“Am I qualified to work as a caregiver in Japan?” The honest answer: there is no single qualification that fits every job.
Caregiver qualifications in Japan come from two places. First, the Japanese government sets basic rules for the visa. Second, each employer or recruitment programme can add its own conditions. A nursing qualification like ANM, GNM or BSc Nursing can help. But you should know what is legally required and what is only preferred.
What qualifications are required for caregiver jobs in Japan?
One of the main routes for Indian candidates entering nursing care work in Japan is the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Nursing Care field. For SSW Nursing Care, the government mainly checks that you are 18 or older, in good health, have passed the required skill and Japanese tests, and have a contract with a Japanese employer. No specific degree is listed.
Here is the official list, in simple words:
Age
18 years or older (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan)
Health
good health, fit to work
Skill test
Nursing Care Skills Evaluation Test
Japanese test
JFT-Basic, or JLPT N4 or higher
Care Japanese test
Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test
Job
pass an interview and sign a contract with an employer (Immigration Services Agency of Japan)
People who completed the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) level (ii) in nursing care can skip some tests. Most candidates applying directly from India will need to take all of them.
For the full visa steps, see our Japan caregiver visa guide for Indians.
Do I need a nursing degree to become a caregiver in Japan?
No. Japan's official SSW Nursing Care rules do not require a nursing degree. The Immigration Services Agency of Japan lists tests and Japanese language, not education. But some employers and recruitment programmes prefer or ask for nursing candidates. That is their own choice, not a visa rule.
This is the most important point in this guide. Keep these two things separate:
Government rule
Set by Japan. Same for everyone. Age, health, three tests and a job contract. No ANM, GNM or BSc Nursing needed.
Employer preference
Set by each company or programme. Can change from job to job. May ask for a nursing background, an age range or experience.
Can ANM, GNM or BSc Nursing candidates apply?
Yes. ANM, GNM and BSc Nursing candidates can apply, and their training is often useful. Many employers and programmes like healthcare backgrounds. But a nursing qualification does not guarantee selection, a visa or a higher salary. You still need to pass the same tests as everyone else.
Why a nursing background can help:
- You already know basic patient care and hygiene.
- The skill test feels more familiar.
- You understand safety when moving or feeding patients.
- Employers can see you are serious about care work.
One thing to remember: a caregiver job is not a registered nurse job. In Japan, clinical nursing needs a separate Japanese nursing licence. Read more in Nursing Jobs in Japan for Indian Nurses.
Can someone without a nursing degree apply?
Yes, under the official SSW rules. The Japanese government does not require a nursing degree for SSW Nursing Care. However, each job opening can set its own education rules. So you may meet the visa rules and still not match one particular vacancy. Always check both.
Simple example
Priya
BA graduate · passed all three tests
Priya has a BA degree. She has passed all three tests. She meets the SSW rules. But Employer A only accepts GNM or BSc Nursing candidates, so she cannot apply there. She can still apply to employers who do not have that condition.
Where Priya stands
- SSW Nursing Care rules
- Employer A (nursing only)
- Employers without that condition
Is previous caregiving experience required?
No. Work experience is not an official requirement for SSW Nursing Care. The skill test checks your care knowledge instead. Some employers may still prefer people with hospital, home-care or elderly-care experience. Others are happy to train new workers. It depends on the vacancy.
If you have experience, keep an experience letter ready. It can make your profile stronger.
Can freshers apply for caregiver jobs in Japan?
Yes. Freshers can apply if they meet the official SSW rules: age, health, tests and a job contract. Many recruitment programmes accept recent pass-outs. But not every vacancy is open to freshers. Some employers set an age range or prefer experience. Read each vacancy before you apply.
What certifications are required for SSW Nursing Care?
You need three test results for SSW Nursing Care: the Nursing Care Skills Evaluation Test, a basic Japanese test (JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 or higher), and the Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test. These are the main test results required for SSW Nursing Care, subject to applicable exemptions and other immigration documents. No nursing certificate is listed.
Nursing Care Skills Evaluation Test
Checks basic care knowledge, like helping with bathing, eating and moving. See the official SSW test information.
JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 or higher
Proves everyday Japanese. You can take the Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic) or the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).
Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test
Checks the Japanese words used in care work, like body parts and daily instructions.
Do I need a Japanese caregiving certificate before applying?
No. You do not need Japan's Certified Care Worker (Kaigo Fukushishi) qualification to enter through the SSW Nursing Care route. Instead, candidates normally meet the applicable SSW skill and language test requirements. Kaigo Fukushishi is a separate national qualification. Many caregivers work towards it later, after gaining experience in Japan.
Kaigo Fukushishi is a higher, professional level. The national exam is run by the Social Welfare Promotion and National Examination Center. Passing it can open a different, longer-term visa called the “Nursing Care” status of residence. It is a goal for later, not an entry rule.
Long-term caregiver path in Japan
- 1Enter on SSW Nursing Care
- 2Work and gain experience in Japan
- 3Pass the Kaigo Fukushishi exam
- “Nursing Care” status of residence
What personal skills are useful for caregiver work?
These are not visa rules. But they help you do well in interviews and at work:
- Patience and kindness
- Respect for elderly people
- Clear, gentle communication
- Willingness to keep learning Japanese
- Physical fitness for lifting and long shifts
- Teamwork and responsibility
- Punctuality
Government requirement vs employer requirement: what is the difference?
Government requirements are fixed by Japan and apply to every SSW Nursing Care worker. Employer requirements are extra conditions set by a company or programme. Meeting the government requirements is one part of qualifying for SSW Nursing Care. You also need an eligible employment contract and must complete the required immigration process. Employer rules decide which jobs you can apply for.
Age 18 or older
YesGovernment rule?
Employer may ask? May set its own age range
Good health
YesGovernment rule?
Employer may ask? Often asks for a medical check
ANM
NoGovernment rule?
Employer may ask? Possible
GNM
NoGovernment rule?
Employer may ask? Possible
BSc Nursing
NoGovernment rule?
Employer may ask? Possible
Caregiving experience
NoGovernment rule?
Employer may ask? Possible
Nursing Care Skills Evaluation Test
Yes*Government rule?
Employer may ask? Yes
JFT-Basic or JLPT N4+
Yes*Government rule?
Employer may ask? Yes (some prefer higher)
Nursing Care Japanese test
Yes*Government rule?
Employer may ask? Yes
Kaigo Fukushishi
NoGovernment rule?
Employer may ask? Not needed for SSW entry
Job contract with employer
YesGovernment rule?
Employer may ask? —
*Not needed if you have completed TITP (ii) in nursing care. Source: SSW Nursing Care, Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
What documents may prove your qualifications?
The exact documents depend on the employer and application route. Common ones include:
Tick off what you already have.
0 of 8 readyHow can candidates check if they are eligible?
- 1Check the official SSW Nursing Care requirements.
- 2Read the individual job vacancy carefully.
- 3Compare your education and experience with the vacancy.
- 4Check the Japanese language requirement.
- 5Check the skill test requirement.
- 6Confirm any employer age or background preference.
- Apply only after you understand the full criteria.
Frequently asked questions
Conclusion
A nursing qualification may help you get selected by an employer. But it is not one of Japan's official SSW requirements. Always separate the two: what Japan requires, and what one employer prefers.
Caregiver qualification path
- 1Education & background
- 2Japanese
- 3Skill tests
- 4Employer requirements
- Application
For the bigger picture on jobs, work life and pay, read our Caregiver Jobs in Japan for Indians – Complete Guide.
Not sure if you qualify?
Talk to the NAVIS HR team. We will check your background honestly and explain which routes fit you.
Related reading
- Caregiver Jobs in Japan for Indians: 2026 GuideThe complete guide to jobs, work life and pay on the SSW Nursing Care pathway.
- Japan Caregiver Visa for Indians: SSW Guide 2026Certificate of Eligibility, documents, timeline and the full visa process.
- Caregiver Salary in Japan for Indians: 2026 Pay GuideBase vs gross vs take-home pay, deductions, allowances and savings.