- Introduction: Rapid Growth in Foreign Employment Across Hokkaido
- 1. In-Depth Analysis of Foreign Worker Data in Hokkaido
- 2. Essential Knowledge About Foreign Employment for Companies
- 3. Essential Residence Status Knowledge for Foreign Residents in Japan
- 4. Hokkaido-Specific Foreign Employment Situations and Regional Challenges
- 5. Support Available from Administrative Scriveners and Benefits of Professional Consultation
- 6. Conclusion: Toward a Society of Coexistence with Foreign Workers Supporting Hokkaido’s Future
- Reference Information
- Contact Us
Introduction: Rapid Growth in Foreign Employment Across Hokkaido
According to data released by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the number of foreign workers in Hokkaido exceeded 50,000 for the first time. As of the end of October 2025, Hokkaido employed 51,358 foreign workers—up 17% year-on-year.
Growth over the past decade is even more striking: the figure has quadrupled since 2015 (12,372). Hokkaido ranks sixth nationwide in growth rate, underscoring its rising appeal as a destination for foreign workers across manufacturing, agriculture, construction, healthcare, and tourism.
In our immigration practice, we’ve seen a steady rise in inquiries from employers—”How can we hire foreign workers?” “Which residence status fits this role?”—as well as from foreign residents seeking advice on status changes, bringing family members to Japan, or applying for permanent residence.
This article summarizes the latest trends in Hokkaido and provides practical guidance on residence status, hiring procedures, and compliance—from an administrative scrivener specializing in immigration matters.
1. In-Depth Analysis of Foreign Worker Data in Hokkaido
1-1. Breakdown by Industry: Which Sectors Employ Foreign Workers?
According to statistics from the Hokkaido Labour Bureau of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the industry breakdown of foreign workers in Hokkaido is as follows:
Industry breakdown (share / approx. headcount):
- Manufacturing: 25% (~12,800)
- Agriculture & forestry: 14% (~7,200)
- Construction: 11% (~5,600)
- Healthcare & welfare: 9% (~4,600)
- Accommodation & food services: 9% (~4,600)
- Other: 32%
Manufacturing accounts for the largest share at one-quarter of the total. Hokkaido has a thriving seafood processing industry, with many foreign workers employed in processing plants for salted herring roe, salmon, and scallops in cities like Rumoi and Nemuro. Technical intern trainees and Specified Skilled Workers make up a major part of the workforce at many of these facilities.
Agriculture and forestry rank second. Hokkaido is one of Japan’s premier agricultural regions, with diverse farming including rice cultivation, field crops, and dairy farming. In recent years, an increasing number of farms face challenges with aging populations and lack of successors, leading to greater dependence on foreign workers. Foreign workers have become essential—especially during peak harvest seasons.
Construction also accounts for a significant 11%. With major infrastructure projects such as the Hokkaido Shinkansen extension and urban redevelopment in Sapporo, labor shortages in the construction industry are severe. Foreign nationals with Specified Skilled Worker (Construction) or Technical Intern Training (Construction-related) residence status are supporting construction sites across the region.
The healthcare and welfare sector is also seeing an increase in foreign workers. Against the backdrop of staff shortages in nursing care facilities and hospitals, foreign caregivers with Specified Skilled Worker (Nursing Care) or Nursing Care residence status are playing increasingly active roles. Additionally, there is a growing trend of nursing care worker candidates from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam under EPA (Economic Partnership Agreement) programs.
In the accommodation and food service industry, foreign staff are increasingly visible at tourist hotels, restaurants, and ski resorts. In international tourist destinations like Niseko and Furano, multilingual foreign staff are particularly valued.
1-2. Breakdown by Nationality: Which Countries Do Workers Come From?
The nationality distribution is as follows:
Nationality breakdown:
- Vietnam: 26% (~13,300)
- Indonesia: 21% (~10,800)
- China (including Hong Kong and Macau): 12% (~6,200)
- Other: 41%
Vietnam accounts for the largest share, representing more than one-quarter of the total. Technical intern trainees and Specified Skilled Workers from Vietnam have rapidly increased and are active across manufacturing, agriculture, and construction. Vietnamese workers are characterized by their diligence, high adaptability, and enthusiasm for learning Japanese.
