jp-ssw2 — Specified Skilled Worker 2 (SSW2)

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jp-ssw2 — Specified Skilled Worker 2 (SSW2)

Skilled Migration PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1-4 months

Application Fee

3,000 JPY

Stay Duration

Indefinite

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Japan

Cost of Living

25% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary¥4,800,000

Quality of Life

161/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

For foreign workers with advanced skills in specific industrial fields (e.g., construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing).

The SSW2 (Specified Skilled Worker Type 2) is Japan's advanced-tier work visa for foreign nationals with verified technical expertise and supervisory experience in designated industrial sectors. Employer-sponsored, it requires passing a sector-specific skills evaluation or holding a National Skills Test Level 1.

Stay periods of 3 years, 1 year, or 6 months renew with no upper limit, making permanent residency achievable. Spouses and children may join on dependent visas and can work up to 28 hours per week with immigration permission. Dual intent is permitted, so holders can pursue permanent residency concurrently.

This visa is ideal for experienced industrial workers with supervisory skills who want indefinite stay in Japan and a clear route to permanent residency.

Stay & Extensions

Status type

Permanent / indefinite

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Japan

Permanent Resident (永住者)

ValidityIndefinite

Processing4-6 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Pass the sector-specific SSW2 Skills Evaluation Test or hold a National Skills Test Level 1

2–3+ years of supervisory/managerial experience in the relevant field

At least 18 years old

Good health

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

Education

none or higher

Experience

2+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Valid Passport

Proof of skills evaluation/National Skills Test

Employment contract

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

No limit on total period of stay
Eligible for Permanent Residency
Dependents allowed

Worth Knowing

Requires specific technical skills
Limited to specific industrial sectors
Failure to pass skills evaluation
Lack of supervisory experience
Health issues

Application Process

Obtain Certificate of Eligibility (COE) via employer

Apply for visa at Japanese Embassy/Consulate

Entry and residence registration

Verified Claims (20)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Obtain Certificate of Eligibility (COE) via employer; Apply for visa at Japanese Embassy/Consulate; …	ssw.go.jp
Dependent Visa	Allowed (spouse and children)	ssw.go.jp
Fee Breakdown	Visa Issuance Fee: 3000 JPY	mofa.go.jp
Fees	Nominal (approx. ¥3,000)	mofa.go.jp
Forms	—	mofa.go.jp
Job Offer Required	true	ssw.go.jp
Application Portal	https://www.ssw.go.jp/	ssw.go.jp
Official Info	https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_000996.html	mofa.go.jp

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Overview

For foreign workers with advanced skills in specific industrial fields (e.g., construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing).

This visa is ideal for experienced industrial workers with supervisory skills who want indefinite stay in Japan and a clear route to permanent residency.

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Pass the sector-specific SSW2 Skills Evaluation Test or hold a National Skills Test Level 1

2–3+ years of supervisory/managerial experience in the relevant field

At least 18 years old

Good health

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

Education

none or higher

Experience

2+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Valid Passport

Proof of skills evaluation/National Skills Test

Employment contract