in JAC	Indirectly join the Specified Skilled Worker Acceptance Program Implementation Corporation (Japan Association for Construction Human Resources = JAC) through a construction industry association that is a regular member, or directly join as a supporting member.
⑦ Cap on Number of Full-time Employees	The number of Specified Skilled Worker (i) must not exceed the total number of full-time employees (excluding Technical Intern Trainees, Employment for Skill Development (ESD; Japanese: Ikusei Shuro) foreign nationals, and Specified Skilled Worker (i)).
⑧ Certification of Acceptance Plan	Obtain certification from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism for the “Construction Specified Skilled Worker Acceptance Plan,” which clearly states the planned remuneration, safety measures, and skill acquisition plan.
⑨ Post-Acceptance Training	After acceptance, ensure the foreign national attends training designated by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (conducted by the Appropriate Employment Management Organization FITS, approximately 3 to 6 months after acceptance).
⑩ Cooperation with Performance Verification and Investigation	Cooperate with performance verification (e.g., on-site visits), investigations, and guidance by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism or the Appropriate Employment Management Organization.
⑪ Proof of Work Experience	Issue a document certifying work experience upon the individual’s request.

In addition, if a Specified Skilled Worker belongs to a subcontractor and enters a construction site, there is a system for the prime contractor to confirm the Status of Residence and work status. In practice, a “Specified Skilled Worker (i) Construction Site Entry Notification Form” is submitted to the prime contractor. When acceptance begins, a report must be submitted to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism within approximately one month, and reports are also required upon resignation or transition to Specified Skilled Worker (ii).

Monthly Salary System and Remuneration Amount Review

Remuneration in the construction sector requires particular attention. The Separate Volume of the Operational Guidelines requires a monthly salary system (total of basic salary, fixed monthly allowances, and overtime pay calculated on a monthly basis) to ensure that remuneration does not fluctuate due to seasonal or order-related work variations, and it does not permit treating site cancellations due to weather as absences. Furthermore, Technical Intern Training (ii) completers are generally treated as having approximately 3 years of experience, and (iii) completers as having approximately 5 years of experience, and the planned remuneration must be set by comparing it with Japanese skilled workers with the same number of years of experience. In the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s review, the wages of Japanese nationals at the same business establishment, regional and national wage levels for the same occupation, and the wages of currently employed Specified Skilled Workers and Technical Intern Trainees are compared. If deemed low, guidance for an increase may be provided. If there are no equivalent Japanese skilled workers, an explanation is provided based on work rules, wage regulations, and wage statistics for surrounding areas (prefectural “Construction Industry” data from the Basic Survey on Wage Structure).

6. Certification of Acceptance Plan: Application Period and Required Time

Certification of the Construction Specified Skilled Worker Acceptance Plan is required each time a new Specified Skilled Worker employment contract is concluded. This applies not only when employing successful exam candidates but also when transitioning directly from Technical Intern Training, when employing a Specified Skilled Worker who has changed jobs from another company, or when re-employing someone who has previously resigned. Applications are submitted online via the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s “Foreign National Employment Management System,” and the review process is handled by Regional Development Bureaus, etc.

Procedure	Timing/Estimated Duration (Published by MLIT)
Start of Acceptance Plan Application	For those transitioning continuously from Technical Intern Training, from 6 months prior to the completion date of the Technical Intern Training plan. For others, from approximately 6 months prior to the planned employment start date.
Until Certification of Acceptance Plan	Approximately 1.5 to 2 months from application (excluding correction period). In some regions, it may take several additional months.
Application for Status of Residence to Immigration	After applying for the acceptance plan, it is possible to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility or a Change of Status of Residence even before certification (concurrent application). However, since a copy of the certification document is a required attachment, immigration permission will not be granted until the certification is issued.
Timing of Application to Immigration	Approximately 2 to 3 months prior to the desired work start date is a guideline.
JAC Membership / CCUS Registration	Each takes a certain amount of time, so plan to complete the procedures before applying for the acceptance plan.

As a point of caution, if an application is “pulled back and re-edited” on the employment management system, the review will begin in the order of the re-application date, not the original application date. Delays in certification occur if documents are returned due to deficiencies, so preparing and submitting the wage ledger, employment contract, prior explanation of important matters, and documents proving the years of work experience of Japanese skilled workers with equivalent skills (cannot be substituted with work experience certificates for construction business license applications) from the outset is ultimately the quickest path.

7. National Quota: 68.6% Fulfillment Rate Against an Estimated 76,000 People (as of end of June 2026)

The estimated number of Specified Skilled Worker (i) to be accepted in the construction sector for the five years from FY2024 is 76,000, and this will be operated as the acceptance cap for the five years until the end of FY2028.

Operational Policy by Sector, Appendix 5 (Cabinet Decision, January 23, 2026) I. 2. (4) I.

