Work in Japan

SSW (Specified Skilled Worker) visa. Sectors: Food Service, Food Manufacturing, Accommodation, Airport Ground Handling, Transport. JLPT N4 Japanese required. Total: USD 5,000.

Overview

Japan's Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) programme offers legal, regulated employment across multiple in-demand sectors: Food Service, Food Manufacturing, Accommodation (Hotel / Housekeeping), Airport Ground Handling, and Transport (Taxi / Truck Driver). The SSW programme has two categories — SSW-1 (up to 5 years, renewable) and SSW-2 (indefinite stay, family allowed). SkillBridge Global supports candidates through skills assessment, Japanese language preparation, employer matching, and the full visa application process. All SSW workers receive mandatory social insurance coverage under Japanese law.

Why work here

SSW-1 allows up to 5 years of legal work in Japan with full social insurance (health, pension, workers' compensation) and salary equal to Japanese workers in the same role. SSW-2 — which you can upgrade to from SSW-1 — removes the limit on period of stay entirely and allows your spouse and children to accompany you to Japan, creating a strong pathway to long-term settlement. Japan has one of the world's lowest crime rates, world-class healthcare, excellent public infrastructure, and a uniquely rich cultural experience.

Jobs & Programs

Food ServiceFood ManufacturingAccommodation (Hotel / Housekeeping)Airport Ground HandlingTransport (Taxi / Truck Driver)

Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Program

SSW — Specified Skilled Worker (Type 1 & 2) SSW-1: Up to 5 years renewable | SSW-2: Unlimited

Work in Japan across food service, manufacturing, accommodation, airport handling, and transport sectors. Requires JLPT N4 Japanese proficiency. SSW-2 offers a strong Permanent Res...

— / monthly (gross)

View program Guide

Pay & Earnings

Salary is determined by the Japanese employer in strict accordance with Japanese labour law. SSW workers are legally entitled to the same wages as Japanese workers performing the same role — no differential pay based on nationality is permitted. All SSW workers receive social insurance: health insurance, pension, employment insurance, and workers' compensation. Exact salary varies by sector, prefecture, and employer.

Payment Plans

Our service fee, split into stages — each due at a clear milestone.

SSW Japan Package $5,000

1

Contract Signing

Upon signing the service contract

$2,000

2

Job Offer / Employer Nomination Approved

After receiving the job offer / employer nomination approval

$1,000

3

Visa Approval

After visa approval

$2,000

Visa Options

SSW-1 (Specified Skilled Worker Type 1)

Renewable visa for up to 5 years total. Available across 14 designated industry sectors. Requires field-specific skills test and JLPT N4 Japanese language proficiency. No Permanent Residency under SSW-1. Family members (spouse/children) may not accompany under SSW-1.

SSW-2 (Specified Skilled Worker Type 2)

No limit on period of stay in Japan. Upgrade possible from SSW-1 after meeting experience requirements. Spouse and children allowed to accompany and live in Japan. Represents a strong pathway toward long-term settlement and Permanent Residency.

Living & Culture

Cost of living

Cost of living varies by region. Major cities like Tokyo are expensive; smaller prefectures and rural areas are considerably more affordable. Employer-provided housing is commonly offered in many SSW placements, particularly in food manufacturing and accommodation sectors. All SSW workers are covered by Japan's National Health Insurance system through their mandatory social insurance registration.

Culture & work life

Japanese work culture emphasises precision, punctuality, team harmony, and respect for hierarchy and process. JLPT N4 Japanese is mandatory and will also help greatly with daily life — learning Japanese is strongly encouraged. Workers are expected to follow company rules carefully and take initiative in self-improvement. Japan is very safe and welcoming to international workers who show respect for local customs and genuine effort to integrate.

Requirements

JLPT N4 Japanese language proficiency (MANDATORY for all SSW applications — no exceptions). Field-specific skills test as required by Japanese immigration authorities for the nominated sector (mandatory). Age: generally 18 years and above. No educational barrier — vocational skill and experience is what matters. Must meet Japanese medical fitness requirements. Must meet Japanese police clearance requirements.

Downloads

Country guide (PDF) Recruitment flyer