Indonesia ranks second. Many people from Indonesia also come to Japan through the Technical Intern Training and Specified Skilled Worker systems, with notable activity in manufacturing and nursing care. Acceptance of EPA nursing care worker candidates is also progressing.
China accounted for 57% ten years ago but has decreased to 12% today. This shift likely reflects stronger domestic job opportunities in China, along with changing study-abroad trends. However, there remains a steady number of white-collar workers from China, including international students and those with Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services residence status.
Other nationalities showing increasing trends include the Philippines, Nepal, Myanmar, and Thailand.
1-3. Changes Over the Past Decade: What Has Changed?
Comparing to ten years ago (2015), the following changes are evident:
Diversification of Nationality Composition
- 2015: China 57%, Other 43%
- 2025: Vietnam 26%, Indonesia 21%, China 12%, Other 41%
The composition has shifted from being dominated by China to a diverse nationality structure centered on Southeast Asian countries.
Changes in Industry Composition
- Manufacturing ratio: 30% → 25% (still top but proportion decreased)
- Agriculture/forestry, construction, healthcare/welfare: All increased
This reflects the expansion of eligible occupations under the Technical Intern Training and Specified Skilled Worker systems, as well as more active acceptance of foreign workers in industries facing severe labor shortages.
Changes in Residence Status Systems
In April 2019, a new residence status called “Specified Skilled Worker” was created. This enabled acceptance of foreign workers in industries and occupations that couldn’t be adequately addressed by the conventional Technical Intern Training system, contributing significantly to the rapid increase in foreign workers.
2. Essential Knowledge About Foreign Employment for Companies
2-1. What is Residence Status? Understanding Employment Restrictions
For foreign nationals to work in Japan, they need an appropriate status of residence (often loosely called a “visa” in everyday conversation). Japan has more than 30 categories of residence status, each strictly defining permissible activities.
Broadly, residence status falls into three practical categories for employers:
(1) Residence Status Permitting Employment
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Skilled Labor, Specified Skilled Worker, Technical Intern Training, Business Manager, etc. Foreign nationals with these statuses can work within the scope of their qualification.
(2) Residence Status Based on Personal Status (No Employment Restrictions)
Permanent Resident, Spouse or Child of Japanese National, Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident, Long-Term Resident, etc. Foreign nationals with these statuses can work freely without restrictions on occupation or industry.
(3) Residence Status Not Generally Permitting Employment
Student, Dependent, Cultural Activities, etc. However, by obtaining “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted,” they can work part-time under conditions such as up to 28 hours per week (for students).
The most critical point for companies is ensuring the residence status of the foreign national being hired matches the actual job duties. For example, employing a foreign national with “Student” residence status full-time without permission for activities outside their status, or having them work more than 28 hours per week, may subject the company to criminal penalties for facilitating illegal employment under Japan’s Immigration Control Act.
2-2. Main Types of Residence Status and Requirements
Let me explain in detail the residence statuses commonly seen in Hokkaido.
Technical Intern Training
This system aims to transfer skills to developing countries. There are two acceptance methods: “Company-based” and “Supervising Organization-based,” with most being the latter. Occupations span a wide range including agriculture, fishery, construction, food manufacturing, and textiles/clothing.
- Period of Stay: Maximum 5 years (Technical Intern Training No. 1, 2, 3)
- Key Characteristics: Occupation and work content are limited; job changes generally not permitted
- Important Requirements: Supervising organization approval and technical intern training plan certification required
Specified Skilled Worker
This system accepts foreign nationals with certain expertise and skills in industrial fields facing serious labor shortages. Created in April 2019, it currently covers 12 fields (nursing care, building cleaning, materials/industrial machinery/electrical and electronic information-related manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding/ship machinery, automobile maintenance, aviation, accommodation, agriculture, fishery, food and beverage manufacturing, food service).