According to the preliminary figures from the Immigration Services Agency (as of the end of June 2026), the number of Status of Residence holders in the construction sector is 52,132, with a fulfillment rate of 68.6%, and an increase of 8,533 people in the past year. The remaining quota is approximately 23,900 people, and if the current pace continues, the cap will be approached by the end of FY2028 (March 2029). The Operational Policy by Sector stipulates a mechanism where the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism can request the Minister of Justice to suspend the issuance of Certificates of Eligibility if the projected number of acceptances is expected to be exceeded. In the food service industry, the issuance has actually been suspended since April 13, 2026. Whether similar measures will be taken in the construction sector has not been announced at this time. The overall situation for all 19 sectors is organized in Projected Acceptance Numbers for Specified Skilled Worker | Food Service Industry 98% – Remaining Quota for 19 Sectors.

8. Employment for Skill Development (ESD) Program Starting April 2027: Construction Sector Projected at 123,500 People, 2-Year Restriction on Employment Transfer

The same Operational Policy by Sector also targets the construction sector for the Employment for Skill Development (ESD) Program, which will begin in FY2027, with a projected acceptance number of 123,500 people for the two years from FY2027 (199,500 people in total for the construction sector, including 76,000 Specified Skilled Worker (i)). The job categories for ESD are the same three categories as Specified Skilled Worker, and the restriction period for Employment Transfer based on the individual’s intention is 2 years. The operational policy cites the following reasons: a considerable amount of time is required to acquire the necessary skills, construction periods can exceed one year, the turnover rate in rural areas is higher than in urban areas, necessitating measures to promote retention, and the incidence of industrial accidents among foreign workers is higher than in other industries, requiring more time for safety and health education. ESD implementers are also subject to the same requirements as Specified Skilled Worker, such as construction business permits, CCUS registration, and limits on the number of permanent employees. Safety and health training is mandatory during post-entry training. For an overview of the ESD Program, see ESD Program 2027, and for Miyazaki’s acceptance quota, see ESD Acceptance Quota | Miyazaki is a “Designated Area” with up to 3 times the quota.

9. What Foreign Nationals and Corporate HR Professionals Should Confirm Now

9-1. For Foreign Nationals

• Check if your Technical Intern Training job category and tasks are eligible for exam exemption (Operational Guidelines Appendix 6-1) using your Grade 3 Skills Test / Professional Level Evaluation Test pass certificate from when you completed the training. Even if not eligible, the Japanese language test is exempted, so you can transition by taking only the Category 1 Evaluation Test for your specific category.
• Obtain a Construction Career Up Card early and accumulate employment history. Proof of team leader experience for Specified Skilled Worker (ii) is primarily based on CCUS history, and CCUS level-up may be incorporated into promotion conditions.
• Confirm in your employment contract whether you are contracted on a monthly salary basis. It is not permitted to deduct days when the site is closed due to weather as absences from your salary.
• If aiming for Specified Skilled Worker (ii), request to be assigned to a team leader position early to manage processes, and ask your employer for a certificate of practical experience. Systematically prepare for N3 level Japanese proficiency.

9-2. For Corporate HR Professionals

• First, confirm the three entry requirements. If any of the construction business permit, CCUS business registration, or JAC affiliation (via a regular member organization or as a supporting member) are not yet completed, finish them before applying for the acceptance plan.
• Design remuneration on a monthly salary basis and prepare supporting documents. Prepare wage ledgers for Japanese skilled workers with comparable years of experience, work rules/wage regulations, and regional wage statistics. For those who completed Technical Intern Training (ii), set the salary as if they have about 3 years of experience.
• Work backward from six months prior. Map out the timeline on a calendar: Application for acceptance plan (can be submitted from 6 months before employment start) → Certification 1.5-2 months → Immigration application (2-3 months before employment start) → Acceptance report and CCUS skilled worker ID submission within 1 month after acceptance → Post-acceptance training within 3-6 months.
• Confirm the limit on the number of permanent employees. The number of permanent employees, excluding Technical Intern Trainees and Specified Skilled Worker (i) foreign nationals, will be the upper limit for accepting Specified Skilled Worker (i).
• Prepare site entry procedures with the prime contractor. If entering the site as a subcontractor, submit a site entry notification form with a copy of the acceptance plan certification to the prime contractor.

For the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Award that recognizes initiatives with foreign workers in the construction sector, see “Construction Future Award with Foreign Talent | 2026 Applications Close November 30”.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can a company without a construction business permit hire Specified Skilled Worker foreign nationals?
A. In the construction sector, a permit under Article 3 of the Construction Business Act is a requirement for acceptance, so companies without a permit cannot receive certification for an acceptance plan. It is necessary to first consider obtaining a construction business permit.

