Indian applicants · Japan
Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 (SSW-1 / 特定技能1号) for Indian citizens
Work visa for skilled workers in designated industries — requires passing a skills test and Japanese language test (JLPT N4+).
This page covers the Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 (SSW-1 / 特定技能1号) specifically for Indian applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to India. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- 2–6 weeks for COE.
- Government fees
- COE: free; visa fee varies; skills-test fee ¥6,000–¥8,000.
- Typical duration
- Up to 5 years total (not renewable beyond 5 years — must transition to SSW-2 or another status).
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Bilateral context
No nationality-specific treaty frameworks apply to this combination.
Consular processing: a Japan consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence
Tourist entry vs. this route
Tourist-entry rules for Indian nationals are set by Immigration Services Agency (ISA) and change periodically — check the official entry-requirements page. The Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 (SSW-1 / 特定技能1号) is a separate application from any tourist entry.
Visa overview
The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Type 1 visa was introduced in 2019 and has been expanded across 19 employment fields including nursing care, building cleaning, construction, manufacturing, food services, agriculture, fisheries, accommodation, transport and other shortage sectors. Applicants generally must pass an industry-specific skills test and a Japanese language test (JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic), unless exempt through qualifying technical-intern training. SSW-1 does not lead directly to permanent residence and is limited to 5 years. However, holders can transition to SSW-2 in eligible sectors, which has no overall stay limit and permits family accompaniment.
Additional sources
Primary source
ISA — How to obtain SSW status ↗ · Immigration Services Agency (ISA)
Link last verified:
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Pass the industry-specific skills evaluation test for your designated industry.Immigration Services Agency (ISA), Japan ↗
- ✓Pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test at N4 level or above (or the JFT-Basic test).Immigration Services Agency (ISA), Japan ↗
- ✓Job offer from a Japanese employer in a designated industry.Immigration Services Agency (ISA), Japan ↗
Common blockers
- !Failed skills test or language test.
- !Former Technical Intern Training (TIT) participants who did not complete their programme may face restrictions.Immigration Services Agency (ISA) / Ministry of Justice, Japan ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Skills test pass certificate.Immigration Services Agency (ISA), Japan ↗
- ·JLPT N4+ or JFT-Basic pass certificate.Immigration Services Agency (ISA), Japan ↗
- ·Employment contract.Immigration Services Agency (ISA), Japan ↗
- ·Employer's support plan for the SSW worker.Immigration Services Agency (ISA), Japan ↗
Application pathway
Pass the skills and language tests
Take the industry-specific skills test (held in Japan and some partner countries) and the JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic.
Secure a job offer
The employer must be in a designated industry and submit a support plan.
Apply for COE and visa
Employer applies for COE; you apply for visa at consulate.
Work for up to 5 years
SSW-1 allows up to 5 years in total. To stay longer, transition to SSW-2 (if available in your sector) or another visa status.
Other Japan routes covered for Indian applicants
Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa
Points-based visa for highly skilled foreign professionals — the fastest route to Japanese permanent residence (1–3 years).
Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
Japan's most common work visa for knowledge workers — engineers, IT professionals, translators, designers, and business staff.
Business Manager Visa (経営・管理)
Visa for foreign nationals starting or managing a business in Japan — now requires a physical office, at least ¥30 million in capital or business funds, and at least one qualifying full-time employee.
Not sure Japan is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer work sponsored routes that Indian nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are Indian citizens eligible for the Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 (SSW-1 / 特定技能1号)?+
Eligibility for the Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 (SSW-1 / 特定技能1号) is set by Immigration Services Agency (ISA) and is not nationality-restricted. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Indian applicants typically file the Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 (SSW-1 / 特定技能1号)?+
a Japan consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by Immigration Services Agency (ISA) — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Indian applicants need a tourist visa for Japan as well?+
Tourist-entry rules for Indian nationals are set by Immigration Services Agency (ISA) and change periodically — check the official entry-requirements page. The Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 (SSW-1 / 特定技能1号) is a separate application from any tourist entry.
Can SSW-1 lead to permanent residence?+
SSW-1 itself does not lead to PR and is limited to 5 years. However, some sectors now offer SSW-2, which does lead to PR. The 2024 expansion significantly broadened SSW-2 eligibility across more industries. Check the ISA website for the current list of SSW-2-eligible sectors.
Do I need to be from a country with an SSW memorandum of cooperation?+
No. ISA guidance says a bilateral memorandum of cooperation is not mandatory for SSW status. Applicants still need the required skills and language evidence, job contract, and supporting documents for their sector.
Can I bring my family on SSW-1?+
No. SSW-1 holders cannot bring family members. SSW-2 holders can bring spouses and children. This is one of the key differences between the two tiers.