Overview & Types

SSW (i)

Up to 5 years total stay, requires Japanese language (JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic), skill exams, and does not allow family accompaniment.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan | slembassyjapan.com

SSW (ii)

Renewable with no stay limit, no Japanese exam required, and allows bringing family under conditions.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan | slembassyjapan.com

Eligible Industries

Includes Nursing Care, Building Cleaning, Industrial Manufacturing, Construction, Automobile Maintenance, Aviation, Accommodation, Food/Beverage Manufacturing, Food Service, Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, Shipbuilding, and more—totaling 14 to 16 categories.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan | slembassyjapan.com

Requirements & Application

Age: Typically over 18
Must pass Japanese exam (JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic) and industry-specific skill test, unless completed Technical Intern Training Program (TITP)
Process: Secure job → Company applies for Certificate of Eligibility → Apply for visa at embassy → Arrive and start working

Sources: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan | sakurapass.com

Statistics (Dec 2023)

SSW (i): ~208,462 holders
SSW (ii): only 37 holders
Largest industries: Food & Beverage Manufacturing (61k), Machinery/Electronics (40k), Nursing Care (28k), Construction (24k), Agriculture (23k)