In recent years, Japan has opened its doors to skilled workers from countries like Nepal through the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa. As Japan faces a significant labor shortage, this visa provides an excellent opportunity for Nepalese workers to build a stable career abroad.

If you are planning to work in Japan under the SSW program, you're in the right place. This beginner-friendly guide explains how to apply for SSW visa in Japan from Nepal, with everything from eligibility to the step-by-step application process, including preparation tips, FAQs, and expert support.

Table of Contents

How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan from Nepal: A Guide

1. What is the SSW Visa in Japan?
   1. Types of SSW Visas in Japan
   2. SSW (i): Entry-Level Category
   3. SSW (ii): Advanced Skill Category
2. Why Japan is Hiring Nepali Workers Under SSW
3. Requirements for an SSW Visa in Japan from Nepal
   1. Document Requirements for an SSW Visa in Japan from Nepal
4. How to apply for an SSW visa in Japan from Nepal?
5. Procedures Required Before Working as an SSW in Japan
6. What to Expect During the First Few Weeks in Japan as an SSW
   1. What Support Do Japanese Employers Provide?
7. SSW Visa Processing Time and Costs
   1. SSW Processing Time
   2. SSW Visa Estimated Costs (may vary):
8. Why Choose Us: The Best SSW Preparation Centre in Nepal
9. FAQs: How to Apply for Japan’s SSW Visa from Nepal

What is the SSW Visa in Japan?

The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa is a status of residence introduced by the Japanese government for international workers in 2019. The visa permits foreign nationals with specific skills to work in Japan across 16 distinct sectors, including:

1. Nursing Care
2. Building Cleaning Management
3. Manufacture of Industrial Products
4. Construction Industry
5. Shipbuilding and Ship Machinery Industry
6. Automobile Repair and Maintenance
7. Aviation Industry
8. Accommodation Industry
9. Automobile Transportation Business
10. Railway
11. Agriculture
12. Fishery and Aquaculture Industries
13. Manufacture of Food and Beverages
14. Food Service Industry
15. Forestry
16. Wood Industry

The SSW visa allows you to work in any of the above-listed industry fields at any skill level.

Types of SSW Visas in Japan

There are two types of SSW visas, which are categorised based on skill requirements:

To qualify for an SSW visa in Japan, you must pass the specified skills test and demonstrate Japanese language proficiency. The visa also allows you to change jobs within the same sector and provides better rights and benefits.

Why Japan is Hiring Nepali Workers Under SSW

Japan's aging population and shrinking workforce have created an urgent need for foreign labour. Nepal’s strong diplomatic ties and a large pool of skilled workers seeking international opportunities have made us one of the key source countries under Japan's SSW program.

Therefore, from Japanese working visas like SSW and TITP, Nepali citizens now have access to stable, well-paying jobs in Japan — legally, transparently, and with long-term career potential.

Requirements for an SSW Visa in Japan from Nepal

Before applying, here are the basic criteria you must meet:

• Age: Must be at least 18 years old (there's no strict upper age limit for SSW visa, but younger candidates have a better chance).
• Language: Pass JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic (Japanese language test).
• Skills: Pass a sector-specific Skills Evaluation Test.
• Health: Be physically fit and pass a medical check.
• No Criminal Record: Must have a clean background verification.
   

We offer expert training to help you pass both the Japanese language and skill tests on your first attempt. Learn more in our SSW Preparation Guide.

Document Requirements for an SSW Visa in Japan from Nepal

You will need the following documents for the SSW visa application from Nepal:

• Valid passport
• COE
• Passport-sized photo
• Language test certificate
• SSW Skills Test certificate
• Job offer/contract from a Japanese employer
• Certificate of Eligibility (COE) issued by Japan
• Medical checkup report
• Police clearance certificate
• Documents related to your pension, health insurance premiums, and taxes

How to apply for an SSW visa in Japan from Nepal?

Your application for Japan’s SSW visa typically begins by choosing your job sector, preparing for your specified skill and language expertise, then applying for jobs in Japan once you prove your eligibility by passing the required skills test. If a Japanese employer hires you, you can apply for your SSW visa at the Japanese Embassy in Nepal. 

Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you through the entire SSW visa Japan application process in detail:

Step-by-Step SSW Visa Application Guide 

1. Choose Your Job Sector
Decide which of the designated industries you are interested in  (e.g., caregiving, construction, food services, etc.) Talk to your counsellor to choose the industry and visa program that best suits your expertise and experience. 

2. Become a Proficient Japanese Language Speaker
Enrol in a basic Japanese language course to prepare for JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic.  You must pass a recognised Japanese language exam to be eligible for the SSW visa (i), which is a Japanese working visa for beginner to intermediate level skilled manpower. 

Your options for language requirement tests for SSW include:

• JLPT N4 or above (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test)
• JFT-Basic (Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese)

The SSW (ii) visa for advanced skilled workers does not demand stringent language requirements through test scores, but you have to be able to communicate in the Japanese language to work and live in Japan. 

You can explore the major Japanese language classes in Nepal, like JLPT and  JFT-Basic, regardless of the visa you are planning to apply for; after all,  these are the musts for your stay in Japan.

3. Pass the Skill Evaluation Test
You have to complete a skill assessment that will evaluate your knowledge, expertise, and practical skills. Each sector has a different skills test, so prepare according to your chosen industry and targeted expertise. These SSW skill tests are conducted online or in designated centres and are held multiple times a year. These exams are taken in Japanese, Nepali, as well as English. Your SSW training centre should help you map the latest exam and location details. 

Join a skills training program recognised by SSW-affiliated organisations to ace your skill test with expert guidance.

