SSW Japan
What is the SSW (Specified Skilled Worker) Visa?
Introduced by the Japanese government to address labor shortages, the SSW status of residence allows foreign nationals to work in specific industries.
There are two main types of SSW visas:
SSW (i): Allows you to work for up to 5 years. It requires a good level of Japanese language proficiency and specific job skills.
SSW (ii): For those with higher specialization. This status allows for indefinite renewal and the ability to bring family members (spouse and children) to Japan.
The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program (Tokutei Ginou) is currently one of the best pathways for Nepali citizens to work in Japan.
Unlike the traditional student visa or the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP), the SSW visa allows you to work as a full-time employee with the same salary standards as Japanese nationals. This guide covers everything you need to know about securing an SSW visa from Nepal.
The SSW program has become the top choice for Nepalis for several reasons:
Direct Employment: You are hired directly by a Japanese company.
Equal Pay: By law, your salary must be equal to or greater than that of a Japanese person in the same role.
Worker Rights: You have better protection under Japanese labor laws compared to intern programs.
No Education Barrier: You generally do not need a Bachelor’s degree (like +2 or Bachelor’s) to apply, as long as you pass the skills and language tests.
Japan offers abundant job opportunities for skilled foreign workers
High-demand sectors include healthcare, food service, agriculture, construction, hospitality, and manufacturing
Japanese language proficiency is essential for workplace success
Capital City: Tokyo
Official Language: Japanese (English often used in international programs)
Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone: Japan Standard Time (JST)
Dialing Code: +81
- Agriculture – farming, livestock, greenhouse management
- Food Service – restaurants, cafés, catering services
- Nursing Care – elder care, healthcare support
- Construction – building, carpentry, machinery
- Hotel & Hospitality – front desk, guest services
- Manufacturing & Machinery – production, assembly, quality control
Industry-specific skill training and assessment test preparation
Japanese language courses for workplace communication
Business etiquette and cultural orientation
Job preparation including resumes, interviews, and workplace readiness
Step 1: Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
The COE is an official document issued by the Japanese Immigration Bureau and is required for most work visa applications.
It confirms that you meet the requirements to work in Japan legally.
To obtain a COE, you must have a confirmed job offer from a Japanese employer.
Required documents usually include your employment contract, educational certificates, resume, and proof of experience.
Step 2: Apply for a Work Visa
After receiving the COE from your employer, you must apply for a work visa at the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
Submit the COE along with other required documents, such as your passport, visa application form, recent passport-sized photographs, and any additional documents requested by the embassy.
The embassy reviews the application and approves the visa if all requirements are met.
Step 3: Travel and Arrival in Japan
Once the visa is approved, you can travel to Japan and begin your employment.
Upon arrival at the airport, immigration officials will check your visa and COE and issue a temporary landing permission.
Step 4: Residence Registration
Within 14 days of finding accommodation, register your residence at the local municipal office.
You will receive a Residence Card (Zairyu Card), which is essential for identification, opening a bank account, healthcare registration, and part-time work if permitted.
Step 5: Orientation & Employment
Attend any required orientation programs provided by your employer.
Begin your employment in Japan with proper knowledge of workplace rules, culture, and communication expectations.
Training For Working In Japan
Hotel & Hospitality
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Nursing Care
Japan faces an increasing demand for caregivers due to its aging population, making the healthcare sector one of the most promising fields for international workers. Our Nursing Care Training program is designed to prepare candidates with the knowledge, language skills, and cultural awareness necessary to excel in caregiving roles across Japan. The training covers daily […]
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Agriculture
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