【2026 Edition】Caregiver Vocational Training & Subsidy Guide for Foreigners | Get up to ¥100,000 & Qualification Routes

For foreigners seeking a stable life in Japan, "Care Work" (Kaigo) is currently one of the most reliable career paths. This is because obtaining the national qualification of "Certified Care Worker" (Kaigo Fukushishi) removes the limits on visa renewals and greatly opens the path to future Permanent Residency.

However, have you given up because "getting qualified costs money" or "studying seems too difficult"?

Actually, Japan has excellent systems that allow you to "get qualified while receiving money." For example, there are programs where you can attend school for free while receiving ¥100,000 per month for living expenses, or systems where up to 80% of your tuition fees are refunded.

In this article, we will fully explain the best value and shortest routes to becoming a Certified Care Worker based on your specific Residence Status (Visa). We have simplified the complex procedures based on the latest information for 2026.

What is Your Visa Status? Shortest Route Diagnosis

First, let's confirm "which route" you should take to become a Certified Care Worker. The available subsidies and required time differ completely depending on your residence status.

1. Specific Skilled Workers & Technical Interns (Working Route)

If you are already working in Japan, the "Practical Experience Route" is the standard path.

• Conditions: Work in a Japanese care setting for 3+ years + Attend "Practical Practitioner Training" (Jitsumu-sha Kenshu).
• Merit: You can aim for the qualification while earning a salary.
• Note: You must complete 450 hours of Practical Practitioner Training during the 3 years.

2. International Students & Family Stay (School Route)

For current students or those who want to study seriously, there is the "Training Facility Route."

• Conditions: Japanese JLPT N2 or higher + Attend a Care Worker Training Facility (Vocational School, etc.) for 2+ years.
• Merit: Upon graduation, you can work as a "Certified Care Worker" for 5 years even without passing the national exam (transitional measure).
• Note: Tuition is required, but it can effectively become free using the loan system mentioned later.

3. Job Seekers (Vocational Training Route)

If you are currently unemployed or only working part-time, "Public Vocational Training (Hello Training)" is the strongest option.

• Conditions: Apply for job seeking at Hello Work.
• Merit: Tuition is generally free. Furthermore, if you meet the conditions, you can receive ¥100,000 per month.

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Don't Miss Out! Thorough Comparison of 3 "Financial Support" Systems

Support systems for obtaining care qualifications fall into three main categories. It is important to choose one (or a combination) that fits your situation.

System Name	Who is it for?	Amount Received (Est.)	Features
A. Job Seeker Support Training Benefit	Job Seekers (No Employment Insurance)	¥100,000 / month + Transport/Rent aid	The strongest system: attend school for free while receiving living expenses.
B. Professional Education & Training Benefit	Workers (With Employment Insurance)	50% to 80% of tuition (Max ¥640k/year)	For those career-building while working. Best for Specific Skilled Workers!
C. Local Municipality Subsidies	Foreigners living in that area	Max ¥100k - ¥300k (e.g., Saitama Pref.)	Can sometimes be used with A or B. Amounts vary by region.

A. "Job Seeker Support System" - Get ¥100,000/Month

This can be used by those who have "no job" or "low income" when taking training at Hello Work (Hello Training).

• Eligibility: Household income under ¥250,000/month, personal assets under ¥3 million, etc.
• Content: ¥100,000 is paid every month during the training period. Commuting allowance is also provided.
• Note: You will not receive it if you are absent. You must attend seriously.

B. "Professional Education & Training Benefit" - Up to 80% Tuition Back

Use this if you are already working under "Specific Skills" etc. and are enrolled in Employment Insurance.

• Eligibility: Enrolled in Employment Insurance for 2+ years (1+ year if using for the first time).
• Content: If you take a "Practical Practitioner Training" course designated by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, 50% of the tuition comes back. If you get qualified and stay employed, another 20% is added. If your wages rise after the course, another 10% is added.
• Example: For a course costing ¥150,000, up to ¥120,000 returns. Your self-pay is only ¥30,000.

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[By Case] Real Simulation of Costs and Time

"In the end, how much will it cost me?" We answer this question with 5 specific cases.

Case 1: Mr. A working as Specific Skilled Worker (Age 28)

• Situation: 2nd year working at a nursing facility. Annual income ¥3 million.
• Goal: Take Practical Practitioner Training and sit for the national exam next year.
• System Used: Professional Education & Training Benefit (Employment Insurance)
• Cost:
  • School Tuition: ¥130,000
  • Benefit (Assuming 70% refund): ▲¥91,000
  • Actual Cost: ¥39,000
• Point: Depending on the facility, the company might pay the remaining self-pay portion. Try consulting with your facility manager.