- Period of Stay: Maximum 5 years (Specified Skilled Worker i); Indefinite (Specified Skilled Worker ii, construction and shipbuilding fields only)
- Key Characteristics: Transition from Technical Intern Training possible; job changes also possible (within the same field)
- Important Requirements: Support from a registered support organization may be required
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
This residence status is for white-collar professionals. It covers jobs utilizing knowledge learned at university or vocational school, such as engineers, interpreters/translators, marketing specialists, accountants, and designers.
- Period of Stay: 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, etc.
- Key Characteristics: Requires university degree or professional diploma, or at least 10 years of practical experience
- Important Restrictions: Simple labor (such as factory line work) is not permitted
Nursing Care
This residence status is for foreign nationals with nursing care worker qualifications to work in nursing care facilities.
- Period of Stay: 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, etc.
- Key Characteristics: Must obtain national nursing care worker certification
- Important Note: Different system from EPA nursing care worker candidates
Permanent Resident, Spouse or Child of Japanese National, Long-Term Resident
These are residence statuses based on personal status, with no employment restrictions. Holders can work freely in any occupation.
2-3. Procedures for Foreign Employment
The basic flow when hiring a foreign national is as follows:
Step 1: Recruitment and Selection
Create job postings, conduct interviews, make job offers. At this stage, confirm whether candidates have residence status and what type.
Step 2: Residence Status Confirmation/Application
- If they already have appropriate residence status: Can hire directly
- If they don’t have residence status or need to change it: Immigration application required
When bringing someone from overseas, file an “Application for Certificate of Eligibility.” When a foreign national already in Japan changes jobs, file an “Application for Certificate of Authorized Employment” or “Application for Change of Status of Residence.”
Step 3: Employment Contract
Once residence status is approved, formally conclude an employment contract.
Step 4: Notification to Public Employment Security Office
When employing a foreign national, employers must submit a “Notification of Foreign Employment Status” to Hello Work.
Step 5: Ongoing Residence Period Management
After employment, monitor the residence period and apply for renewal well in advance. Renewal applications can be filed from 3 months before expiration.
2-4. Common Mistakes and Compliance Risks
Mistake 1: Insufficient Verification of Residence Status
Assuming “because they’re an international student, we can hire them part-time” without confirming permission for activities outside their status or maximum working hours.
→ Risk: May be charged with facilitating illegal employment (imprisonment of up to 3 years or fine of up to 3 million yen)
Mistake 2: Mismatch Between Residence Status and Job Duties
Having a foreign national with “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” residence status engage in factory line work.
→ Risk: Constitutes activity outside permitted status; foreign national faces deportation, company may be charged with facilitating illegal employment
Mistake 3: Residence Period Management Failure
Not noticing that the residence period has expired and continuing employment.
→ Risk: Constitutes illegal overstay and illegal employment; company may face criminal liability
Mistake 4: Improper Operation of Technical Intern Training System
Having technical intern trainees perform work outside the approved plan, paying below minimum wage, or confiscating passports.
→ Risk: Cancellation of technical intern training plan certification, cancellation of supervising organization permit, criminal liability, international criticism
To avoid these risks, consulting with specialists such as administrative scriveners or social insurance labor consultants who have expertise in immigration matters is strongly recommended.
3. Essential Residence Status Knowledge for Foreign Residents in Japan
3-1. Managing Residence Periods and Renewal Procedures
All residence statuses have a “period of stay” (except Permanent Residents). If you exceed this period by even one day, you may be treated as overstaying your permitted period, which can lead to removal proceedings.
Timing of Renewal Applications
Renewal applications can be filed from 3 months before the period of stay expires. We recommend applying as early as possible. Processing times typically range from two weeks to two months, but can be longer during peak periods.
Documents Required for Renewal
- Application for Extension of Period of Stay
- One photograph
- Passport
- Residence card
- Employment certificate, tax withholding slip, etc.
