What is a Registered Support Organization? A Complete and Easy Guide to New Registration

As the acceptance of foreign workers continues to expand, Registered Support Organizations have become an increasingly important presence for companies in Japan.
In particular, for businesses utilizing the Specified Skilled Worker system, RSOs can be considered indispensable partners.

In this article, we will clearly explain—from a practical, real-world perspective—the fundamentals of Registered Support Organizations, including the process of new registration, requirements, and key benefits.

What is a Registered Support Organization?

A Registered Support Organization is an external entity that, on behalf of companies accepting foreign workers under the Specified Skilled Worker system, provides support for their daily life and employment in Japan.

Key Responsibilities

The main roles of a Registered Support Organization include:

・Pre-arrival guidance before entering Japan
・Airport pick-up and assistance with securing housing
・Orientation for daily life in Japan
・Regular interviews and consultation support
・Assistance with Japanese language learning

Why are Registered Support Organizations necessary?

Under the Specified Skilled Worker system, accepting companies are legally required to provide support to foreign workers.

However, in reality:

📌 There is no staff available internally to handle support
📌 Multilingual support is difficult to manage
📌 There is a lack of knowledge regarding immigration procedures

For these reasons, most companies choose to outsource these responsibilities.

This is where Registered Support Organizations (RSOs) come into play.

Key Requirements for New Registration

📌 Main Requirements

📌 Appointment of a Support Manager and Support Staff
📌 Experience in supporting foreign nationals (such as practical work experience)
📌 Establishment of an appropriate support system (consultation framework, multilingual support, etc.)
📌 A solid compliance system to ensure adherence to laws and regulations
📌 Not falling under any disqualification criteria

Process for New Registration

Registration Flow

Step ①: Preparation

・Appoint a Support Manager and Support Staff
・Establish a support system
・Collect all required documents

Step ②: Preparation and Submission of Application Documents

📌 Submit the application to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan
📌 Provide a complete set of required documents

Step ③: Screening

Review period: approximately 2 months

📌 If there are any deficiencies in the documents, corrections or additional submissions will be required

Step ④: Registration Notification

📌 Once registration is approved, the organization is officially recognized
📌 You can begin operating as a Registered Support Organization

Registration Timeline

Estimated Timeline

・Preparation period: 2 weeks to 1 month
・Screening period: 2 months

Total: Approximately 2.5 to 3 months

Recommended for the Following

✅ Companies that want to establish their own support business in-house

✅ Businesses looking to develop a new revenue stream

✅ Organizations aiming to operate as a Registered Support Organization in a stable and sustainable manner

Benefits of Consulting a Certified Administrative Scrivener

Registered Support Organizations are a core system in foreign employment in Japan, supporting everything from the operation of the Specified Skilled Worker (i) and (ii) systems, to residence status applications, and even new registration with immigration authorities.

By entrusting the registration process to a Certified Administrative Procedures Legal Specialist, you can start operating the system in a safe, reliable, and efficient manner.

At Administrative Scrivener Taro Fujita Office

✅ Nationwide support / Multilingual services available (English, Chinese, etc.)
✅ Consultations available via LINE and Zoom
✅ Full support from application to approval

Start with a free consultation today!