Vietnamese applicants · Japan
Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 (SSW-1 / 特定技能1号) for Vietnamese citizens
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Source check: all 8 official citations reconfirmed 13 September 2026
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 Vietnamese applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to Vietnam. The route's general criteria are summarised below, but the current corridor-specific filing, visa-issuance, and entry position above can still determine whether the route is usable.
- 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 Vietnamese nationals change periodically and are separate from the Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 (SSW-1 / 特定技能1号). Check the destination government's current entry guidance before travel.
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.
Plan the practical side of your stay
Once you have checked the official route, you can prepare for day-to-day life in Japan. These optional services are separate from the application and do not establish visa eligibility.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- ChecklistApplicant + sponsorCheck SSW required documents ↗
Worker and accepting organisation confirm test certificates, support-plan evidence, and COE documents for SSW status.
Immigration Services Agency (ISA) · verified
- Official guidanceApplicantApply for visa with COE ↗
Applicant uses the COE to file the entry visa application at the competent Japanese embassy or consulate.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) · verified
Other Japan routes covered for Vietnamese applicants
Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
Japan's most common work visa for knowledge workers — engineers, IT professionals, translators, designers, and business staff.
Student Visa (留学)
Visa for international students at Japanese universities, language schools, and vocational institutions — includes part-time work rights.
Not sure Japan is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer work sponsored routes that Vietnamese nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
- United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Vietnamese applicants — work sponsored routes
- Republic of Ireland
Vietnamese applicants — work sponsored routes
- Federal Republic of Germany
Vietnamese applicants — work sponsored routes
- Portuguese Republic
Vietnamese applicants — work sponsored routes
Frequently asked questions
Are Vietnamese 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). Vietnamese applicants must meet the general route criteria plus any nationality- or location-specific intake requirements described in the current corridor guidance above.
Where do Vietnamese 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 Vietnamese applicants need a tourist visa for Japan as well?+
Tourist-entry rules for Vietnamese nationals change periodically and are separate from the Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 (SSW-1 / 特定技能1号). Check the destination government's current entry guidance before travel.
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.
How we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: Immigration Services Agency (ISA)
Last checked: 8 July 2026