Japan Work Visa for Sri Lankan Citizens: 2025 Complete Guide

Japan actively welcomes skilled and unskilled workers through official government programs designed to address labor shortages while protecting foreign workers’ rights. Sri Lankan citizens now have formal pathways to secure employment in Japan with fair wages, comprehensive support, and opportunities for career advancement. This guide explains visa types, eligibility requirements, the application process, and what to expect after arrival.

Official Pathways to Work in Japan

Two main programs allow Sri Lankans to work in Japan. According to the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), the Specified Skilled Worker Programme (SSWP) was started based on a cooperation agreement signed in Tokyo on June 19, 2019, while the Technical Intern Training Programme (TITP) operates through memoranda with organizations like IM JAPAN.

Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) and Technical Intern Training (TITP) Explained

Note on SSW sectors: According to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, as of April 2024, the SSW Type (i) program covers 16 industrial fields (not 14 as the original article stated), following the addition of automotive transport, railways, forestry, and lumber industries in March 2024.

SSW Type (i) is direct employment where you work immediately in approved sectors like nursing, construction, and manufacturing. TITP focuses on learning skills through on-the-job training over several years, and many participants later transition to SSW Type (i) in the same field. Both programs provide mandatory company support for housing, language training, and daily life assistance, ensuring you are not left to navigate Japan alone.

SLBFE’s Role in Recruitment

The SLBFE supervises recruitment and protects worker interests through:

• Partnership with licensed foreign employment agencies
• Maximum fee regulation: Rs. 350,000 per applicant
• Verification of legitimate job placements
• Pre-departure training coordination

To verify an agency is legitimate, check www.slbfe.lk for the official list of licensed recruitment agencies. This protection system ensures you receive reliable guidance and avoid fraudulent intermediaries.

Eligibility Requirements

Education, Skills, and Health

For SSW employment, no specific academic qualification is required, but you must pass government-approved skills tests in your chosen field. For TITP, high school completion or relevant training certificates are preferred. You must pass a medical examination confirming physical and mental fitness, with the following physical requirements:

• Vision: Japanese visual acuity ≥0.7 (or correctable with glasses)
• No color blindness
• Age: Typically 18-30 years (varies by program/field)

These requirements ensure you can perform your job safely and maintain good health while working in Japan.

Japanese Language Proficiency

According to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, to work under a Specified Skilled Worker (i) status of residence, you must pass either JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic.

People who have completed Technical Intern Training (ii) are exempt from additional testing when applying for SSW in the same field, allowing them to transition directly to employment.

SLBFE Recruitment Process

The SLBFE recruitment process is structured in five main stages designed to assess your suitability for Japanese employment while preparing you adequately.

Total Timeline: 9-14 months from initial application to departure. Pre-departure training is mandatory and covers Japanese language, cultural orientation, workplace procedures, and practical living skills to ensure you adjust smoothly to Japan.

Required Documents

Personal Documents:

• Valid passport (with 2 blank pages)
• National identity card + certified English translation
• Birth certificate + certified English translation
• Police clearance certificate
• Marriage certificate (if applicable) + translation
• Bank statements (last 6 months, issued within 3 months of application)
• Medical examination report

Japan-Side Documents (provided by employer):

• Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from Immigration Bureau
• Employment contract with salary, duties, and benefits clearly stated
• Company support letter confirming housing and language assistance

Ensure all documents are genuine and properly translated into English or Japanese, as submitting forged or incomplete documents will result in permanent ineligibility for a visa.

Training and Exam Preparation

Skills & Language Testing

According to the Support Website for the Specified Skilled Worker Program, candidates must pass industry-specific skills tests. Exam formats vary by sector:

• Construction: Written theory + practical skills test
• Caregiving: Specialized nursing care skills test
• Manufacturing: Sector-specific equipment tests
• Food Service: Food safety and kitchen operations knowledge

Study materials in English and other languages are available on government websites. Having the correct preparation materials and understanding the exam format in advance significantly improves your chances of passing on the first attempt.

