Japan, known for its rich culture and technological advancements, is increasingly opening its doors to foreign workers through various visa programs. The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa, introduced in April 2019, aims to address labor shortages in specific industries by allowing skilled foreign workers to live and work in Japan. This guide provides a detailed overview of the SSW working visa, covering its requirements, application process, and benefits.
What is an SSW working visa in Japan?
The SSW Working Visa in Japan is a special kind of visa for people who want to work in Japan. SSW stands for “Specified Skilled Worker.” This means that the visa is for people who have specific skills that are needed in Japan. There are two types of SSW visas: SSW-1 and SSW-2. The SSW-1 visa allows people to stay in Japan for up to 5 years. The SSW-2 visa has no time limit, which means people can stay in Japan as long as they want.
To get an SSW visa, you need to be over 18 years old, be healthy, and have the skills and language ability to work in Japan without needing extra training. This visa helps Japan fill jobs in areas where they need more workers. So, the SSW visa is a great way for people with the right skills to live and work in Japan.
Eligibility Criteria for SSW working visa in Japan
The SSW Working Visa in Japan is a special kind of visa for people who want to work in Japan. Here are the main things you need to know about its eligibility criteria:
- Age Requirements: You need to be at least 18 years old. This means if you’re younger than 18, you won’t be able to apply for this visa.
- Skill and Experience: You must have certain skills and experience to qualify for this visa. This means you need to be good at a specific job and have experience doing it. For example, if you’re a chef, you should have cooking skills and experience working in a restaurant.
- Language Proficiency: You also need to know how to speak Japanese. This is important because you’ll be living and working in Japan, so you need to be able to communicate with people there.
Remember, these are just the basic requirements.
Types of SSW Visas
The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa is a type of visa introduced by the Japanese government to allow foreign nationals to work in Japan. The SSW visa has two types:
SSW(i)
Also known as Specified Skilled Worker No.1, is applicable to foreigners who work in jobs that require considerable knowledge of or experience in specific industries. Here are some key features of the SSW(i) visa:
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be over 18 years old.
- Health Requirement: Applicants must be in good health.
- Occupational Skills: Applicants must have the necessary occupational skills to work immediately without receiving any particular training.
- Period of Stay: The maximum stay is up to 5 years in total. It can be renewed annually, every 6 months, or every 4 months.
- Skill Standards: Skills are confirmed by exams, etc. Those who have completed Technical Intern Training (ii) are exempted from exams, etc.
- Japanese Language Level: Proficiency in Japanese language required in daily life and at the workplace needs to be confirmed by exams, etc.
- Accompanied by Family Members: SSW(i) visa holders are basically not permitted to bring family members.
- Eligible for Support: SSW(i) visa holders are eligible for support by Accepting Organizations or Registered Support Organizations.
The specific work you can do as a SSW in Japan is listed for each of the industrial fields. As of March 29, 2024, the government of Japan has expanded the list of industries eligible for the SSW program. Four new fields have been added for applicants to the Type 1 SSW visa: automotive transport, railways, forestry, and lumber.
Here are the 14 industries that this visa covers:
- Aviation: This is all about airplanes and airports.
- Agriculture: This includes farming and growing food.
- Technology Manufacturing: This is about making high-tech things like computers.
- Food and Beverage: This involves making and serving food and drinks.
- Food Services: This is about working in restaurants and cafes.
- Hospitality: This includes jobs in hotels and tourism.
- Building Cleaning: This is about keeping buildings clean and tidy.
- Fishing: This involves catching fish.
- Auto Industries: This is about making and fixing cars.
- Automotive Transport: This involves moving people and goods using vehicles.
- Railways: This is about trains and train tracks.
- Forestry: This involves taking care of forests.
- Lumber: This is about cutting down trees and making wood products.
- Nursing Care: This involves taking care of sick or elderly people.
Please note that the policy may change over time, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest information from the official government sources.
SSW(ii)
SSW(ii), also known as Specified Skilled Worker No.2, is a status of residence for foreign nationals to engage in jobs that require proficient skills in Specified Industry Fields. Here are some key features of the SSW(ii) visa:
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be over 18 years old.
- Health Requirement: Applicants must be in good health.
- Occupational Skills: Applicants must have the necessary occupational skills to work immediately without receiving any particular training.
- Period of Stay: There is no stay limit on a renewable basis.
- Skill Standards: Skills are confirmed by exams, etc.
- Japanese Language Level: There is no requirement to confirm proficiency in Japanese language through tests, etc.
- Accompanied by Family Members: SSW(ii) visa holders are permitted to bring family members if they fulfill the requirement.
