Japan has become one of the most attractive destinations for skilled foreign workers, especially for Indian candidates who want international career exposure. If you are planning to work in Japan, understanding How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan is the first and most important step.
This detailed 2026 guide explains eligibility, documents, salary, categories, age limit, and complete procedure. If you are searching for How to apply SSW visa in Japan, this article will answer every important question clearly and practically.
The Specified Skilled Worker visa allows foreign nationals with specific technical skills and basic Japanese language ability to work in Japan legally.
For official details on the SSW visa and eligibility, visit the official Japanese SSW Visa website
There are two main Japan SSW visa category types:
Choosing the correct Japan SSW visa category is important before starting your SSW visa application.
Before starting the process of How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan, you must meet the official SSW visa Japan requirements:
The Government of Japan outlines eligibility clearly on the Ministry of Justice SSW page:www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/ssw/10_00020.html.
The official SSW visa Japan age limit requires applicants to be at least 18 years old. There is no strict upper limit, but most employers prefer candidates between 18 and 35 years.
You must pass:
Language proficiency is mandatory under SSW visa Japan requirements.
Each industry conducts a technical skills test. Passing this exam is compulsory for your SSW visa application.
Meeting these SSW visa Japan requirements ensures smoother processing.
The Japan SSW visa category covers industries facing labor shortages:
Choose the sector carefully before beginning How to Apply for an SSW Visa in Japan.
Visit the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs overview for more context:www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/ca/fna/ssw/us/overview/.
If you are serious about learning How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan, follow these structured steps.
Identify your preferred sector based on your skills and experience.
Language is the backbone of your SSW visa application.
At TLS - The Japanese Language School, students receive:
Indian students especially benefit from structured classroom support before applying for SSW visa Japan from India.
Every industry has a separate technical test. You must clear this exam to qualify for How to apply SSW visa in Japan.
After passing exams, find a Japanese employer who provides:
Your employer applies for the Certificate of Eligibility from Japanese Immigration. This confirms you meet SSW visa Japan requirements.
Learn about COE and its importance here:
➡ www.teamlanguages.com/japan-visa-assistance/coe
Once you receive the Certificate of Eligibility, submit your SSW visa application at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate.
Documents required:
After approval, you can travel to Japan and start working legally.
This is the complete process explaining How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan in 2026.
TLS - The Japanese Language School also provides documentation assistance:
➡ www.teamlanguages.com/japan-visa-assistance/documentation
Indian students are increasingly choosing Japan for employment opportunities. If you are applying for SSW visa Japan from India, here is what you need to know:
You can take JLPT exams in major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru.
Skill tests are conducted in India for selected industries. You must check official announcements.
Indian applicants submit their SSW visa application at:
Many students face rejection due to incomplete documentation. Professional training at TLS - The Japanese Language School improves your approval chances.
If you are planning SSW visa Japan from India, proper preparation is essential.
You can read our full India-centric guidance here:
➡www.teamlanguages.com/blogs/how-to-apply-for-a-ssw-visa-in-japan-from-india
One of the biggest concerns is SSW visa Japan salary.
Under Japanese labor laws, SSW workers must receive equal salary compared to Japanese employees in similar roles.
Average SSW visa Japan salary range:
Salary depends on:
The SSW visa Japan salary structure ensures fair compensation.
The total SSW visa processing time usually includes:
Overall SSW visa processing time is approximately 2 to 4 months.
Submitting accurate documents reduces delays in your SSW visa application.
Many candidates make avoidable errors while learning How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan:
Avoiding these mistakes improves success rate significantly.
Understanding How to apply SSW visa in Japan is important, but knowing its advantages is equally essential.
For Indian students, this program offers global career growth without requiring a university degree.
For Indian aspirants planning SSW visa Japan from India, strong Japanese language skills are the foundation.
At TLS - The Japanese Language School, we provide:
We specialize in helping Indian students understand How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan step by step with clarity.
You can explore our Japan visa assistance services here:
➡www.teamlanguages.com/japan-visa-assistance
➡www.teamlanguages.com/japan-visa-assistance/application
The first step in How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan is choosing the correct industry under the Specified Skilled Worker program. After selecting your field, you must prepare for and pass the Japanese language test and the relevant skill examination. Once both exams are cleared, you can start searching for a job in Japan. Securing a valid job offer is mandatory before applying for the visa.
The primary SSW visa Japan requirements include passing a Japanese language test such as JLPT N4 or JFT Basic, clearing an industry-specific skill exam, and being at least 18 years old. You must also have a clean criminal record and be medically fit. A valid job offer from a Japanese employer is compulsory. These requirements must be fulfilled before submitting your SSW visa application.
There is no strict upper SSW visa Japan age limit, but applicants must be at least 18 years old. Most employers prefer candidates between 18 and 35 years due to job nature and adaptability. However, eligibility primarily depends on skill and language qualification. Meeting exam requirements is more important than age in most cases.
The typical SSW visa processing time ranges from 2 to 4 months. The Certificate of Eligibility usually takes 1 to 3 months to process in Japan. After that, embassy visa stamping may take around 7 to 15 working days. Processing time may vary depending on documentation accuracy and immigration workload.
The average SSW visa Japan salary ranges between 150,000 and 250,000 Yen per month. Salary depends on industry, experience, and location within Japan. Workers receive equal pay compared to Japanese employees in similar roles. Overtime and social insurance benefits are also included as per Japanese labor laws.
Yes, Indian candidates can apply for SSW visa Japan from India by completing the language and skill exams in India. After clearing the exams and securing a job offer, applicants must apply through the Japanese Embassy or Consulate. Proper documentation and guidance improve approval chances. Many Indian students prepare through structured language institutes before applying.
The SSW visa application requires a valid passport, Certificate of Eligibility, visa application form, job contract, photographs, medical certificate, and police clearance. Some additional documents may be requested by the embassy. Ensuring all documents are accurate and complete is very important. Incomplete applications may cause delays or rejection.
The Japan SSW visa category includes industries such as nursing care, construction, agriculture, hospitality, food processing, shipbuilding, and building cleaning. Each industry has its own skill test and eligibility criteria. Applicants must choose their sector carefully before preparing for exams. Industry selection plays a major role in the visa approval process.
Yes, Japanese language proficiency is mandatory in How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan. Applicants must pass JLPT N4 or JFT Basic to qualify. Language skills are essential for workplace communication and safety. Without clearing the language test, the SSW visa application cannot proceed.
Under SSW Type 1, family members cannot accompany the worker. However, under SSW Type 2 of the Japan SSW visa category, family members are allowed to join. Type 2 is generally for more experienced and skilled professionals. Upgrading to Type 2 depends on experience and industry eligibility.
If you are determined to work in Japan, mastering the process of How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan is essential. From clearing language exams to understanding SSW visa Japan requirements, every step matters.
For Indian students, planning early, preparing seriously, and choosing the right guidance can make the entire SSW visa application process smooth and successful.
Japan offers stability, safety, skill growth, and competitive SSW visa Japan salary packages. With proper preparation and documentation, your dream of working in Japan can become reality.
If you are ready to begin your journey and want expert assistance for SSW visa Japan from India, contact us today.
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