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💼 Work & Live in Japan

Japan SSW Visa

Specified Skilled Worker visa - Your pathway to working in Japan across 14 designated industries. Earn competitive salaries while gaining international work experience.

14 Industry Sectors
Up to 5 years
¥180k-280k/month
Work in Japan with SSW Visa
14
Industries
5 yrs
Max Stay
JLPT N4
Min. Level

Important Notice: SSW Visa Services

Aspira Educational Consultancy provides:

  • Comprehensive information and guidance about SSW visa requirements and process
  • Japanese language training through our partner institutes to help you pass JFT-Basic or JLPT N4
  • Preparation support for skills evaluation tests
  • Connection to authorized manpower agencies in Nepal

⚠️ Please Note: The actual SSW visa processing, job placement, interview coordination, COE application, and final visa submission MUST be done through licensed and authorized manpower agencies as per Government of Nepal and Japanese immigration regulations. We are here to prepare and guide you, while authorized manpower partners handle the official placement process.

What is SSW Visa?

The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa, introduced in April 2019, is Japan's response to labor shortages in specific industries. It allows foreign workers with specialized skills to work in Japan across 14 designated sectors.

SSW Type 1 (SSW-1)

  • Maximum 5 years total stay
  • JLPT N4 Japanese required
  • All 14 sectors available
  • Cannot bring family members
  • Renewable annually (up to 5 years total)

SSW Type 2 (SSW-2)

  • Unlimited renewals (no max stay)
  • Higher skill level required
  • Limited to construction & shipbuilding
  • CAN bring family members
  • Path to permanent residency

Important: Most applicants start with SSW-1

SSW-2 is currently only available in construction and shipbuilding industries and requires advanced skills. The Japanese government plans to expand SSW-2 to more sectors in the coming years. Most workers begin with SSW-1 and may transition to SSW-2 after gaining experience.

14 Designated Industries

SSW visa is available for workers in these specific sectors

Nursing Care

Elderly care facilities and healthcare support

Avg. Salary:¥180,000-220,000
Demand:Very High

Building Cleaning

Facility management and cleaning services

Avg. Salary:¥170,000-200,000
Demand:High

Agriculture

Farming, livestock, and agricultural work

Avg. Salary:¥170,000-200,000
Demand:High

Fishery

Fishing and aquaculture operations

Avg. Salary:¥180,000-220,000
Demand:Medium

Food Manufacturing

Food processing and beverage production

Avg. Salary:¥180,000-230,000
Demand:Very High

Food Service

Restaurants and food service industry

Avg. Salary:¥180,000-220,000
Demand:High

Material Processing

Industrial materials and metal processing

Avg. Salary:¥200,000-250,000
Demand:Medium

Industrial Machinery

Machine manufacturing and maintenance

Avg. Salary:¥200,000-260,000
Demand:High

Electronics Equipment

Electronic and electrical equipment production

Avg. Salary:¥200,000-250,000
Demand:High

Construction

Building construction and civil engineering

Avg. Salary:¥220,000-280,000
Demand:Very High

Shipbuilding

Ship manufacturing and repair

Avg. Salary:¥200,000-250,000
Demand:Medium

Auto Repair

Automobile maintenance and repair

Avg. Salary:¥200,000-240,000
Demand:High

Aviation

Airport ground handling and maintenance

Avg. Salary:¥220,000-280,000
Demand:Medium

Accommodation

Hotels and hospitality industry

Avg. Salary:¥180,000-220,000
Demand:High

Eligibility Requirements

Key requirements to qualify for SSW visa

Skills Test

  • Pass designated skills evaluation test
  • Test specific to your chosen industry
  • Demonstrates practical job knowledge
  • Tests available in multiple countries

Japanese Language

  • JLPT N4 level or equivalent required
  • Basic daily conversation ability
  • Some sectors may require N3 or higher
  • Language skills assessment available

Job Offer

  • Confirmed employment with Japanese company
  • Company must be in designated sector
  • Employment contract required
  • Equal pay to Japanese workers

Age & Health

  • Typically 18-45 years old
  • Good physical and mental health
  • No serious criminal record
  • Able to perform job duties

Documentation

  • Valid passport (6+ months)
  • Educational certificates
  • Work experience proof (if applicable)
  • Clean background check

Work Commitment

  • Genuine intention to work in Japan
  • Commitment to job duties
  • Willingness to adapt to Japanese workplace
  • Professional work ethic

Application Process

Step-by-step guide to obtaining your SSW visa

1

Enroll in Japanese Language Classes

3-6 months

Start your Japanese language training at our partner language institute. Focus on achieving the required proficiency level for SSW visa.

2

Pass JFT-Basic or JLPT N4

Test preparation + exam

Successfully pass either the Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic) or Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N4 level.

3

Pass Skills Evaluation Test

1-2 months

Take and pass the skills evaluation test specific to your chosen industry sector. Tests are conducted for the 14 designated SSW industries.

4

Interview with Authorized Manpower

2-4 weeks

Participate in interview process conducted by authorized manpower agencies. This is a mandatory step handled exclusively through licensed manpower partners.

5

Receive Offer Letter

1-2 weeks

Upon successful interview, receive your job offer letter from the Japanese employer through the authorized manpower agency.