Workplace Culture Preparation

Japanese workplace culture emphasizes punctuality, group harmony, and respect for hierarchy. Key practices include:

• Punctuality: Arrive early for work; leaving before superiors is frowned upon
• Communication: Use honorific language (keigo) with supervisors; avoid direct confrontation
• Business cards: Exchange with both hands; read card before putting it away
• Bowing: Greet respectfully when appropriate
• Senpai-kohai system: Respect senior colleagues; follow their guidance; never leave before them

During SLBFE pre-departure training, you will practice these cultural norms with trainers to ensure a smooth transition into the Japanese workplace environment.

Costs and Timeline

Estimated Costs

Exchange Rate Note: Based on the current exchange rate of approximately 1 USD = 303 LKR (as of October 18, 2025), the following costs are estimated:

Free airline tickets from IM JAPAN or IRO significantly reduce personal expenses. The total cost varies depending on which program you choose and your personal circumstances, but planning ahead ensures you are financially prepared for the investment.

Processing Timeline

From initial application through arrival in Japan typically takes 9-14 months. SLBFE registration and screening require 2-3 months, pre-departure training lasts 4-5 months, Certificate of Eligibility processing takes 1-3 months, and embassy visa processing takes 6 working days. You must enter Japan within 3 months of your Certificate of Eligibility issuance date, so timing is important once your visa is approved.

After Arrival in Japan

Immediate Tasks (First 2 Weeks)

Your employer or Registered Support Organization will:

• Pick you up at the airport
• Transport you to accommodation
• Help you register your residence at city hall
• Assist in opening a bank account
• Arrange electricity, gas, and water contracts

These first steps are crucial for establishing your legal status and accessing essential services in Japan.

Worker Rights and Support

By law, you are entitled to:

• Same salary as Japanese workers in equivalent positions
• Paid holidays according to Japanese labor law
• Workers’ compensation insurance
• Clear employment contract in an understandable language
• Support for housing, language study, and cultural orientation

If you face workplace problems, contact the Foreign Workers Consultation Service for free assistance in your native language. RSOs provide consultations and referrals, and Hello Work offers employment services if job changes become necessary.

Registered Support Organization (RSO) Services

RSOs are government-approved organizations providing comprehensive support:

• Airport transportation and accommodation assistance
• Housing assistance and rental support
• Resident registration paperwork guidance
• Daily life orientation (garbage disposal, transportation, disaster procedures)
• Japanese language school connections
• Bank account and utility contract setup
• Consultation services for workplace or personal issues
• Job change assistance (if laid off through no fault of your own)
• Regular interviews to ensure legal compliance

These comprehensive services ensure you have professional support throughout your time in Japan, making your transition and adjustment significantly easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply without a job offer?

You apply through SLBFE first without a specific job offer. After passing selection tests and training, SLBFE matches you with available positions, and your employer then applies for the Certificate of Eligibility. This system protects you from having to search for employment independently while also ensuring job placements are legitimate and appropriate for your qualifications.

What is the visa validity period?

Your work visa is valid for entry to Japan within 3 months of issuance. Once in Japan, your Status of Residence validity depends on your program type:

• SSW Type (i): Up to 5 years maximum with annual renewal
• SSW Type (ii): Indefinite renewal permitted
• TITP: 3-5 years depending on training level

Can my family join me in Japan?

After gaining experience or permanent residency, other visa categories may become available for family reunification, making long-term planning important if family separation is a concern for you.

Conclusion

Working in Japan as a Sri Lankan is achievable through established, government-protected pathways. The process requires 9-14 months of preparation and patience. Start by connecting with a licensed SLBFE recruitment agency at www.slbfe.lk. Prepare thoroughly, study Japanese language, and commit to cultural adaptation. Japan offers valuable career development, fair wages, competitive benefits, and international experience. Your future in Japan awaits—take the first step today.