# What Is the SSW Visa in Japan?

> A simple, easy-to-understand guide to Japan's SSW visa — what it is, who can apply, how much it pays, how it compares to other Japan visas, and how to apply.

- Canonical page: https://www.navishr.com/articles/ssw-visa-japan-explained
- Published: 2026-08-06
- Last updated: 2026-08-06 (August 2026)

The SSW visa (Specified Skilled Worker, or Tokutei Ginou) lets people work in Japan legally, in one of 19 designated fields, without needing a college degree. Some of the newest fields are still completing their official rollout. This makes SSW one of the easiest Japan work visas for foreigners to actually qualify for.

If you've heard people talk about "SSW" and felt a bit lost, don't worry. Let me explain it simply, and also show you how it's different from Japan's other visa options, since that's usually where the real confusion starts.

If you'd rather skip ahead and check your eligibility directly, you can head straight to NAVIS HR and talk to us. [NAVIS HR](https://www.navishr.com/)

## What Is the SSW Visa in Japan?
## Why Does Japan Need Foreign Workers?
## What Jobs Can You Do on SSW?
**19 SSW Job Fields:** Nursing Care, Construction, Agriculture, Fishery, Accommodation, Manufacturing, Food & Beverage Manufacturing, Food Service, Driving, Ship Building, Building Cleaning, Automobile Repair, Aviation, Rail Transport, Forestry, Logistics Warehousing.

## What Are the Two Types of SSW?
## How Does SSW Compare to Japan's Other Visas?
## Who Is Eligible for the SSW Visa?
## What Salary Can You Expect on an SSW Visa?
## What Tests Do You Need to Pass?
## How Do You Apply? (Simple Steps)
1. **Pick a job** — Pick the job sector you want
2. **Learn Japanese** — Learn Japanese and prepare for your skills test
3. **Pass tests** — Pass both tests (skills & language)
4. **Get matched** — Get matched with a company in Japan
5. **Sign contract** — Sign your job contract
6. **Visa Processing** — Your employer applies for your visa paperwork
7. **Fly to Japan** — You get your visa and fly to Japan

## How Long Does It Take?
## Can Indians Apply for SSW?
## How Can NAVIS HR Help?
## Key Points to Remember

- SSW is a real Japan work visa, no college degree needed
- It covers 19 job fields, each with its own skills test
- Type 1 lasts up to 5 years, no family. Type 2 has no limit, family allowed
- Pay is usually ¥180,000 to ¥280,000 a month (roughly ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,55,000)
- You need to pass a skills test and a basic Japanese test (JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic)
- SSW is better than a student visa if your real goal is full-time work
- India has had an official agreement with Japan for this program since 2021

## Common Questions

**Q: Do I need a degree for SSW?**
A: No. You just need to pass the skills test and language test for your job.

**Q: Can my family come with me?**
A: Only on Type 2, not Type 1.

**Q: How much can I earn?**
A: Usually ¥180,000 to ¥280,000 a month, depending on the job, roughly ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,55,000.

**Q: Do I need to know Japanese already?**
A: No, but you'll need to learn basic Japanese and pass a language test before you go.

**Q: Is this real for Indians?**
A: Yes. India and Japan have had an official agreement for this since 2021.

**Q: Is SSW better than a student visa if I want to work?**
A: Yes, if working is your main goal. A student visa is for studying, with only limited part-time work allowed.

**Q: Is SSW easier than the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities visa?**
A: For most people without a degree, yes. SSW doesn't need a degree, while the Engineer visa usually does.

**Q: Can I move from Type 1 to Type 2 later?**
A: Yes, in some job sectors, after gaining experience and passing a harder test. It's not available for nursing care right now.

**Q: What happens if I don't pass the Japanese test the first time?**
A: You can try again. Many people take some extra time to prepare before retesting.

**Q: Is housing included in SSW jobs?**
A: It depends on the employer. Some include housing help, some don't, so always ask before accepting a job.

**Q: How is SSW different from Japan's old TITP program?**
A: Japan enacted legislation in 2024 to replace TITP with a new Training and Employment System (ESD), scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2027. TITP still exists today, but is on its way out. SSW itself is a separate, real work visa, meant for people who are already job-ready.

**Q: Can NAVIS HR help me apply?**
A: Yes, from language training to visa help, across nursing, driving, and engineering jobs.

## Sources

- [Japan Immigration Services Agency](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/index.html)
- [ESD (Employment for Skill Development) program overview](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/03_00163.html)
- [NSDC International](https://www.nsdcinternational.org)
- [Japan Foundation JLPT](https://www.jlpt.jp/e/)
- Sources referenced: Japan Immigration Services Agency · ESD (Employment for Skill Development) program overview · NSDC International · Japan Foundation JLPT. Sector lists, worker caps, and visa rules are current as of publication and subject to change, always verify the current status for your specific sector before applying.

## About

Written by Srinidhi V, SEO Lead at NAVIS HR, sharing accurate, up-to-date guidance on Japan's SSW visa pathway across sectors..

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