- Eligible for Support: SSW(ii) visa holders are eligible for support by Accepting Organizations or Registered Support Organizations.
The SSW Type 2 visa allows foreign workers to engage in jobs requiring specific technical skills and experience but at a level that does not require the same expertise as SSW Type 1. Until the first half of 2023, only 2 industries were covered by SSW Type 2. They are the construction industry and shipbuilding and ship machinery industries. However, on June 9, 2023, the Japanese Cabinet decided to expand the SSW-2 status to nine additional industries.
Later, on March 29, 2024, the Japanese government resolved to further expand the coverage of the SSW program by expanding the program to four additional industries where there are strong demands for foreign employees due to acute labor shortages.
Here are the occupations under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa type 2 (SSW(ii))
- Building Cleaning Management: This involves maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in buildings and facilities.
- Machine Parts and Tooling: This field is about manufacturing and repairing machine parts and tools.
- Industrial Machinery: This involves working with large-scale machinery used in industries.
- Electric, Electronics and Information Industries: This field involves working with electrical and electronic devices, as well as information technology.
- Automobile Repair and Maintenance: This involves repairing and maintaining vehicles.
- Aviation Industry: This is all about airplanes and airports, including maintenance, operations, and services.
- Accommodation Industry: This involves working in hotels and other accommodation services, providing hospitality to guests.
- Agriculture Industry: This includes farming and growing food, as well as other agricultural activities.
- Fishery and Aquaculture Industries: This involves catching fish and raising aquatic organisms.
- Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industries: This field involves producing food and drinks.
- Food Service Industry: This involves preparing and serving food in restaurants and other food service establishments.
- Construction Industry: This involves building structures like houses, buildings, roads, and bridges.
- Shipbuilding and Ship Machinery Industry: This involves constructing and repairing ships and related machinery.
Application Process
First, you need to find a company in Japan that wants to hire you. Once you have a job offer, you need to prepare for two tests. One test is about the Japanese language and the other is about the skills needed for your job. If you’ve already done a Technical Intern Training in Japan, you don’t need to take these tests.
Next, you need to gather all the documents you need for your visa application. These documents prove who you are and what job you’ll be doing in Japan. Sometimes, you might need to translate these documents into Japanese.
Finally, you submit your visa application at the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate4. They might ask you to come in for an interview to check the details of your application. If everything goes well, your passport with the SSW visa will be ready for pick up in 1 to 3 weeks.
Examinations and Certifications
If you want to work in Japan with a Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa, you need to pass two important tests.
The first test is about your job skills. This test checks if you know how to do the job you want to do in Japan. For example, if you want to work in construction, the test will ask questions about building houses and other structures.
The second test is about the Japanese language. This test, called the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), checks if you can understand and use Japanese in your daily life and at work. You need to pass the N4 level or above in JLPT3.
But, if you have already done a Technical Intern Training in Japan, you don’t need to take these tests. You can apply for the SSW visa right away.
Remember, these are the general rules. Sometimes, the rules can change, so always check the latest information from the official government sources.
Job Search and Employment
Imagine you’re on a big adventure, like in a video game. Your mission is to work in Japan. But first, you need a special key to unlock this adventure, and that key is the SSW Working Visa.
The first step in your adventure is to search for a job. It’s like looking for a treasure in a game. You can search online or ask people you know. Remember, patience is important because finding the right job might take some time.
Once you find a job, the company that wants to hire you becomes your sponsor. Think of them as your teammate in the game. They’re there to support you and help you succeed.
Next, you and your sponsor company will create an employment contract. This contract is like the rulebook of the game. It tells you what your job will be, how much you’ll get paid, and other important things you need to know.
So, to start your adventure of working in Japan, remember these steps: search for a job, find a sponsor company, and make an employment contract. It might seem challenging, but with determination and hard work, you can complete your mission. Good luck on your adventure!
Here are three reputable job search websites in Japan:
- LinkedIn: While not many Japanese companies use LinkedIn, it is still a useful platform. The jobs offered are typically from foreign companies established in Japan.
- GaijinPotJobs: This is a great spot for finding jobs whether you’re outside or inside Japan. As the largest recruitment site in Japan, there are a huge offering of jobs on the website.
- Career Engine: This is an English and Japanese bilingual job site for international companies and candidates in Japan.
Working Conditions and Rights
If you get an SSW Working Visa in Japan, you will have certain rights and responsibilities. One of the rights is that you can live in Japan legally. You can also use public services and facilities, like hospitals and libraries1. You can open a bank account and even rent a house. If you have an SSW-1 visa, you can stay in Japan for up to 5 years. But remember, you can’t bring your family with you if you have an SSW-1 visa.
