Japan Work Visa Guide 2026
Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) – Work in Japan Without a Degree
Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa is designed for semi‑skilled workers in 14 sectors (elderly care, agriculture, construction, food manufacturing, etc.). No university degree is required – you must pass a sector‑specific skills test and a Japanese language test (N4 level). This guide covers eligibility, exams, salary, benefits including housing and transport, and the pathway to permanent residence.
SSW and other visa sponsorship – updated daily
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📌 Japan Work Visas – Overview
- Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Type i: For semi‑skilled workers. Valid for up to 5 years. Cannot bring family. Requires passing skills and Japanese tests (N4 or N3 depending on sector).
- Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Type ii: For higher‑skilled roles (supervisor level). Valid indefinitely, can bring family, pathway to PR after 5 years. Requires higher‑level skills test.
- 14 eligible sectors: Nursing care, building cleaning, agriculture, fishery, food and beverage manufacturing, restaurant service, construction, shipbuilding, automobile maintenance, aviation, lodging, material processing, industrial machinery, electronics.
- Technical Intern Training visa: For trainees (3‑5 years). After completion, can transfer to SSW.
Official source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
🏗️ High‑Demand SSW Sectors (2026)
- Elderly care (nursing aides) – highest demand
- Agriculture (greenhouse workers, livestock)
- Construction (formwork, steel frame, painting)
- Food manufacturing (processing, packing)
- Restaurant service (cooks, wait staff)
💰 Salary & Benefits – Housing, Transport, Healthcare
| SSW Level | Monthly Salary (JPY) | Typical Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Type i (entry) | ¥160,000 – ¥220,000 | Shared housing (dormitory), transport allowance, social insurance |
| Type i (experienced) | ¥220,000 – ¥280,000 | Housing allowance (¥10‑20k), annual flight home (some) |
| Type ii (supervisor) | ¥300,000 – ¥450,000 | Family housing, full social benefits, PR pathway |
- 🏠 Most SSW workers live in employer‑provided dormitories (subsidised rent, often ¥10,000‑30,000/month).
- ✈️ Some employers offer annual flight allowance (after 1‑2 years).
- 🚌 Transport allowance commonly provided (¥10,000‑20,000/month).
- 🩺 Enrolled in Japanese social insurance (health, pension, unemployment).
- 💰 Income tax ~20‑30% (including local taxes).
📋 SSW Exams – What You Need to Pass
- Skills test: Sector‑specific (e.g., Nursing care skills test, Agriculture skills test). Written and practical. Conducted in Japan or overseas (partner countries).
- Japanese language test: JLPT N4 (or JFT Basic A2). Basic conversational Japanese required.
- Where to take exams: In Japan (after arriving on a temporary visitor visa) or through authorised organisations in Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, etc.
- Note: You can take the tests independently before finding an employer – having both certificates makes you eligible for sponsorship.
📝 How to Apply – Step‑by‑Step
- Pass the skills test and Japanese N4 exam (or take them through a receiving organisation).
- Find an employer or receiving organisation that will sponsor your SSW visa.
- Employer submits a contract and plan to the Immigration Services Agency.
- You apply for the SSW visa at a Japanese embassy/consulate.
- Travel to Japan (visa granted).
- Begin work and register for residence card.
Processing time: 1‑3 months after receiving organisation approval.
❓ Japan SSW Visa FAQ
No. The SSW visa is specifically for those without a university degree.
Yes, but you must stay within the same sector and get approval.
SSW Type i: up to 5 years total. SSW Type ii: indefinite.
Only SSW Type ii (supervisor level) can bring family. Type i cannot.
✅ Verify employer: Check if the receiving organisation is registered with the Ministry of Justice. IFMOSA provides links; verify independently.
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