4. Apply for a Job or Placement
Your SSW visa application starts only after you secure a job in a registered Japanese company. You can get a job either: 

• Directly through Japanese employers
• Or through registered recruitment agencies in Nepal

Once you receive a job offer, your employer in Japan will apply for a Certificate of Eligibility on your behalf.

5. Apply for the SSW Visa at the Japanese Embassy in Nepal
Once your COE is issued, fill out the SSW visa application form. Then, submit it to the Embassy of Japan along with all the required documents for the SSW visa application from Nepal.
 

6. Receive Visa and Prepare for Departure
After your visa is approved, complete the pre-departure orientation and health check. Book your flights and take off to Japan!

Procedures Required Before Working as an SSW in Japan

Before you start your job in Japan, you must:

• Attend a pre-departure orientation provided by your training centre
• Submit your medical clearance and vaccination documents
• Sign a proper employment contract
• Register for residence procedures upon arrival in Japan
   

What to Expect During the First Few Weeks in Japan as an SSW

Arriving in Japan under the SSW visa means stepping into a new culture, language, and workplace environment. Here’s what to expect during your initial weeks:

• Safe Arrival and Accommodation
  Your Japanese employer or supporting agency usually arranges your accommodation in advance. Upon landing, you will be guided to your designated place of stay.
   
• Municipal Registrations
  Within the first few days, attend orientation sessions for local administrative tasks. You must:
  • Register your residence at the local city or ward office
  • Enroll in Japan’s National Health Insurance system
  • Join the national pension scheme (if applicable)
     
• Workplace Introduction and Training
  Employers in Japan typically provide structured orientation sessions, including:
  • Job-specific training
  • Safety protocols and company regulations
  • Understanding your roles and responsibilities
     
• Language Support at Work
  Some companies offer basic Japanese language practice during or after work hours to help you communicate better with colleagues and supervisors.
   
• Cultural and Daily Life Adjustment
  Adapting to Japanese etiquette, time management, and lifestyle habits can be challenging. You will gradually learn:
  • How to use public transportation efficiently
  • Workplace customs and greetings
  • Daily routines like waste sorting, grocery shopping, and commuting
     
• Coping with Culture Shock
  It’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Many Nepali workers experience culture shock during the first few weeks. To ease the transition:
  • Connect with local Nepali communities or social groups
  • Seek help from colleagues or your employer if needed
  • Give yourself time and space to adjust
     

Stay patient, observant, and open to learning. It gets easier with time.

Explore Our SSW Vocational Training Programs

What Support Do Japanese Employers Provide for SSWs?

One major advantage of the SSW visa is that Japanese employers are required to support foreign workers. Here's what they typically offer:

• Pre-departure orientation
• Airport pickup and assistance with accommodation arrangements in Japan
• Help with municipal registrations (residence card, health insurance)
• Cultural training and language support 
• Access to legal advice in case of disputes or workplace issues

Employers must ensure that foreign workers receive proper guidance and assistance throughout their employment. If an employer cannot provide this support directly, they usually outsource it to a registered support organization.

This makes the transition to Japan much smoother than it would be without support.

SSW Visa Processing Time and Costs

The total SSW visa processing time may range between 2 to 4 months, depending on your preparation, job placement, and embassy processing.

SSW Processing Time

• Certificate of Eligibility (CoE): 1–3 months.
• Visa Application: Approximately 6 working days after CoE approval. ​

SSW Visa Estimated Costs (may vary):

• Language training: Varies by provider
• Skill test: NPR 5,000–10,000, depending on your exam
• Visa fee: NPR 2,680 for a single entry and NPR 5,360 for a multiple entry
• Misc. (documents, travel, insurance): NPR 20,000–30,000 (can vary)
   

For a detailed understanding of the SSW visa application process with the time and cost involved, Visit Us at Tokutei Ginou Ikusei, a vocational college in Nepal specialising in SSW preparation services. Our language experts and professional consultants help you work in Japan, from your first step in Nepal to your Japanese workplace.

Why Choose Us: The Best SSW Preparation Centre in Nepal

Getting the SSW visa isn’t just about passing tests, it’s about preparing right for the best results.

As the best SSW preparation centre in Nepal, we provide:

• Language and skills training with experienced instructors
• Mock tests, career counselling, and placement support
• 100% application guidance until your visa is stamped
• Proven tips, strategies, and mentorship from professionals with firsthand experience in the SSW process.

Join the best SSW preparation centre in Nepal and take the first step to work in Japan.
Contact us today or visit our office to get started.

FAQs: How to Apply for Japan’s SSW Visa from Nepal

What is the qualification for SSW?
Pass JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic and the sector-specific skills test. Moreover, you have to be at least 18 years old with a fit health and clear criminal record.

What is the age limit for SSW visa Japan?
You should be at least 18 years old to receive an SSW visa. However, you can start preparing for the visa earlier since Nepalese workers are allowed to attend SSW skill tests once they are 17 years old. There is no official upper age limit, but you have the best chances until you are 35. 

Who is legally eligible to work in Japan?
To work legally in Japan, you need a valid Japanese working visa (SSW or TITP). These visas may require you to fulfil certain criteria, like being at least 18 years old, having a clean criminal record, and securing a job/internship in Japan with a certain skill level.

Which country is best for a working visa from Nepal?
Japan currently offers one of the most transparent, affordable, and opportunity-rich systems for Nepalese workers under the SSW program.

What is the basic salary of an SSW visa in Japan?
On average, SSW workers in Japan earn between ¥160,000 to ¥250,000/month. That is around NPR 1.5 to 2.5 lakhs per month, depending on the job and location. 

How many years is a SSW visa in Japan?
SSW Visa (i) is for five years, while the SSW visa (ii) does not have any limit.

Also Read

Best Japanese Language Preparation Class 
SSW Visa Preparation Classes: Your Path to Working in Japan 
SSW Preparation In Nepal : A Guide 2025