Work in Japan — SSW Visa
The SSW (Specified Skilled Worker / 特定技能) visa lets you work full-time in Japan. Unlike the Student Visa, this is a direct route to a job — see the eligibility, fields, step-by-step process and real costs below.
Work in Japan on the SSW visa
The SSW (Specified Skilled Worker) visa is for working full-time in Japan's labour-shortage industries. Unlike the Student Visa, it is for people who want to start a job in Japan directly. You generally need JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic (for safe, effective work and daily life) plus the SSW Skill Test for your chosen field — so both a language qualification and a skill qualification are required.
N4 / JFT-Basic
Basic Japanese to work safely and settle into daily life.
Skill Test
A field-specific test proving your job-ready skills.
Full-time job
Start a full-time role in a specified industry in Japan.
Basic requirements
Age
Usually 20–35 (for applicants we handle).
Japanese level
JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic.
Skill Test
The SSW Skill Test for your chosen field.
Education
Usually G.C.E. O/L or higher.
Job offer
A job offer from an approved Japanese employer.
Fields we guide for
- ✓Automobile Transportation — Taxi Driver
- ✓Automobile Transportation — Truck Driver
- ✓Automobile Transportation — Bus Driver
- ✓Agriculture
- ✓Construction
- ✓Building Cleaning
- ✓Accommodation
- ✓Nursing Care
- ✓Airport Ground Handling
- ✓Automobile Repair & Maintenance
Exams and recruitment for these fields change with the latest rules and schedules — contact us for the current situation before applying.
From eligibility to your job in Japan
Eligibility check
We assess your background and suitability.
Pass N4 / JFT-Basic
Reach the required Japanese level.
Pass the Skill Test
Prepare for and pass the SSW Skill Test for your field.
Employer interview
Interview with a suitable Japanese employer.
Offer & contract
Receive the job offer letter and employment contract.
COE application
Apply for the Certificate of Eligibility.
SSW visa application
Apply for the SSW visa.
Pre-departure
Complete orientation and preparations.
Start work
Travel to Japan and begin your full-time job.
What it costs — real figures
Costs vary with the field, employer, air fare and exchange rate.
Kouki service fee + process costs
Rs. 1,000,000 – 1,400,000
Air ticket
From about Rs. 150,000
Two levels of the SSW visa
SSW Type 1
The basic SSW visa. Requires N4/JFT + a Skill Test, allows full-time work for up to 5 years, and usually does not allow bringing family. This is what our training focuses on.
SSW Type 2
For higher-skilled workers. Renewable for long-term stay and can allow bringing a spouse and children. It is not automatic — you must meet higher requirements. We give basic guidance toward this pathway.
Looking at the Student Visa instead?
If your goal is to study at a Japanese language school, college or university, the Student Visa is your pathway — with lower upfront requirements (JLPT/NAT N5) and the option to work part-time while you study.
Study in Japan — Student Visa →Kouki guides you at every step
From your first eligibility check to the day you leave for Japan — and beyond — our experienced team provides professional guidance: Japanese training, JFT-Basic and Skill Test preparation, employer matching, documents, COE and visa guidance, interview preparation, pre-departure orientation and ongoing support.
Ready to work in Japan?
Tell us your field and background, and we'll check your eligibility for the SSW visa for free and map out your next steps.
Check Your Eligibility