Japan SSW Visa from Nepal: The Complete 2026 Guide

Japan's Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa launched in 2019 and expanded to 16 sectors in 2024. It is one of the most aspirational migration routes for Nepali workers today, offering wage equality with Japanese workers under Labour Standards Law and, for those who progress to SSW (ii), an indefinite-stay pathway. This guide covers the complete journey from language test to arrival in Japan.

Why Japan SSW is exceptional

• Wage equality with Japanese workers under Labour Standards Law.
• 16 sectors approved as of 2024, including care, food service, manufacturing, agriculture, construction, automotive, aerospace and hospitality.
• 5 years on SSW (i), with the option to upgrade to SSW (ii) for indefinite stay (currently available in 14 of 16 sectors).
• Pathway to family reunification on SSW (ii): spouse and children can join you.
• Path to permanent residency after 10 years of residence (5 years on SSW (ii) plus a qualifying period).
• Strong yen and low cost of living relative to wage, giving substantial savings potential.

The SSW journey: 5 stages

Stage 1: Language test (JFT-Basic or JLPT N4)

Japan SSW (i) requires either:

• JFT-Basic (Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese), the most common route for SSW, testing A2-level Japanese.
• OR JLPT N4, a slightly broader Japanese competence test.

Test fee: NPR 6,500–8,500. Preparation takes 4–6 months of structured study at NPR 35,000–80,000. Several recommended institutes in Kathmandu run JLPT and JFT-Basic-aligned curricula.

Stage 2: Sector-specific skill test

After passing the language test, you take a skill test in your chosen sector. Each of the 16 sectors has its own competency standard:

• Care (Kaigo): basic nursing-care competencies and mobility assistance.
• Food Service Industry: restaurant operations and food safety.
• Manufacturing: machine operation, assembly and quality checks.
• Construction: site work, scaffolding and formwork.
• Agriculture, Fishery, Automotive, Aerospace, Hospitality and others, each with its own sector-specific test.

Skill-test fee: NPR 8,000–15,000. Test sessions run in Kathmandu several times a year.

Stage 3: Employer matching

Japanese employers, or their registered support organisations, review candidate profiles and select workers. Most matching happens through licensed sending organisations or agencies authorised by the Japanese embassy. Timeline from skill-test pass to employer selection: typically 3–9 months.

Stage 4: Contract signing, COE and visa

Once selected:

1. The employer applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from Japanese immigration in Tokyo.
2. The COE is sent to Nepal; you apply for the SSW visa at the Japanese embassy in Kathmandu.
3. Visa stamping takes 1–3 weeks.
4. DOFE pre-approval and the labour permit are filed in parallel.
5. Pre-Departure Orientation is completed.

Stage 5: Arrival in Japan

Most SSW workers fly into Tokyo (Narita or Haneda) or Osaka (Kansai). On arrival you complete:

• Residence Card issuance at the airport.
• Ward office registration for your residency address, within 14 days.
• National Health Insurance and pension enrolment.
• Bank account opening.

Your employer's registered support organisation guides you through the arrival logistics.

Total cost from start to flight

• Japanese language course: NPR 35,000–80,000
• JFT-Basic / JLPT test fee: NPR 6,500–8,500
• Skill test fee: NPR 8,000–15,000
• Document attestation and translation: NPR 10,000–15,000
• Medical examination: NPR 8,000–12,000
• DOFE, welfare fund and PDO: NPR 4,000–6,000
• Air ticket (self-paid): NPR 45,000–80,000
• Total: approximately NPR 110,000–220,000

Typical salary in Japan (NPR/month)

Sector	Salary (NPR/mo)	Notes
Manufacturing	200,000–300,000	Most common route. Day/night shifts.
Care (Kaigo)	200,000–270,000	Hospital or nursing home. Highest demand sector.
Food Service	180,000–250,000	Restaurant, takeaway, kitchen.
Agriculture	180,000–240,000	Rural locations, seasonal peaks.
Construction	220,000–320,000	Site work with overtime potential.

SSW (i) vs SSW (ii)

• SSW (i): 5 years maximum, no family reunification. Entry-level certification.
• SSW (ii): indefinite renewal, family reunification (spouse and children), and a path to permanent residency. Available in 14 of 16 sectors. Requires an additional skill examination after 2-3 years on SSW (i).

Worker protections in Japan

• Full Labour Standards Law applies, the same as for Japanese workers.
• Statutory minimum wage set by prefecture (Tokyo: approximately JPY 1,113/hour in 2024).
• 40-hour standard work week, with mandatory daily and weekly rest.
• Annual paid leave: 10 days after 6 months, scaling up with tenure.
• Strong protection against unfair dismissal.
• National Health Insurance, Employment Insurance and Pension enrolment are all mandatory.

How to start

1. Pick your sector based on background and interest.
2. Enrol in JFT-Basic preparation at a reputable Kathmandu institute.
3. Pass JFT-Basic or JLPT N4.
4. Pass the sector-specific skill test.
5. Apply for SSW vacancies through licensed sending organisations or agencies.
6. Once selected: COE, visa, DOFE pre-approval, flight.

Visa and skill-test requirements can change, so confirm current rules with DOFE or the Japanese embassy before you commit to a timeline. Visit our Battishputali office for free counselling on the SSW route. We will help you choose the right sector, recommend trusted language institutes, and walk you through the application process.