- Other documents required for your specific residence status
Common Reasons for Denial
- Unpaid taxes, pension, or health insurance premiums
- Discrepancy between declarations at previous application and actual situation
- Criminal record or multiple traffic violations
- Not engaging in activities appropriate to residence status
Notably, unpaid taxes and social insurance premiums significantly affect the outcome. Consistent payment is a crucial factor for renewal approval.
3-2. Procedures When Changing Jobs
Procedures when changing jobs differ depending on your type of residence status.
Residence Status Without Employment Restrictions (Permanent Resident, Spouse of Japanese National, etc.)
You can change jobs freely. No special immigration procedures are required, though notification to Hello Work is necessary.
Residence Status Permitting Employment (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Specified Skilled Worker, etc.)
If the job duties at your new employer fall within the scope of your current residence status, obtaining a “Certificate of Authorized Employment” is recommended (optional but makes the next renewal smoother).
If job duties change significantly, an “Application for Change of Status of Residence” may be necessary.
Technical Intern Training
Job changes are generally not permitted. However, transfer may be allowed in cases of unavoidable circumstances such as bankruptcy of the supervising organization or training company, or cases of harassment.
3-3. Bringing Family to Japan
When a foreign national working in Japan brings family (spouse or children) from their home country to Japan, this is managed through “Dependent” status.
Eligible Family Members
Spouses and unmarried minor children are eligible. Parents and siblings are not eligible.
Required Conditions
- The applicant must hold stable residence status
- Sufficient income to support family members
- Secured housing
Activities Permitted Under Dependent Status
Employment is not permitted in principle under Dependent residence status. However, by obtaining “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted,” part-time work up to 28 hours per week becomes possible.
3-4. About Permanent Residence Permission
If you have lived in Japan for an extended period and wish to continue living in Japan indefinitely, you can consider applying for “Permanent Residence Permission.”
Benefits of Permanent Residence Permission
- No period of stay; renewal procedures unnecessary
- Freedom of occupational choice (any job permitted)
- Easier approval for housing loans and credit cards
- Spouse and children can more easily obtain permanent residence permission
Requirements for Permanent Residence Permission
- Good conduct (no criminal record, consistently paying taxes and social insurance premiums)
- Possessing assets or skills sufficient for independent livelihood
- In principle, continuously residing in Japan for at least 10 years (with work-related or residence-related status for 5 years or more)
- For spouses of Japanese nationals, special provisions apply: 3 years or more after marriage, 1 year or more residing in Japan
Permanent residence permission applications undergo strict examination and processing takes time (typically 6 months to over 1 year). Professional support is strongly recommended.
4. Hokkaido-Specific Foreign Employment Situations and Regional Challenges
4-1. Challenges in Living Environment Development in Regional Cities and Suburbs
Hokkaido has vast land, and many foreign workers are employed in regional cities and suburbs outside Sapporo. However, these regions face distinct challenges:
- Public transportation is limited; daily life is difficult without a car
- Few multilingual medical institutions and administrative services
- Small foreign communities; higher risk of isolation
- Harsh winter conditions and snow management
Employers should provide comprehensive support including housing arrangements, transportation options, and thorough life orientation to help foreign employees settle with confidence.
4-2. Winter Working Environment and Safety Measures
Hokkaido winters are severe, with temperatures sometimes dropping below minus 20 degrees Celsius. For foreign nationals from tropical and subtropical regions especially, their first winter can be a significant source of stress.
Companies should thoroughly implement measures such as providing winter clothing, maintaining heating equipment, conducting safety training for snow removal work, and establishing fall prevention measures on frozen surfaces.
4-3. Coexistence with Local Communities
As the number of foreign workers increases, cultural differences with local residents may occasionally lead to friction. Issues can arise around garbage disposal rules, noise levels, and lifestyle habits.
Companies and local governments should make sustained efforts to deepen mutual understanding through initiatives such as life-rule orientation sessions for foreign nationals, distributing multilingual life guidebooks, and encouraging participation in community events.