Now, let’s talk about work hours and salary. In Japan, you will work for a certain number of hours each day. The exact number can change, but it will be similar to what Japanese workers do. And here’s the good news: you will get the same salary as Japanese workers. That means if you do the same job as someone from Japan, you will get paid the same amount.
Based on Doda’s database of 630,000 business professionals in Japan, the average annual income in 2023 was 4.14 million yen.
In 2023, men earned an average of 4.64 million yen annually, which is an increase of 150,000 yen compared to 2022. Women, on the other hand, earned an average of 3.56 million yen, reflecting a rise of 90,000 yen from the previous year.
Consequently, the average monthly salary in Japan for 2023 is approximately 345,000 yen.
According to Doda’s database
You will also get benefits. For example, you can use Japan’s national health insurance and pension systems. This means if you get sick, the insurance can help pay for your medical bills. And when you get old, the pension system can provide you with money.
Living in Japan as an SSW Visa Holder
Living in Japan with an SSW Working Visa can be a great experience. Let’s talk about housing first. When you arrive in Japan, there are organizations that will help you find a place to live. They can even help you open a bank account and sign contracts for things like your phone and utilities. Some places even offer rooms with no limits on gender, nationality, age, occupation, or income.
Next, let’s talk about healthcare. As an SSW visa holder, you have the same healthcare benefits as Japanese citizens. This means if you get sick, you can go to the hospital and the national health insurance can help pay for your medical bills.
Lastly, education is also important. If you want to improve your skills or learn new ones, there are courses available for SSW visa holders. These courses can help you pass the necessary exams to work in different industries in Japan. So, living in Japan with an SSW visa can give you a chance to work, learn, and experience life in a new country.
Visa Renewal and Extension
Renewal Process
Renewing and extending your SSW Working Visa in Japan is a process that requires careful steps. First, let’s talk about renewing your visa. To renew your visa, you need to submit an application at your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate. You will need to provide all the required documents that show your age, skills, experience, and how well you can speak Japanese.
After submitting your application, you might need to go to an interview to talk about the details of your application. If your visa is approved, your passport will be ready for pick up in 1-3 weeks.
Transition to SSW Visa 2
Now, let’s talk about transitioning to an SSW-2 visa. If you have an SSW-1 visa and want to change to an SSW-2 visa, you can apply for a change in your visa status. The SSW-2 visa requires more specialized skills than the SSW-1 visa. So, you might need to take an exam to show that you have these skills. If you pass the exam and your application is approved, you can get an SSW-2 visa.
This visa has no time limit, which means you can stay in Japan as long as you want. So, renewing and extending your SSW Working Visa involves preparing documents, submitting an application, and possibly taking an exam.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
If you have an SSW Working Visa in Japan and you love living there, you might be thinking about staying forever. This is called getting “permanent residency.” But how do you do that? Let’s break it down.
First, you need to live in Japan for at least 10 years. Five of these years must be after you got a visa that lets you work. You also need to follow all the laws, have a steady job with a good income, pay your taxes, and not owe any money.
Once you meet these requirements, you can apply for permanent residency. You do this by submitting an application at your local Japanese embassy or consulate. You will need to provide documents that show your age, skills, experience, and how well you can speak Japanese. After you submit your application, you might need to go to an interview to talk about your application. If your application is approved, you can expect to get permanent residence in about a year.
Support and Resources for SSW Workers
If you’re an SSW worker in Japan, there are many resources and support systems available to help you. The Japanese government provides a lot of support for SSW workers. They have a special website that gives information about the SSW program and the procedures it requires. They also help with things like finding a house, opening a bank account, and signing contracts for your phone and utilities. They even arrange transportation from the airport when you arrive.
In addition to the government, there are also non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that provide support. These NGOs can help with things like job introductions, interview assistance, and guidance on daily life preparations. They can also help you understand the cultural nuances of living in Japan.
Epilogue
The SSW Working Visa in Japan is a wonderful opportunity for people with specific skills to live and work in Japan. It offers fair pay, good working conditions, and many benefits. Plus, there’s a lot of support available to help you settle in. You can even apply for permanent residency if you decide you want to stay in Japan forever.
So, if you’re over 18, have the right skills, and can speak Japanese, why not consider applying for an SSW Working Visa? It could be the start of an exciting new chapter in your life. Remember, it might seem like a lot of work at first, but with the right preparation and support, you can do it. Good luck!
