Are you a Nepali worker looking for better career opportunities in Japan? The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa program offers a legal pathway to work in Japan with competitive salaries, job security, and professional growth. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about applying for the SSW visa from Nepal in 2025.
Japan faces a significant labor shortage due to its aging population and declining birth rate. To address this challenge, the Japanese government introduced the SSW visa program in April 2019, creating opportunities for skilled foreign workers, including Nepalis, to fill critical job vacancies across 16 industry sectors.
What is the SSW Visa Japan for Nepali Workers?
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the SSW visa program offers structured opportunities for skilled workers through two main categories:
Overview of the Specified Skilled Worker Program
The SSW is a status of residence established in April 2019 targeting foreign workers who can function immediately without extensive prior training.
| Feature | SSW Type 1 (SSW-i) | SSW Type 2 (SSW-ii) |
| Stay Duration | Maximum 5 years | No upper limit |
| Family | Cannot bring family | Can bring family |
| Industries | 16 specified fields | Limited sectors |
| Support | Employer assistance | Advanced worker status |
16 Industry Fields: According to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, these include nursing care, building cleaning, agriculture, fishery, food service, accommodation, construction, manufacturing, and other labor-shortage sectors.
Benefits of the SSW Visa for Nepali Citizens
Key Benefits: Equal pay (¥150,000 to ¥250,000+ monthly), legal protection with 8-hour workdays and full labor law coverage, social security access including health insurance and pension, international experience with skill development opportunities, and government-supervised transparent recruitment process.
Eligibility Criteria for Nepali Applicants
To qualify for the SSW visa, Nepali applicants must meet specific requirements:
Japanese Language Proficiency (JLPT N4 or Equivalent)
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Japanese language proficiency is mandatory for SSW applicants:
| Test Type | Schedule | Results | Features |
| JLPT N4 | July & December | 2 months later | Comprehensive, globally recognized |
| JFT-Basic | 6 times yearly | Same day | Practical communication focus |
For official test information, visit JLPT Official Website and JFT-Basic Official Website.
Special Requirements: According to official guidelines, nursing care applicants must also pass the “Nursing care Japanese language evaluation test.”
Skill Proficiency Test Requirements
According to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, sector-specific skill tests are mandatory for all SSW applicants. Tests are conducted online or at designated centers, available in Japanese, Nepali, and English, with multiple sessions throughout the year focusing on practical skills and safety procedures.
Major Sector Examples:
| Sector | Test Requirements | Cost |
| Nursing Care | Skills evaluation + Japanese language test | ~$44 USD |
| Food Service | Industry skills proficiency test | ~$33 USD |
| Construction | Construction skills evaluation | ~$30-50 USD |
| Agriculture | Agriculture skills assessment | ~$30-50 USD |
For official test registration, visit Prometric Japan.
Exemption: According to official guidelines, TITP graduates (3+ years in same sector) skip skill tests.
Preparing for the SSW Exams
Preparation Strategy (3-6 months timeline):
- Language Training
- Enroll in recognized Japanese courses
- Focus on workplace vocabulary
- Practice with mock tests
- Skills Training
- Join certified training programs
- Hands-on practice sessions
- Industry-specific safety protocols
- Cost Planning
- Language training: NPR 40,000-60,000
- Skills training: NPR 20,000-50,000
- Total preparation: NPR 100,000-150,000
Documents Required for SSW Visa Application
Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
According to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, the COE is essential for visa application. It must be applied by your Japanese employer (not the applicant), takes 1.5-2 months processing time, remains valid for 3 months from issuance, and digital COE options are available since March 2023.
Required Information: Educational background and work experience, test results (language and skills), employment contract details, and company registration information.
For detailed requirements, visit the official application guide.
Educational and Work Experience Records
Required Documents Checklist:
| Document Type | Details | Notes |
| Educational | SEE, +2, diploma, degree certificates | A4 copies + originals |
| Work Experience | Employment letters with responsibilities | Official letterhead required |
| Personal | Valid passport (6+ months) | Must have blank pages |
| Background | Police clearance certificate | From Nepal Police |
| Health | Medical certificate | Confirms fitness to work |
| Photos | Passport-sized photographs | Recent, white background |
Additional Requirements from the Government of Nepal
Labour Permit and Overseas Employment Approval
According to the Department of Foreign Employment, Nepal, Nepal government requirements include DFE authorization through separate SSW unit, mandatory pre-departure orientation, Foreign Employment Welfare Fund contribution, Social Security Fund contribution, and MoC framework ensuring worker protection.
Role of Licensed Recruitment Agencies in Nepal
According to the Embassy of Japan in Nepal, agencies must hold valid DFE licenses, conduct transparent recruitment processes, cannot charge post-selection fees, maintain updated worker lists, and are prohibited from exploitation practices.
