Specified Skilled Worker "Linen Supply" Sector: Operational Guidelines Issued June 2026 — 3 Key Preparation Points for Accepting Companies

Japan's Immigration Services Agency (ISA) issued the sector-specific operational guidelines for the Linen Supply sector under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) and Ikusei Shuro (育成就労) programs on June 1, 2026. The Linen Supply sector is one of three newly added sectors — along with Logistics & Warehousing and Resource Recycling — formally approved by Cabinet Decision on January 23, 2026. Following the development of skills assessment tests scheduled for FY2026, the sector is expected to begin full operations in FY2027. Companies in the linen supply industry should begin preparing now.

What Is the Linen Supply Industry?

Linen supply companies collect soiled linen — sheets, towels, uniforms, and workwear — from hotels, hospitals, nursing care facilities, and restaurants, then launder, finish, and return them. Japan has approximately 1,000 linen supply businesses nationwide, and the industry faces a severe labor shortage. The addition of foreign workers under the SSW program was championed by the Japan Linen Supply Association (一社・日本リネンサプライ協会).

Key Points from the Operational Guidelines

Covered work tasks (required and related duties)

Foreign workers in this sector may engage in all steps of the linen processing workflow. Required tasks include:

• Receiving and sorting incoming linen
• Inspection and quality checking
• Loading washing machines (machine operation)
• Drying, pressing, and finishing
• Bundling, packaging, and dispatch
• Safety and hygiene duties

Facility requirements for accepting companies

To accept SSW foreign workers in the Linen Supply sector, a company's laundry facility must hold certification under one of the following hygiene standards:

• Certification under the Japan Linen Supply Association's sanitary standards for laundry facilities and equipment (リネンサプライ業に係わる洗濯施設及び設備に関する衛生基準)
• Certification under the Medical Related Services Promotion Association's standards for bedding laundry operations (寝具類洗濯業務に関する基準)

Requirements for foreign workers

Applicants must demonstrate Japanese language proficiency at JLPT N4 or above, or pass the Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic) at A2 level or above. Skills assessment tests are being developed by the industry association and are expected to launch in FY2026.

3 Key Preparation Points for Accepting Companies

① Confirm your facility's hygiene certification status

Obtaining (or confirming) the required hygiene certification is the first prerequisite. If your facility does not yet hold one of the above certifications, equipment upgrades and an audit/application process may be required — which can take several months. Beginning this process now is essential to be ready for the FY2027 launch.

② Monitor skills assessment test announcements

Keep a close watch on announcements from ISA and MHLW regarding the launch date, format, and locations for the Linen Supply sector skills assessment tests. If you plan to sponsor a specific candidate, support them in registering and preparing for the test as early as possible.

③ Select a registered support organization or supervisory and support organization

SSW Type 1 companies are generally required to engage a registered support organization (登録支援機関) to provide daily life and employment support unless they meet in-house support requirements. For companies considering the Ikusei Shuro (育成就労) program, a supervisory and support organization (監理支援機関) must also be selected. Sakura Central Law Office can assist with residence status applications and introduce you to appropriate support organizations.