Q2. My company uses a daily wage system, but do I need to switch to a monthly salary system only for Specified Skilled Worker foreign nationals?
A. Yes. The operational guidelines require payment of remuneration on a monthly salary basis for Specified Skilled Worker foreign nationals, even if other employees are not on a monthly salary system. Payment of remuneration is also primarily by bank transfer (or digital payment).

Q3. If a company that accepted Technical Intern Trainees continues to employ them as Specified Skilled Worker after completion, is an acceptance plan still required?
A. Yes, it is required. Even if employment continues at the same Technical Intern Training site, a new Specified Skilled Worker employment contract will be concluded, requiring certification from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Applications can be submitted from 6 months before the completion date of the Technical Intern Training plan.

Q4. Can a foreign national accepted under the “Construction” category be assigned to site cleanup or material transportation?
A. It is permissible for them to incidentally engage in related tasks (such as work preparation, transportation, and cleanup) that Japanese nationals typically perform. However, it is not permitted for them to exclusively engage in only related tasks.

Q5. Can I apply to the Immigration Services Agency before the acceptance plan is certified?
A. After applying for the acceptance plan to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, it is possible to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility or a Change of Status of Residence to the Immigration Services Agency even before certification. However, since a copy of the certification is an attached document, the Immigration Services Agency will not grant permission or issue the certificate until the certification is issued.

11. Summary: Miyazaki’s Construction Sector Ranks 5th with Room for Growth; Absorb Numerous Requirements by “Working Backward from Six Months Prior”

Out of 3,012 Specified Skilled Worker (i) in Miyazaki Prefecture, 199 (6.6%) are in the Construction field, ranking 5th. Over 80% are concentrated in the three cities of Miyazaki City, Miyakonojo, and Nobeoka, with Vietnamese nationals accounting for three-quarters. Compared to the national average (12.9%), the Construction field in Miyazaki is still small, but given the severity of the labor shortage, it is a sector with room for growth. The work categories are Civil Engineering, Construction, and Lifeline Facilities. Foreign nationals are required to pass the Specified Skilled Worker (i) evaluation test for each category or the Grade 3技能検定 (Skills Test) and a Japanese language test (exempt for those who have completed Technical Intern Training (ii) in construction-related fields). Companies are subject to the most extensive additional requirements among the 19 fields, including Construction Business Permit, CCUS registration, JAC membership, monthly salary system, certification of the acceptance plan (1.5 to 2 months), and post-acceptance training. The national quota has reached 68.6% fulfillment, and the Employment for Skill Development (ESD) Program will also begin accepting workers in the Construction field from April 2027.

Our office, based in Miyazaki City, assists construction companies and equipment installation companies in Miyazaki Prefecture with their acceptance of Specified Skilled Worker (i) (confirmation of requirements, preparation of documents for application for certification of acceptance plan, Status of Residence application, and support plan), as well as foreign nationals working in the Construction field with their Status of Residence procedures.

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This article is written based on publicly available information as of September 2026. The number of residents is a preliminary figure published by the Immigration Services Agency (as of the end of December 2025, and the fulfillment rate is as of the end of June 2026). The requirements for the Construction field, test names, Japanese language proficiency levels, and examination period for acceptance plans may change in the future due to revisions of notifications and operational guidelines, or operations by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. For actual acceptance and application, please confirm with official information from the Immigration Services Agency and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, or with our office.

Author of this article: Administrative Scrivener Authorized to File Applications Satoshi Nakayama
Representative, Administrative Scrivener Corporation Miyazaki International Legal Office
Location: Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture

Sources (Primary Information)

• Immigration Services Agency “Publication of the Number of Foreign Nationals with Specified Skilled Worker Status, etc.” Tables 5 and 6 (as of the end of December, Reiwa 7) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/ssw/nyuukokukanri07_00215.html
• Immigration Services Agency “Construction Field” (Field-specific Information) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/ssw/construction.html
• Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, etc. “Policy on the Operation of the Specified Skilled Worker Status of Residence System in the Construction Field and Policy on the Operation of the ESD System” (Attachment 5, Cabinet Decision of January 23, Reiwa 8) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001454692.pdf
• Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism “Operational Guidelines for Accepting Specified Skilled Foreign Nationals in Specific Fields – Standards for the Construction Field -” https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/930004550.pdf
• Immigration Services Agency “Expected Number of Acceptances and Number of Residents for Specified Skilled Worker (i) (as of the end of June, Reiwa 8 – Preliminary Figures)” https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001465883.pdf
• Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism “Application Guide, Forms, System Operation Method [Specified Skilled Worker System (Construction Field)]” https://www.mlit.go.jp/tochi_fudousan_kensetsugyo/tochi_fudousan_kensetsugyo_tk3_000001_00005.html
• Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism “Overview, Related Materials [Specified Skilled Worker System (Construction Field)]” https://www.mlit.go.jp/tochi_fudousan_kensetsugyo/tochi_fudousan_kensetsugyo_tk3_000001_00003.html