For many foreign workers in Japan, one question is more important than salary or job title:“Can I live in Japan together with my family?”
This question often comes with anxiety and frustration, especially for those working under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa.
The answer depends very clearly on whether you hold SSW Type 1 or Type 2.

 

The Simple Answer First

 

If you have SSW Type 1, you cannot bring your family to live with you in Japan.
If you have SSW Type 2, you can bring your spouse and children.
This difference is not a small technical detail. It reflects how the Japanese government views your stay in Japan.

 

Why Family Members Are Not Allowed Under SSW Type 1

 

SSW Type 1 is designed as the first stage of employment in Japan.
The government sees this stage as a period where a worker proves their skills, adapts to life in Japan, and gains experience as an immediate contributor.
Because it is considered a temporary phase, family accompaniment is not allowed.
This rule feels harsh, especially for people who want stability.
However, it is important to understand that this restriction is not permanent.

 

The Realistic Path to Bringing Your Family

 

For most people, the realistic route is to start with SSW Type 1 and move up to Type 2.
After gaining sufficient work experience and passing the more advanced SSW Type 2 skills test, you can apply to change your status.
Once approved as SSW Type 2, you are no longer treated as a temporary worker.
From that point, you are allowed to bring your spouse and children to Japan, as long as your income and living conditions are sufficient to support them.
In my experience, workers who plan for Type 2 early—by improving Japanese skills and taking responsibility at work—have a much smoother transition.

 

A Major Change That Expanded Opportunities

 

In the past, only construction and shipbuilding workers could move to SSW Type 2.
Since 2023, however, almost all SSW fields—11 industries, excluding caregiving—now offer a path to Type 2.
This change has dramatically increased the number of foreign workers who can realistically plan a future with their family in Japan.
For the caregiving field, the path is different.
By obtaining the national qualification of Certified Care Worker, you can switch to a different visa category that allows family accompaniment.

 

Who Counts as “Family”?

 

Even under SSW Type 2, the definition of family is limited.
You can bring your spouse and children, but not parents or siblings.
Immigration will also check whether you have stable income, proper housing, and enrollment in social insurance.
This reflects the idea that family life in Japan should be stable and sustainable, not temporary or uncertain.

 

My Personal View

 

When foreign workers ask me, “Can I bring my family to Japan?”, I try to answer honestly.
Right now, under SSW Type 1, the answer is no.
But that does not mean you should give up.
Japan has clearly created a step-by-step path:
work, gain skills, move to Type 2, and then build a family life here.
Understanding this path early allows you to make better decisions—and avoid unnecessary disappointment.

 

Final Thoughts

 

SSW Type 1 is a starting point, not a dead end.
SSW Type 2 is the door to long-term life in Japan.
If your goal is to live with your family in Japan, the most important thing is not speed, but steady progress.

 

⇒inquiry

 

日本で働く外国人の方から、最も多く聞かれる質問のひとつが「家族と一緒に日本で暮らせますか？」というものです。
この答えは、特定技能1号か、2号かによってはっきり分かれます。
結論からお伝えすると
特定技能1号では、家族を呼ぶことはできません。
特定技能2号になれば、配偶者と子どもを日本に呼ぶことができます。
これは制度上の考え方の違いによるものです。

 

なぜ1号では家族を呼べないのか

 

特定技能1号は、「まずは日本で働く経験を積む段階」と位置づけられています。
そのため、政府はまだ一時的な滞在として扱っており、家族帯同は認めていません。
厳しく感じるかもしれませんが、これは永続的な制限ではありません。

 

家族を呼ぶための現実的な道

 

多くの方にとって現実的なのは、1号から2号へステップアップすることです。
実務経験を積み、より難易度の高い特定技能2号の試験に合格すれば、在留資格を2号へ変更できます。2号になれば、収入や生活基盤が整っていることを前提に、家族を日本へ呼ぶことが可能になります。

 

大きく広がったチャンス

 

以前は、2号になれる分野は建設と造船だけでした。しかし2023年以降、
介護以外のほぼすべての分野で2号への道が開かれています。
介護分野については、介護福祉士の資格を取得することで、家族を呼べる別の在留資格へ進むことができます。

 

呼べる家族の範囲

 

2号で呼べるのは、配偶者と子どもに限られます。
両親や兄弟姉妹は対象外です。また、十分な収入や住居、社会保険加入状況も確認されます。

 

私の考え

 

「今は呼べない」と聞いて、落胆する方も少なくありません。しかし、日本の制度は段階的に定住を認める設計になっています。
最初から諦めるのではなく、2号を目標にキャリアを積むことが、最も現実的で確実な選択です。

 

まとめ

 

特定技能1号はスタート地点、特定技能2号は家族と暮らす未来への入り口です。
大切なのは、制度を正しく理解し、一歩ずつ前に進むことです。