Related Article: [Resident Tax] Why Does Take-Home Pay Decrease in Year 2? Understanding "Post-Payment" & Leaving Japan

Case 2: Ms. B Looking for Work (Age 32, Dependent Visa)

• Situation: Part-time income under ¥80,000/month. Dependent of husband.
• Goal: Wants to get "Initial Training for Caregivers" (formerly Helper Level 2).
• System Used: Job Seeker Support System (Hello Training)
• Cost:
  • Tuition: ¥0 (Only text fee ¥5,000 is self-pay)
  • Training Benefit (3 months): +¥300,000 (Paid as living expenses)
  • Balance: Plus ¥295,000
• Point: Instead of paying money, you get qualified while receiving living expenses. Go to Hello Work first. Since the benefit screening takes time, consider the following method if you need cash immediately.

Case 3: International Student C (Age 22)

• Situation: Graduated from Japanese language school (N2 obtained).
• Goal: Attend a Care Worker Training Facility (Vocational School) for 2 years.
• System Used: Care Worker Study Fund Loan
• Cost:
  • 2-Year Tuition: Approx. ¥2 million
  • Loan: ¥50,000/month + Entrance Prep ¥200,000 + Job Prep ¥200,000 = Total ¥1.6 million Loaned
  • Point: If you work as a care worker in that region (e.g., Saitama) for 5 years after graduation, repayment of the borrowed money is fully exempted. It becomes a scholarship in practice.

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National Exam for Certified Care Workers: "Special Rules" for Foreigners Only

You don't need to worry that "an exam in Japanese is impossible!" The Japanese government offers special accommodations for the exam to increase foreign care personnel.

1. Exam Time is 1.5 Times Longer

The exam time is set longer than for regular examinees.

• Normal: Morning 110 min → With Accommodation: 165 min
• Normal: Afternoon 125 min → With Accommodation: 188 min

Time is secured so you can read the questions slowly.

2. "Furigana" on All Kanji

It's okay if you can't read difficult Kanji. Furigana (reading aid) is attached to all Kanji in the question paper.

3. Passing is a Ticket to "Permanent Residency"

If you pass the Certified Care Worker exam and change your visa status to "Nursing Care" (Kaigo), you can bring your family (spouse and children) to Japan. Also, if you continue working for a long time, the requirements for obtaining Permanent Residency tend to be relaxed. This is a privilege unique to the care profession, not found in other Specific Skilled Worker jobs.

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Step-by-Step Guide: Using Subsidies (Saitama Example)

Here, we introduce the specific flow of applying for subsidies using "Saitama Prefecture," which offers generous support for foreigners, as an example. Other prefectures often have similar systems, so please use this as a reference.

Step 1: Check if You are Eligible

Saitama Prefecture provides subsidies to facilities that accept foreign care personnel.

• Subsidy Amount: 2/3 of expenses (Upper limit ¥300,000 per facility, etc.)
• Coverage: Training fees, Japanese study costs, translator device purchases, etc.

Although this is a subsidy for the "facility" rather than a direct payment to individuals, a smart method is to use this to find a facility that says, "The company will cover the training costs."

Step 2: Consult at Hello Work

First, go to your nearest Hello Work and say, "I want to receive vocational training for caregiving."

• What to bring: Residence Card (Zairyu Card), Passport, Photo (3x4cm)
• Keyword: "I want to apply for Kyushokusha Shien Kunren (Job Seeker Support Training)."

Note: You need a bank account in your own name to receive benefits. Related Article: [2026 Definitive Guide] Complete Guide to Opening a Japanese Bank Account for Foreigners

Step 3: Find a School and Apply

If there is no Hello Work training available, or if you want to attend while working, apply to a private school. Be sure to check in advance if it is a designated course for the "Education and Training Benefit."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. My visa expires in 1 year. Can I take the exam that requires 3 years of experience?

A. Yes, it is possible. Your period of stay can be renewed (extended). If you are a "Specific Skilled Worker (i)", you can stay in Japan for a total of 5 years. You just need to accumulate 3 years of practical experience and take the exam during that time. Working at the same company is the shortcut to renewal.

Related Article: [2026 Edition] Is Side Work NG for Engineer/Humanities Visas? Immigration Law Pitfalls

Q. I heard care work hurts your lower back. Is that true?

A. People used to say that, but now more facilities are using techniques called "Body Mechanics" and machines like robots and lifts. In vocational training, you will also thoroughly learn "care methods that do not hurt your back."

Q. Can my wife on a Dependent Visa receive vocational training?

A. Yes, it is possible. Even those working part-time within 28 hours a week may be eligible for "Job Seeker Support Training (¥100,000 monthly benefit)" if they meet the income requirements. Please consult with Hello Work.

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Summary: Start with "Information Gathering"

The Certified Care Worker qualification is the strongest weapon for foreigners who want to live stably in Japan. Before giving up because of the cost, take action with these 3 steps:

1. Go to Hello Work: Check if you can receive training for free.
2. Check Benefits: See if you are eligible for the "Education and Training Benefit (up to 80%)."
3. View School Materials: Check what schools are nearby and if they are easy to commute to.

If you use the systems wisely, you can reduce the cost burden to almost zero and obtain a national qualification and a path to permanent residency. Please take the first step today.