Work in Japan

Job Opportunities

Japan faces labour shortages across many sectors, creating real opportunities for skilled and motivated international workers. Employers increasingly recruit from abroad and offer visa sponsorship for suitable candidates.

SSW Visa Guide

The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa allows foreign nationals with the required skills and Japanese ability to work in designated industry fields.

In general, applicants need to pass a skills test for their field and a Japanese language test. Requirements change over time, so we always confirm the latest rules with you before you apply.

• Two categories exist — SSW (i) and SSW (ii) — with different conditions
• Employment is in designated industry fields only
• A contract with an accepting organisation is required
• Wages must be equal to or higher than those of Japanese nationals in the same role

Industries

Industries that commonly recruit international workers include:

• Nursing care and healthcare support
• Food service and food manufacturing
• Hospitality and accommodation
• Construction and building cleaning
• Agriculture and fisheries
• Manufacturing, machinery and IT-related fields

Salary Information

Salaries depend on industry, region, experience and Japanese ability. Under Japanese law, pay must meet the local minimum wage, and for SSW workers it must be at least equal to Japanese colleagues doing the same work.

We will explain realistic pay ranges for your specific role during consultation.

Eligibility

General requirements typically include:

• Age and health requirements set by the relevant programme
• Passing the required skills and language tests
• No serious immigration or criminal history
• Valid passport and complete supporting documents
• A signed employment contract with an eligible employer