Jobs in Japan for Nepali Workers
Japan's SSW (Specified Skilled Worker) visa is one of the most aspirational routes for Nepali workers — long-term, high-wage, and now expanded to 16 sectors.
Working in Japan — what you need to know
Japan's Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa is one of the most aspired-to migration pathways for Nepali workers. Expanded to 16 sectors in 2024 — including nursing care, restaurant services, manufacturing, agriculture, construction, hospitality, aviation and maritime — it offers wage parity with Japanese workers under the Labour Standards Act. Japan's ageing society creates structural, long-term demand rather than a cyclical boom.
Nepal is one of Japan's largest SSW labour-sending countries. Workers in Japan consistently report reliable salary payment, strong employer compliance, and excellent safety standards.
Why Nepali workers choose Japan
SSW visa expanded to 16 sectors in 2024 — care, food, construction, manufacturing & more
Wage equality with Japanese workers under Labour Standards Act
Up to 5 years on SSW (i) with possibility to switch to SSW (ii) for indefinite stay
Strong yen — purchasing power well above home wages
Excellent worker safety, healthcare and public infrastructure
Savings potential
Factory workers on JPY 180,000/month (minimum) net approximately JPY 153,000 after social insurance of about JPY 27,000/month. Shared housing runs JPY 30,000–50,000; food JPY 25,000–35,000 — saving JPY 68,000–98,000/month (NPR 63,000–91,000). Higher-grade SSW (ii) workers on JPY 220,000–280,000 can save considerably more.
Industries recruiting Nepali workers in Japan
Japan's economy creates consistent demand across 5 sectors well-suited to Nepali workers' skill profiles. Below are the most active hiring sectors and, where available, the most-recruited roles through Glocal Workforce Nepal.
Step-by-step: Nepal to Japan
Japan SSW deployment takes 60–90 days: Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT N4 for most sectors) or Japan Language NAT-TEST, sector skills test (JFTC or sector-specific), DOFE Nepal pre-approval, COE (Certificate of Eligibility) from Japanese immigration (30–60 days), Japan Embassy visa in Kathmandu (5–7 days), and PDO. Our Japan desk runs skills-test preparation classes and manages COE application follow-up.
- 1
Apply and sign contract
Select a vacancy on this site or through our Kathmandu office and sign the attested employment contract with your Japan employer. Our counsellor reviews every contract before you sign.
- 2
DOFE pre-approval
We submit your demand letter, employment contract, employer verification and worker list to the Department of Foreign Employment (DOFE) for Government of Nepal pre-approval. Standard processing: 7–10 working days.
- 3
Medical, trade test & visa
GAMCA-approved or destination-approved medical examination. Trade test if the role requires it (welding, driving, electrician, etc.). Embassy attestation and visa stamping at the Japan Embassy in Kathmandu or New Delhi.
- 4
PDO, Labour Permit & depart
Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) — covering your rights, emergency contacts, remittance, and daily life in Japan. DOFE issues your Labour Permit. Glocal Workforce Nepal accompanies you to TIA for departure.
Need the full document checklist? View required documents →
Average monthly earnings in Japan
| Role | JPY / month (approx.) | NPR / month (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse / Caregiver | ¥ 166,667–500,000 | NPR 150,000 – 450,000 |
Salary ranges are gross monthly figures based on Glocal Workforce Nepal's placement data and quarterly DOFE benchmarks. Local currency figures are approximate based on current exchange rates. Actual take-home depends on tax, social insurance, and employer deductions.
Personalised salary calculatorHow much does it cost to live in Japan?
Understanding your expenses is as important as your salary. Below is an estimate of typical monthly costs in Japan based on our workers' feedback and local data. Most employers in this destination provide accommodation — your actual housing cost may be zero.