6

Medical Examination

1 week

Complete required medical examinations as specified by the employer and immigration authorities to ensure fitness for work.

7

COE Application & Waiting Period

1-3 months

The manpower agency submits Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application to Japanese Immigration Bureau. Wait for approval during processing period.

8

Receive COE & Visa Application

1-2 weeks

Once COE is approved and received, apply for SSW visa at the Japanese Embassy/Consulate with COE and required documents.

9

Work Permit & Final Preparations

1-2 weeks

Complete work permit formalities and final documentation. The manpower agency will coordinate all necessary permits and clearances.

10

Ticket Booking & Departure

1 week

Book your flight ticket to Japan. Receive pre-departure orientation from the manpower agency and prepare for your journey.

Required Documents

Required Documents

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Required Documents

Valid Passport

Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay

Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Original COE issued by Immigration Bureau (obtained by employer)

Employment Contract

Signed employment contract with Japanese company specifying job duties, salary, and conditions

Skills Evaluation Certificate

Proof of passing the designated skills test for your industry sector

Japanese Language Certificate

JLPT N4 or equivalent test certificate proving Japanese proficiency

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Detailed work history, skills, and qualifications relevant to the job

Educational Certificates

Diplomas, degrees, or vocational training certificates

Passport Photos

Recent passport-sized photos (4.5cm x 4.5cm) with white background

Visa Application Form

Completed visa application form from Japanese Embassy/Consulate

Optional Documents (Recommended)

Work Experience Letters

Letters from previous employers confirming work experience in the field

Health Certificate

Medical examination certificate from approved clinic

Cost Breakdown

Cost Estimation

Test & Certification Fees

JLPT Test Fee

Japanese Language Proficiency Test (N4/N3)

¥6,000
Skills Evaluation Test

Industry-specific skills assessment (varies by sector)

¥15,000
Test Preparation CourseOptional

Optional preparation classes

¥50,000

Visa Application Fees

COE Processing

Free (handled by employer)

¥0
Visa Application Fee

Embassy processing fee

¥3,000
Document TranslationOptional

Translation of certificates to Japanese

¥20,000

Travel & Settlement

Flight Ticket

One-way international flight

¥80,000
Initial Accommodation

First month rent + deposit (often employer-assisted)

¥100,000
Initial Living Expenses

Food, transport, essentials for first month

¥100,000
Health InsuranceOptional

First 3 months coverage

¥20,000

Agency & Support Services

Job Placement Support

Free through Aspira partnership program

¥0
Documentation AssistanceOptional

Complete application support package

¥30,000
Estimated Total:¥304,000

This is an estimated cost. Actual costs may vary based on individual circumstances, exchange rates, and current fees. Please contact us for a personalized cost breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

SSW-1 (Specified Skilled Worker Type 1) is for workers with basic skills and requires Japanese language proficiency (JLPT N4). It's valid for up to 5 years total (renewable annually) but does NOT allow bringing family members. SSW-2 (Type 2) is for workers with advanced skills/supervisory roles, allows indefinite renewal, and permits family members to join. Currently, SSW-2 is only available in construction and shipbuilding sectors, but expansion is planned.

Still have questions? Our expert consultants are here to help. Contact us for personalized guidance and support throughout your visa application process.

Authorized Manpower Partner in Nepal

All SSW and other working visa demands are processed through our authorized manpower partners in Nepal, ensuring a streamlined and reliable recruitment process.

Official Manpower Agency

Licensed and authorized by the Government of Nepal

  • Complete recruitment and processing handled by authorized partners
  • Direct coordination with Japanese employers and immigration authorities
  • Transparent fees and no hidden charges throughout the process

End-to-End Support

From initial application to successful deployment

  • Job matching with verified Japanese companies in 14 SSW sectors
  • Assistance with skills tests, language exams, and documentation
  • Pre-departure orientation and post-arrival support in Japan
Government Approved • Trusted by 500+ Workers

Japanese Language Training

We provide comprehensive Japanese language courses to help you meet the JLPT N4 requirement and prepare for life and work in Japan.

JLPT N5 to N4 Course

Structured curriculum designed specifically for SSW visa applicants

  • 6-month intensive program
  • Focus on reading, writing, listening, speaking
  • JLPT exam preparation and mock tests
Most Popular

Workplace Japanese

Industry-specific vocabulary and business communication skills

  • Sector-specific terminology training
  • Japanese workplace culture and etiquette
  • Real-world conversation practice

Flexible Learning

Choose the learning format that works best for you

  • Weekend and evening batch options
  • Small class sizes (max 15 students)
  • Experienced native and Nepali instructors

Why Learn Japanese With Us?

Our partner language institutes offer programs specifically designed for SSW visa applicants, helping you achieve JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 proficiency.

JLPT Certified Teachers
Study Materials Included
Free Re-sitting

Ready to Work in Japan?

Join thousands of skilled workers who have successfully obtained SSW visas with our expert guidance. We provide job placement, test preparation, and complete application support.

Job Placement Support
Connect with hiring companies
Test Preparation
JLPT & Skills test coaching
Complete Assistance
From application to arrival