How to Apply for the SSW Visa from Nepal
4-Step Application Process:
Step 1 – Pass Language and Skills Tests
- Prepare for 3-6 months
- Register early (slots fill quickly)
- Take practice tests regularly
Step 2 – Secure Job Offer in Japan
- Attend job-matching events
- Work with licensed agencies
- Verify employer registration
Step 3 – Nepal Government Approval
- Submit contracts to DFE
- Complete orientation training
- Obtain medical and police clearances
Step 4 – Japanese Embassy Application
- Schedule VFS Global appointment
- Submit complete documentation
- Standard processing: ~1 week
For official visa information, visit the Embassy of Japan in Nepal and VFS Global Japan Visa Services.
SSW Visa Cost and Processing Time
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, official visa fees are standardized globally.
Application Fees in Nepal and Japan
| Cost Category | Amount | Details |
| Test Fees | $36-50 USD | JFT-Basic + sector-specific tests |
| Language Training | NPR 40,000-60,000 | 3-6 months intensive course |
| Skills Training | NPR 20,000-50,000 | Industry-specific preparation |
| Visa Application | ¥3,000 + NPR 2,083 | Embassy fee + VFS service |
| Total Estimated | NPR 400,000-600,000 | Complete application process |
Average Processing Timeline
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, standard visa processing takes 5 working days.
Complete Timeline: 9-15 months
| Phase | Duration | Key Activities |
| Preparation | 3-6 months | Language and skills training |
| Testing | 2-4 months | Exam scheduling and results |
| Job Search | 1-3 months | Finding employment |
| COE Processing | 1.5-3 months | Immigration approval |
| Visa Application | 6-10 days | Embassy processing |
Salary and Job Opportunities for Nepali Workers
Average Salary Under the SSW Visa
According to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, SSW workers receive equal compensation as Japanese nationals in the same positions.
Salary Range: ¥150,000 to ¥250,000 monthly (NPR 150,000-250,000+)
| Industry | Monthly Salary | Additional Benefits |
| Nursing Care | ¥150,000-¥180,000 | Night shift allowances |
| Food Service | ¥180,000-¥250,000 | Tips and bonuses |
| Construction | ¥250,000+ | Overtime opportunities |
| Manufacturing | Up to ¥400,000 | Performance bonuses |
Benefits Package: Overtime pay, health insurance, pension contributions, paid holidays.
Common Industries for Nepali Applicants
Top 3 Industries for Nepali Workers:
- Nursing Care (Kaigo) – Growing demand due to aging population, compassionate work with elderly, career advancement opportunities
- Food Service Industry – Restaurants, hotels, catering with dynamic work environment and customer interaction experience
- Construction Industry – Infrastructure and building projects offering physical work with good pay and clear advancement paths
Success Stories and Challenges
Success Highlights: 20-30% salary increases within 2 years, supervisory promotions for dedicated workers, substantial remittances supporting families, and international skills and certifications gained.
Common Challenges & Solutions:
| Challenge | Solution |
| Language Barriers | Continuous study + language partners |
| Cultural Adjustment | Community engagement + mentorship |
| Housing Difficulties | Employer assistance + Nepali networks |
| Homesickness | Regular family contact + local friendships |
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Apply for a Japan Work Visa from Nepal?
Pass required language and skills tests, secure job offers from registered employers, obtain COE through your employer, submit visa applications through VFS Global, and complete pre-departure requirements.
What is the Basic Salary of an SSW Worker in Japan?
¥150,000-¥250,000 monthly (NPR 150,000-250,000+) with additional overtime pay, bonuses, and comprehensive benefits including health insurance and pension contributions.
How to Pass the SSW Exam?
Enroll in recognized training institutes, practice with mock tests, focus on practical vocabulary and workplace scenarios, study industry-specific procedures, and take multiple practice attempts.
Can I Switch from Technical Intern Training to SSW?
According to the Immigration Services Agency FAQ, TITP graduates can transition to SSW status without retaking tests if they completed 3+ years training with proper certificates, allowing career advancement with better conditions.
For comprehensive information, visit the official SSW support website.
Conclusion
The SSW visa program represents a transformative opportunity for Nepali workers seeking international career advancement in one of the world’s most advanced economies. With fair compensation, comprehensive benefits, and long-term growth potential, the program offers more than temporary employment—it provides a pathway to meaningful career development and financial stability.
Success requires dedicated preparation, strategic planning, and commitment to cultural adaptation. For qualified and motivated individuals, the SSW program offers a unique opportunity to contribute to Japan’s development while building a prosperous future. With proper preparation and the right support, working in Japan can become a reality that transforms lives and creates lasting positive impact.
As Japan continues expanding the SSW program, opportunities will only grow. The time to begin this journey is now, with careful planning, thorough preparation, and confidence in the bright possibilities that await in the Land of the Rising Sun.
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