Worker rights and legal protections in Japan
Labour law protections
Japan's Labour Standards Act guarantees all workers — regardless of nationality — the same minimum wage, paid leave (10–20 days depending on tenure), 40-hour standard working week, overtime premium (125–150% of regular wage), and social insurance (shakai hoken: health + pension). The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) actively investigates violations. SSW (i) allows up to 5 years; SSW (ii) allows indefinite stay and family reunification. Japan ranks among the most consistently safe migration destinations for Nepali workers by any objective measure.
Nepal Embassy & emergency contacts
The Embassy of Nepal in Japan provides consular services, emergency repatriation, contract-dispute mediation, and passport renewal for Nepali nationals abroad. Our workers receive the embassy emergency number in their pre-departure kit.
Glocal Workforce Nepal also maintains an in-country contact for Japan who can assist with routine issues (accommodation, salary delay) before escalating to official channels.
Full embassy directoryNepali community in Japan
Japan's Nepali community exceeded 200,000 by 2024. Tokyo (Shinjuku, Kawasaki), Osaka, Nagoya and Hamamatsu have vibrant Nepali communities with restaurants, temples, schools and cultural associations. The Non-Resident Nepali Association Japan is highly active. IME Japan operates direct NPR remittance.
Calculate your savings from Japan
Enter your expected salary in JPY and see your monthly savings in NPR, projected remittances, and time to reach your financial goal.
Open salary calculatorCompare Japan with other destinations
Not sure if Japan is the right fit? Use our Country Comparison tool to evaluate salary, cost of living, visa type and flight time side-by-side.
Compare destinationsGuides and news about working in Japan
Common questions about working in Japan
Is it safe for Nepali workers to go to Japan?+
Yes — provided you go through a DOFE-approved agency like Glocal Workforce Nepal. Your contract must be attested by both governments, your Labour Permit issued before departure, and you must attend the Pre-Departure Orientation. Avoid anyone offering free-visa or free-ticket deals without DOFE registration — these are the primary fraud vector.
What type of visa do Nepali workers need for Japan?+
The standard visa type is the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW). Your employer initiates the visa process by submitting a demand letter to the relevant authority in Japan. Glocal Workforce Nepal handles the embassy attestation and visa stamping after DOFE pre-approval.
How much does it cost to go to Japan from Nepal?+
Total deployment cost depends on the destination and role. All legitimate costs are within DOFE-approved limits: typically NPR 70,000–150,000 covering agency fee, medical examination, DOFE service charge, visa fee, and pre-departure orientation. Use our DOFE Fee Estimator for an itemised breakdown, or contact us directly for a quote.
What documents are required to work in Japan?+
Standard requirements are: valid passport (minimum 6 months remaining beyond your contract end), recent passport photos (4 copies), academic or trade-test certificates, CV, and GAMCA-approved medical fitness certificate. We provide a country-specific checklist when you are shortlisted.
How long is the flight from Kathmandu to Japan?+
The flight from Tribhuvan International Airport to Japan is approximately 7 hours. Most routes connect via Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Bangkok.
Can I change my employer in Japan after arriving?+
Worker mobility rules vary by destination. Contact our counsellors for Japan-specific guidance.
How do I send money home from Japan?+
Major remittance channels in Japan include IME, Prabhu, Western Union and MoneyGram, all supporting direct NPR transfers to Nepali bank accounts. NRNA in Japan can advise on the best local options.
What is the SSW visa and what test do I need to pass to get it?+
The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) i visa requires two things: a language test and a sector skills test. For most sectors, the language requirement is JLPT N4 (basic Japanese, conversational level) or the Japan Language NAT-TEST equivalent. The sector test is specific to your field — the Japan Food Service Skills Test for restaurant roles, for example. Our Japan desk offers preparation classes for both. Workers who already hold the TITP (Technical Intern Training) completion certificate in the same sector are exempt from the skills test.
Ready to work in Japan?
Submit your CV today. Our recruitment team will match you to suitable openings in Japanand walk you through the entire DOFE-to-departure process — at no hidden cost.