5. Support Available from Administrative Scriveners and Benefits of Professional Consultation
5-1. Representation for Residence Status Applications
At Niseko Visa Application Support Center, as administrative scriveners, we can represent clients and handle various immigration application procedures. Specifically, these include:
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility (when bringing workers from overseas)
- Application for Change of Status of Residence (when changing residence status)
- Application for Extension of Period of Stay (when extending residence period)
- Application for Certificate of Authorized Employment (when changing jobs, etc.)
- Application for Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted (when international students work part-time, etc.)
- Application for Permanent Residence Permission
- Application for Acquisition of Status of Residence (for children born in Japan, etc.)
We provide comprehensive support from creating application documents, collecting necessary supporting materials, submitting to immigration, monitoring examination status, to completing post-approval procedures.
5-2. Corporate Consulting Services
For companies considering foreign employment, we provide consulting services such as:
- Diagnosis of appropriate residence status and employable occupations/job duties
- Flow design from recruitment to long-term retention
- Support for multilingual translation of work rules and employment contracts
- Coordination support with supervising organizations and registered support organizations
- Development of in-house training and compliance systems
5-3. Individual Consultation Support
We also handle consultations from foreign residents in Japan:
- Consultation regarding renewal or change of residence status
- Procedural advice when changing jobs
- Procedures for bringing family members to Japan
- Support for permanent residence permission applications
- Assistance with immigration issues (denials, expired periods of stay, etc.)
We provide clear and courteous support to foreign nationals facing difficulties due to language barriers and system complexity.
5-4. Benefits of Professional Consultation
The benefits of consulting with our office include:
- Specialized Knowledge: Immigration law undergoes frequent revisions; our expertise ensures you receive advice based on the latest regulations
- Time Efficiency: Document preparation and immigration communication are handled on your behalf, allowing you to concentrate on core business operations
- Improved Approval Rates: Proper document preparation and comprehensive explanations reduce the risk of application denial
- Proactive Risk Management: Early consultation helps identify and avoid compliance risks such as facilitating illegal employment
6. Conclusion: Toward a Society of Coexistence with Foreign Workers Supporting Hokkaido’s Future
The fact that foreign workers in Hokkaido have exceeded 50,000 and quadrupled over the past decade demonstrates how essential foreign talent has become to Hokkaido’s economy.
Foreign workers are now active across all major industries—manufacturing, agriculture and forestry, construction, healthcare and welfare, and tourism—and many businesses find continued operations difficult without their contributions.
At the same time, various challenges have emerged: the complexity of residence status systems, language and cultural differences, development of living environments, and fostering genuine coexistence with local communities.
Employers must ensure proper residence status management, maintain appropriate working environments, provide life support, and actively promote multicultural coexistence.
Foreign residents must manage their periods of stay, fulfill tax and social insurance obligations, comply with Japanese laws and local rules, and actively participate in their communities.
We at Niseko Visa Application Support Center, as legal specialists, serve as a bridge between companies and foreign workers, supporting proper procedures and the creation of secure, compliant working environments.
For Hokkaido to continue developing sustainably, building a society of genuine coexistence with foreign workers is essential. Achieving this requires ongoing cooperation among employers, foreign nationals, government agencies, and immigration professionals working together to realize a society where everyone can work and live with confidence.
If you are unsure which residence status applies to your situation, or want to reduce compliance risks when hiring foreign workers, consulting a qualified administrative scrivener can help you identify the most appropriate path and documentation strategy.
Reference Information
📰 News Article: Foreign Workers in Hokkaido Exceed 50,000 for the First Time – 6th Highest Growth Nationwide, Quadrupled in 10 Years
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/afdf596ec4975d9cc8b00b9c164d8a6c89f34685
(Asahi Shimbun, February 13, 2026)
Contact Us
For inquiries regarding foreign employment, visa applications, renewal or change of residence status, permanent residence permission applications, and related immigration matters, please contact us. Initial consultation is provided free of charge.
This article is based on information current as of February 2026. Immigration law is subject to revision; please consult qualified specialists for the most up-to-date guidance.
